Does chondroitin sulfate defend the human uterine cervix against ripening in threatened premature labor?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate changes in chondroitin sulfate levels in the cervix and the physiologic role of chondroitin sulfat e isomers in the process of cervical ripening. STUDY DESIGN: Uterine cervical mucus samples were obtained from 57 women (7 nonpregnant women, 19 at preterm gestation, 9 at term gestation, 16 during the first stage of term labor, and 6 with threatened premature labor). Cho ndroitin sulfate isomer (chondroitin 0-sulfate, 4-sulfate, and 6-sulfate) c oncentrations in cervical mucus were measured by high-performance liquid ch romatography. The effect of exogenous chondroitin sulfate on hyaluronidase activity in cervical mucus was evaluated by gel permeation chromatography o f fluorolabeled hyaluronic acid. RESULTS: Chondroitin sulfate concentrations in cervical mucus were increase d significantly (P<.05) in the threatened premature labor group compared wi th the preterm and term groups. However, the same finding was not observed in the first stage of term labor. Exogenous chondroitin sulfate inhibited h yaluronidase activity in mucus. CONCLUSION: Chondroitin sulfate may defend against cervical ripening in thr eatened premature labor.