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Plasma values for u-PA in children
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Würzburg, Germany. kink111@rzkli.uni-wuerzburg.de
Insights
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) levels in healthy children are similar to adult values. This study establishes normal pediatric u-PA plasma concentrations for the first time.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) is crucial for plasminogen activation, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, cell migration, and tumor metastasis.
- Elevated u-PA levels are observed in adults with chronic liver disease.
- No data on u-PA plasma levels in pediatric populations currently exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) plasma levels in healthy children and adolescents.
- To compare pediatric u-PA levels with those reported in adults.
- To investigate u-PA levels in children with type I plasminogen deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from 95 healthy children and adolescents (aged 7 months to 17 years).
- Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- u-PA levels were also measured in 16 pediatric patients with type I plasminogen deficiency.
Main Results:
- The median u-PA plasma level in healthy children was 1.06 ng/ml (range: 0.43-15.78 ng/ml), comparable to adult values.
- No significant differences in u-PA levels were observed between males and females.
- Children with type I plasminogen deficiency showed a median u-PA level of 1.06 ng/ml (range: 0.69-7.7 ng/ml).
Conclusions:
- Normal plasma urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) values in healthy children and adolescents are similar to those found in adults.
- These findings provide a reference range for pediatric u-PA levels.
- Pediatric plasminogen deficiency does not appear to significantly alter u-PA plasma levels compared to healthy children.
Unlabelled:
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) is one major activator of plasminogen. It is also involved in tissue remodelling, angiogenesis, cell migration, and tumour metastasis. In adults, increased u-PA levels have been identified in patients with chronic liver disease. No data exist for u-PA plasma levels in children. In the present study, u-PA plasma levels were measured by ELISA in 95 healthy children and adolescents aged 7 months to 17 years. We found a median value of 1.06 ng/ml u-PA (range 0.43-15.78 ng/ml), which is similar to that found in adults (2-20 ng/ml). No differences between males and females were recorded. In addition, we determined u-PA plasma levels of 16 patients with severe or mild type I plasminogen deficiency and found a median value of 1.06 ng/ml (range 0.69-7.7 ng/ml).
Conclusion:
Normal plasma u-PA values in healthy children and adults are virtually no different from those reported in adults.