Induction of plasminogen activators in pregnant women with Toxoplasma gondii infection
Chou, C.S.; Chou, M.C.; Chen, K.M.; Lu, C.Y.; Lai, S.C.
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology 38(4): 342-346
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6663 PMID: 22268271 Document Number: 649994
To determine whether plasminogen activators (PAs) are involved in the pathologic process of toxoplasmosis. Out of 220 pregnant women the study included 26 with a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: six based on seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and 20 based on seropositivity for T. gondii IgG. We measured serum activities and protein levels of PAs by casein zymography and Western blotting, respectively. Serum PAs were higher in healthy pregnant women than in their healthy nonpregnant counterparts. Furthermore, serum PAs were significantly higher in pregnant women infected with T. gondii than in their healthy counterparts. PAs participate in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and may be useful markers of T. gondii infection.