Thromb Haemost 2008; 100(04): 582-592
DOI: 10.1160/TH08-03-0159
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

Protective effects of activated protein C in sepsis

Lisa J. Toltl
1   Department of Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
3   Henderson Research Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Laura L. Swystun
1   Department of Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
3   Henderson Research Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Laura Pepler
1   Department of Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
3   Henderson Research Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
,
Patricia C. Liaw
2   Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
3   Henderson Research Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations

Financial support: This work was supported in part by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) operating grant (MOP-57790) and a CIHR Team grant (MOP-CTP79846). Patricia Liaw is a recipient of a New Investigator Award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Lisa T o ltl is a recipient of a Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Canada Graduate Scholarship and a Hemostasis Reference Laboratories scholarship. Laura Swystun is a recipient of an NSERC Canadian Graduate Scholarship, a Hemostasis Reference Laboratories scholarship, and an ISTH 2007 Young Investigator’s award.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 11 March 2008

Accepted after minor revision 16 June 2008

Publication Date:
22 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Sepsis remains a complex syndrome associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is now widely accepted that the pathways of inflammation, coagulation, apoptosis, and endothelial permeability are intimately linked in sepsis pathophysiology. The clinical success of activated protein C (APC), a natural anticoagulant, in reducing mortality in patients with severe sepsis has fuelled basic and preclinical research on the protective effects of this molecule. Over the past 15 years, impressive research advances have provided novel insights into the multifunctional activities of APC. APC is now viewed not only as an anticoagulant, but also as a cell signaling molecule that dampens the excessive or insufficiently controlled host response during sepsis. This review attempts to summarize the pleiotropic activities of APC with focus on its ability to inhibit coagulation, inflammation, apoptosis, and endothelial barrier breakdown. A comprehensive PUBMED literature review up to May 2008 was conducted.