American Society of Hirudotherapy

Protein C anticoagulant activity in relation to anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.

Review published in Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library (2006)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDrug DevelopmentMosnier et al. · Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library, 2006

Abstract

The anticoagulant protein C system is a dual function cofactor-dependent system. On one hand, it is designed to regulate coagulation, maintain the fluidity of the vasculature and prevent thrombosis. On the other hand, the protein C pathway provides anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities. Protein C, a vitamin K-dependent serine protease zymogen that circulates in plasma, is converted by limited proteolysis to activated protein C (APC) by the thrombin-thrombomodulin-endothelial protein C receptor complex on endothelial surfaces. APC and the cofactors of the protein C pathway exert two major distinct types of activities, namely a well-studied anticoagulant activity and a more recently revealed cytoprotective activity due to direct effects on cells. Because of these pleiotropic properties, APC and the protein C pathway components have important roles in the body's host-defense system and provide opportunities for therapeutic treatment of complex and challenging medical disorders, including thrombosis, severe sepsis and stroke.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsApoptosisBlood CoagulationHalf-LifeHemorrhageHumansInflammationOrgan TransplantationProtein CRisk FactorsSepsisStroke

Summary

The anticoagulant protein C system is a dual function cofactor-dependent system. On one hand, it is designed to regulate coagulation, maintain the fluidity of the vasculature and prevent thrombosis.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review examines the dual functionality of the activated protein C (APC) pathway, detailing its well-established anticoagulant properties alongside its more recently recognized anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities. It discusses how the pleiotropic nature of APC and its cofactors offers therapeutic opportunities for complex medical disorders such as thrombosis, severe sepsis, and stroke. This article has no direct relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy: the abstract is strictly focused on the endogenous human protein C pathway and makes no mention of leeches, hirudin, hirudotherapy, or any leech-derived products. No connection to the leech secretome can be drawn from the information provided.

Citation

Protein C anticoagulant activity in relation to anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.

Mosnier et al. · Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library, 2006

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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