Little has been reported on HMGB1's role in PTB and pPROM, although a prominent role in inflammation is indicated by its increased presence in the amniotic fluid in pregnancies complicated by intraamniotic infection and inflammation regardless of the membrane status (i.e. preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes or intact membranes) [3]. The gene discussed is HMGB1; the disease is preterm premature rupture of the membranes.