Investigation of Hox7 and Pannexin1 levels in placenta of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm PROM patients

Aim: This thesis aims to investigate the histopathological changes in the placenta and the expression levels of HOX7 and Pannexin 1 proteins in pregnant women diagnosed with premature membrane rupture (PROM) and preterm premature membrane rupture (PPROM). Elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these conditions will contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods: In this study, informed consent forms were obtained from a control group consisting of 30 pregnant women with PROM, 30 PPROM diagnoses and 30 healthy pregnant women and placenta samples were obtained. The obtained placental tissues were meticulously prepared for histopathological evaluation and molecular analysis. Histopathological examinations evaluated in detail tissue morphology, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrinoid accumulation and vascular changes with hematoxylin-eosin staining. rotein expression levels were determined by immunohistochemistry staining. Results: The results of histopathological analyses revealed pathological changes such as significant placental tissue integrity disorders, increased fibrinoid accumulation, intense inflammatory cell infiltration, and vascular congestion in the PROM and PPROM groups compared to the control group. It was observed that these histopathological findings were more severe and common, especially in the PPROM group. In molecular level analyses, a significant increase was found in the expression levels of Hox7 and Pannexin 1 proteins in both PROM and PPROM groups compared to the control group. While Hox7 plays a role in developmental processes and tissue regeneration, Pannexin 1 is a hexameric channel protein that enables intercellular communication and is associated with processes such as inflammation and apoptosis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Hox7 and Pannexin 1 proteins may play important roles in complex processes such as inflammation, tissue regeneration and membrane stability in the pathogenesis of PROM and PPROM. Increased Hox7 expression may indicate repair processes of damaged placental tissue, while elevation in Pannexin 1 may reflect changes in intercellular signaling and the severity of the inflammatory response. These results are of great importance for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying early membrane ruptures and for the identification of potential biomarkers or new therapeutic targets. Keywords: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), preterm PROM (PPROM), Placenta, Hox7, Pannexin 1, Histopathology.