Key result
Activated protein C shows therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases via cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
BACKGROUND: Activated protein C (APC) is derived from its precursor, protein C (PC). Originally thought to be synthesised exclusively by the liver, recent reports have shown that PC is also produced by endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, keratinocytes and some leukocytes. OBJECTIVE: To provide an update on the emerging therapeutic effects of APC. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: APC functions as an anticoagulant with cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. In vitro and preclinical data have revealed that APC exerts its protective effects via an intriguing mechanism requiring endothelial protein C receptor and protease activated receptor-1. Approved as a therapeutic agent for severe sepsis, APC is emerging as a potential treatment for a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including spinal cord injury, asthma, chronic wounds and possibly rheumatoid arthritis. The future therapeutic uses of APC look very promising.
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Jackson et al. (2008) conducted a review in Severe sepsis, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Activated protein C was evaluated. Activated protein C functions as an anticoagulant with cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, emerging as a potential treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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