Circulating midkine in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura: Clinical implications

摘要

Background: Midkine (MM) is a heparin-binding growth factor, which behaves like a cytokine, involved in various cellular processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, survival, adhesion, and migration. Studies provided evidence for a role of MM in acute and chronic inflammatory processes. The association between midkine and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) has not yet been explored. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential role of midkine in children with HSP.