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Prostaglandin E2 is raised in kwashiorkor
J E Iputo1, A M Sammon, G Tindimwebwa
1Department of Physiology, University of Transkei, Eastern Cape.
Summary
Children with kwashiorkor have higher levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a molecule linked to immune depression. This finding suggests PGE2 may contribute to the illness and associated infections in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Infection is common in children with kwashiorkor.
- Immune depression in kwashiorkor is hypothesized to stem from elevated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) due to dietary factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether children with kwashiorkor exhibit abnormal levels of PGE2.
- To explore the relationship between PGE2 levels and clinical parameters in kwashiorkor.
Main Methods:
- Plasma PGE2 and plasma protein levels were measured in children with kwashiorkor.
- Measurements were compared to PGE2 levels in children with cerebral palsy as controls.
Main Results:
- Children with kwashiorkor showed significantly higher plasma PGE2 levels compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- Elevated PGE2 levels negatively correlated with total plasma protein, albumin, weight-for-age, and height-for-age in kwashiorkor patients.
- No significant difference in PGE2 levels was observed between kwashiorkor survivors and non-survivors.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms significantly elevated PGE2 levels in children with kwashiorkor.
- These elevated PGE2 levels offer a plausible explanation for the immune dysfunction observed in kwashiorkor.
- Prostaglandin E2 may play a role in other clinical aspects of kwashiorkor.