In the News |
Science Advance from the NHLBI |
A resolution to honor the contributions of patient participants in clinical trials, H. Res. 248, was introduced in the House by Representative Rick Boucher (D-VA) on March 15, 2008.
A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, S. Res. 510, was introduced in the Senate by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) on April 10, 2008.
Sepsis is a systemic response to infection, which can lead to organ failure and in its severe form is fatal in 30 to 50 percent of patients. Treatment with activated protein C (APC) reduces mortality of patients with severe sepsis, but APC also has anticoagulant properties that increase the risk of severe bleeding.
Building upon results from previous studies showing that the mechanisms of APC�fs anticoagulant activity are partially distinct from the mechanisms of its cell-protective therapeutic activity, NHLBI-funded scientists were able to engineer APC variants that selectively reduced the anticoagulant activity of APC while retaining its therapeutic properties. In a mouse model of severe sepsis, an APC variant that had normal therapeutic activity but 10 percent less anticoagulant activity retained its ability to reduce mortality while also dramatically reducing severe bleeding in comparison with standard APC treatment.
An APC variant with reduced anticoagulant activity may thus provide a safer alternative to standard APC therapy. Clinicians may also be able to give increased doses of APC variants to achieve the desired therapeutic effect against sepsis without risking severe bleeding.