Expression of collagen in ovular membranes of pregnant smokers and non-smokers: a pilot study

Objective: Our study compared the amount of total collagen and type I collagen in ovular membranes of pregnant smokers and non-smokers. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 14 pregnant smokers at 24-36 weeks of gestation; 39 pregnant non-smokers between 24-36 weeks of gestation comprised the control group. The expressions of total collagen and type I collagen were analyzed using two histological sections of the fetal membranes. The assessment of total collagen was performed using the Picro-Cirius red stain, and type I collagen expression was determined by means of immunohistochemistry. The Mann-Whitney test was applied to verify possible differences between the groups. Result: The average area covered by total collagen was lower in smokers (20630.45 mu m(2)) as compared to nonsmokers (24058.61 mu m(2)), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.454). Comparison involving collagen type I deemed similar results (20001.33 mu m(2) vs. 25328.29 mu m(2), p = 0.158). Conclusion: The amount of total collagen and type I collagen was lower in ovular membranes of pregnant smokers as compared to non-smokers, although the difference was not statistically significant