Activated protein C: a promising drug with multiple effects?

S T B G Loubele1, H M H Spronk, H Ten Cate

  • 1Maastricht University Medical Center+, Departments of Internal Medicine and Biochemistry, Laboratory for Clinical Thrombosis and Haemostasis, P.O. Box 616, Uns 50: Box 8, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. sarah.loubele@bioch.unimaas.nl

Summary

Activated protein C (APC) offers cytoprotective effects against apoptosis and inflammation by engaging PAR-1 and EPCR. While clinical trials show reduced mortality in severe sepsis, bleeding risks limit broader therapeutic use, prompting research into APC mutants.

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