Activated protein C-An anticoagulant that does more than stop clots

作者：Jackson Christopher J^*; Xue Meilang

来源：International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 2008, 40(12): 2692-2697.

DOI：10.1016/j.biocel.2007.12.013

• Activated protein C
• Endothelial protein C receptor
• Apoptosis
• Anti-inflammation
• Anticoagulant

Activated protein C (APC) is a glycoprotein derived from its precursor, protein C and formed by the cleavage of an activation peptide by thrombin bound to thrombomodulin. Originally thought to be synthesized exclusively by the liver, recent reports have shown that protein C is synthesized by endothelial cells, keratinocytes and some hematopoietic cells.
APC functions as a physiological anticoagulant with cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. In vitro and preclinical data have revealed that APC exerts its protective effects via an intriguing mechanism requiring endothelial protein C receptor and the thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor-1. Remarkably, even though APC cleaves this receptor in an identical fashion to thrombin, it exerts opposing effects.
Recently approved as a therapeutic agent for severe sepsis, APC is now emerging as a potential treatment for a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including lung disorders, spinal cord injury and chronic wounds. The future pharmacologic use of APC holds remarkable promise.

• 出版日期2008
• 单位河北医科大学