Immunohistochemical Evaluation of APAF-1 and E-Cadherin Expression in Placentas of Smoking Women with Premature Rupture of Membranes

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of APAF-1 and E-cadherin in placental tissues of smoking women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Materials and Methods: Placental samples obtained from smoking and non-smoking women diagnosed with PROM and from healthy controls were examined immunohistochemically for APAF-1 and E-cadherin expression. Results: Increased APAF-1 expression and decreased E-cadherin expression were observed in placentas of smoking women with PROM compared to controls. Conclusion: Smoking may contribute to PROM by enhancing apoptotic activity and disrupting placental cell–cell adhesion. Keywords: placenta, apaf-1, prom, smoking