
Diana Adebambo
The significance of this study is to determine the role of Matrix Metalloproteinase, also known as MMP9 in preterm births. Most pregnancies undergo 40 weeks of gestation, babies born between 37 and 42 completed weeks of gestation are called full term. Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are called premature. Proteins of the Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological process such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling.