Lastly, we have shown that the expression of extracellular matrix proteins known to be associated with PPROM as well as with decorin and biglycan metabolism (MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, collagen VI) does not display abnormal patterns in the early pregnancy serum of women who go on to develop PPROM. Here, MMP2 is linked to preterm premature rupture of the membranes.