OBJECTIVETo explore the abnormal expression of plasma proteins by analysis of proteomic expression profile in children with infectious mononucleosis (IM).

METHODSTwo dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by the mass spectrometry was used to examine important protein spots with different expression levels between children with IM and normal controls.

RESULTSSeven differential proteins were obtained: hemopexin, vitamin D binding protein, fetuin A, C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein A, haptoglobin and transthyretin. Compared with the control group, haptoglobin showed a higher expression level in children with IM, and the expression levels of the other proteins were obviously down-regulated.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression changes of differential proteins identified in this study are all related with the liver acute injury, suggesting that children with IM are associated with acute liver injury. Further studies on the characteristics of above proteins will contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric IM.