Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
09:23
Monitoring Neutrophil Elastase and Cathepsin G Activity in Human Sputum Samples
Published on: May 21, 2021
16.0K
Elevated Circulating Procathepsin L as a Potential Biomarker of Inflamm-aging
Cassie Shu Zhu1,2, Weiqiang Chen1,2, Xiaoling Qiang1,2
1The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
Medical Hypotheses
|April 15, 2024
Summary
Inflamm-aging, a chronic inflammation condition, shows increased blood levels of extracellular procathepsin L (pCTS-L) in aged mice. This suggests pCTS-L may be a novel biomarker for aging-related inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inflamm-aging is characterized by chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation with elevated inflammatory biomarkers.
- Extracellular procathepsin L (pCTS-L) is a newly identified mediator of inflammatory diseases, but its role in inflamm-aging is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of extracellular procathepsin L (pCTS-L) in the aging process and inflamm-aging.
- To compare blood levels of pCTS-L and other cytokines/chemokines in young versus aged mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Western blotting and Cytokine Antibody Arrays to analyze blood samples from young and aged Balb/C mice.
- Quantified levels of pCTS-L and 62 other cytokines and chemokines.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in blood pCTS-L levels was observed in aged mice compared to young mice.
- pCTS-L has the demonstrated capacity to induce key inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Conclusions:
- Elevated blood pCTS-L levels in aged mice suggest it may serve as a novel biomarker for inflamm-aging.
- Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to elucidate the role of pCTS-L in inflamm-aging and its potential therapeutic implications.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
81
Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
81
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
144
Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
144