Chorioamniontis in preterm delivery is associated with degradation of decorin and biglycan and depletion of hyaluronan in fetal membranes

The biglycan/decorin balance increases during third trimester of pregnancy and during active labour. This relation might contribute to mechanical weakening of the membranes. Chorioamnionitis induces dramatic degradation of both proteoglycans and hyaluronan, which can explain the decreased biomechanical strength.