What is activated protein C?
Activated protein C (APC) is a protein that is involved in processes such as inflammation and clotting of blood. It circulates with blood in its inactive form and is only active when it is tied to another protein called thrombin. When activated, it degrades proteins as a factor in and factor VIIIA. These proteins normally increase thrombin levels, so protein C serves as a negative feedback mechanism. It basically prevents excessive blood activity. The activated protein C was successfully used as a severe sepsis. It can reduce inflammatory response from white blood cells such as leukocytes, as well as endothelial cells. In the presence of this protein, the cell releases lower levels of certain interleukins and the factor of tumor-alpha necrosis. These compounds promote inflammation and septic shock and reduce their output to protect nearby cells.
Another important way that activated protein C protects tissue is its effects on blood vessels. Endothelial cells that line the blood vessels are during the immune responseIt normally releases to allow immune cells to enter the tissue. In the presence of APC they remain impermeable and prevent the destruction of immune cells in targeting tissue. Due to these protective effects, this protein has become an approved treatment of septic shock.
Mouse studies have found how activated protein C improves the rate of sepsis. Both endothelial cells and leukocytes have receptors for this protein on their surface. When this protein binds to receptors, the cellular signaling system is activated. The affected endothelial cells work to stabilize blood pressure and prevent fluid leakage from the tissue. Leukocytes release fewer pro -inflammatory compounds and show a reduced answer to these compounds after binding to APC.
insufficient forms of gene coding for activated protein C can contribute to the disease conditions. One mutation can cause cells to produce APC. OneA copy of this gene can lead to the formation of blood clots in veins known as venous thrombosis. Two insufficient copies lead to extensive clotting and are usually fatal.
other health conditions include APC resistance where protein is made incorrectly. This mutation usually leads to the activated protein C to unable to break down and inactivates the factor V and factor VIIIA. Symptoms of this resistance are indistinguishable from partial or complete lack of APC. As a result, individuals with this mutation are much more likely to develop thrombosis.