[Identification of molecular nexus between infection and premature rupture of membranes].

The tumoral necrosis factor alfa (TNF-alpha) has been characterized as a signal contained in chorioamniotic membrane with premature rupture of membrane complicated with infection, inducing enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix components in fetal membranes. This cytocine is normally produced of immune system cells as a response to contact with infectious agents, and its identification is a direct molecular nexus between inflammatory response and development of premature rupture of membranes.