Expression and significance of endothelial microparticles in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura / 中国当代儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression and significance of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 100 previously untreated children with HSP were classified to Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) group (n=40) and non-nephritis group (n=60). Thirty healthy children who underwent physical examination were enrolled as control group. Serum levels of EMPs, T helper 17 cells (Th17), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were compared between groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The HSPN and non-nephritis groups had significantly higher levels of Th17 and IL-17 than the control group, and the HSPN group had the highest levels (P<0.05). The HSPN and non-nephritis groups had a significantly higher level of EMPs than the control group, and the HSPN group had the highest level (P<0.05). In the HSPN group, the levels of Th17 and IL-17 were positively correlated with the level of EMPs (r=0.830 and 0.644 respectively; P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EMPs play an important role in the pathogenesis of HSP. The increase in EMPs might be one of the reasons for renal involvement in children with HSP.</p>