Objective:To investigate the serum levels of lipoxin A4(LXA4) in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) in different phase, and explore the correlation of LXA4 with interleukin(IL)-5,IL-6,IL-8 and CRP in the pathogenesis of HSP. Methods:The blood levels of LXA4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8 and CRP in 26 normal children and 27 children with HSP in acute phase and earlier recovery phase were detected by ELISA,respectively. Results:The blood levels of LXA4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8 and CRP in children with HSP in acute and earlier recovery phase were significantly higher than those in normal group(P < 0.01),and the blood level of LXA4 in children with HSP in earlier recovery phase was significantly higher than that in the acute phase(P < 0.01). However,the blood levels of IL-5,IL-6,IL-8 and CRP in children with HSP in acute phase were significantly higher than those in earlier recovery phase(P < 0.01). There were positive correlations between LXA4 and IL-5 or IL-8. Meanwhile,there were no positive correlations between LXA4 and IL-6,LXA4 and CRP. There were positive correlations among IL-5,IL-6,IL-8 and CRP. The LXA4 levels of severe patients in acute and earlier recovery phase were lower than that in mild cases. Conclusion:These data suggest that IL-5,IL-6 and IL-8 may play an injurious role, and LXA4 may play a protective role in the pathogenesis of HSP. The insufficiency of LXA4,an anti-inflammatory mediator in human body,may be a reason for the patients with HSP whose illness become more serious.