Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of Plasmin(ogen) during Infection and Sepsis in Mice
2011

The Role of Plasminogen in Infection and Sepsis in Mice

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Guo Yongzhi Li, Jinan Hagström, Elin Ny Tor, Chakravortty Dipshikha

Primary Institution: Umeå University

Hypothesis

What are the functional roles of active plasmin in infection and sepsis?

Conclusion

Plasmin is beneficial in infection but promotes inflammation in sepsis, leading to tissue damage and increased mortality.

Supporting Evidence

  • Wild-type mice had higher survival rates than plasminogen-deficient mice during infection.
  • In sepsis, plasminogen-deficient mice showed the highest survival rates.
  • Cytokine levels were significantly lower in plasminogen-deficient mice during sepsis.

Takeaway

Plasmin helps mice fight infections but can make them sicker during sepsis, which is when the body has a severe response to infection.

Methodology

The study used gene-deficient mice to investigate the roles of plasmin during infection and sepsis induced by Staphylococcus aureus.

Limitations

The study was conducted in mice, which may not fully represent human responses.

Participant Demographics

Male mice aged 8-12 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.04

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024774

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