Activated protein C and sepsis.
Review published in Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library (2006)
Abstract
Protein C is a plasma protease that when activated plays a central role in modulating the function of the vascular endothelium and its interface with the innate immune system. A recombinant form of human activated protein C (APC), drotrecogin alfa (activated), has shown efficacy in a number of preclinical models of thrombosis and ischemia and reduces mortality in patients that have a high risk of dying from severe sepsis. Studies have begun to elucidate the mechanism for the multifunctional role of APC in modulating not only coagulation, but also inflammation and apoptotic processes. From gene profiling to pharmacology studies, drotrecogin alfa (activated) appears to directly modulate endothelial dysfunction by blocking cytokine signaling, functional cell adhesion expression, vascular permeability and preventing the induction of apoptosis. Moreover, APC, via endothelial protein C receptor/protease activated receptor-1 mediated mechanisms, also appears to directly modulate leukocyte migration and adhesion. The ability of APC to suppress pro-inflammatory pathways and enhance cellular survival suggests that APC has a role in the adaptive response at the vessel wall, in which it protects the wall from vascular insult and prolongs endothelial, cellular, and organ survival. The emerging data further suggest that APC effectively modulates the complex changes that occur during multi-system activation and dysfunction in sepsis.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Protein C is a plasma protease that when activated plays a central role in modulating the function of the vascular endothelium and its interface with the innate immune system. A recombinant form of human activated protein C (APC), drotrecogin alfa (activated), has shown efficacy in a number of...
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta revisión detalla el papel multifuncional de la proteína C activada (PCA) y su forma recombinante, drotrecogin alfa, en la modulación de la función endotelial, la coagulación, la inflamación y la apoptosis durante la sepsis grave. Explica cómo la PCA protege la pared vascular y prolonga la supervivencia celular al bloquear la señalización de citocinas, la adhesión celular funcional y los procesos apoptóticos. Aunque la PCA es un potente anticoagulante natural y agente antiinflamatorio, su conexión con el secretoma de la sanguijuela o la hirudoterapia es solo conceptual, representando mecanismos paralelos de anticoagulación fisiológica y citoprotección. El resumen no contiene absolutamente ninguna mención de sanguijuelas, hirudina o terapias derivadas de sanguijuelas.
Citación
Activated protein C and sepsis.
O'Brien et al. · Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library, 2006
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026