Procalcitonin Human Recombinant: A Biomarker for Infection and Sepsis
Abstract:
Procalcitonin (PCT) is an emerging biomarker that holds promise in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, particularly sepsis. This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of PCT, focusing on its structure, biological functions, and clinical applications.
Recent research has highlighted the potential of PCT as a valuable tool in guiding antibiotic therapy, risk stratification, and monitoring treatment response. Understanding the role of PCT in infection and sepsis management is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing antibiotic misuse.
Introduction:
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor protein that is rapidly synthesized and released in response to bacterial infections. It has gained attention as a biomarker due to its specificity to systemic bacterial infections and its potential to aid in the early diagnosis and management of sepsis.
This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of recent research on PCT, elucidating its significance in the clinical setting.
1. Structure and Regulation:
PCT is derived from the procalcitonin gene (CALC-I) and is produced primarily by the thyroid C-cells. During systemic infection and sepsis, PCT is synthesized and released from various tissues and cells, including the liver, lungs, and monocytes. Its expression is regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PCT production and regulation is essential for interpreting its clinical implications.
2. Biological Functions:
While the precise physiological functions of PCT are not fully understood, it is believed to play a role in modulating the inflammatory response during infection. PCT levels are known to correlate with the severity and progression of bacterial infections and sepsis. Recent research suggests that PCT may influence immune cell function, vascular permeability, and coagulation. Further investigation is warranted to uncover the intricate mechanisms underlying PCT’s biological activities.
3. Clinical Applications:
PCT has emerged as a valuable biomarker in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, particularly sepsis. Its diagnostic accuracy, rapid kinetics, and correlation with disease severity make it a useful tool in distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial infections.
PCT-guided antibiotic therapy has shown promise in reducing antibiotic exposure, shortening treatment duration, and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, PCT can aid in risk stratification, prognosis assessment, and monitoring treatment response in sepsis patients.
4. Recent Advances and Future Directions:
Recent research has focused on refining the clinical utility of PCT through the development of standardized assays, establishment of optimal cutoff values, and integration into clinical algorithms.
The use of PCT in specific patient populations, such as critically ill individuals and neonates, is an active area of investigation. Ongoing studies aim to explore the potential of PCT as a predictive marker for treatment response and as a tool for antimicrobial stewardship.
Bibliography:
Schuetz, P., et al. (2017). Procalcitonin to initiate or discontinue antibiotics in acute respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10(10), CD007498. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007498.pub3
Huang, D. T., et al. (2018). Procalcitonin-guided use of antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(3), 236-249. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1802670
Albrich, W. C., et al. (2013). Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy algorithms for different types of acute respiratory infections based on previous trials. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 11(12), 1331-1356. doi: 10.1586/14787210.2013.845515
Lippi, G., et al. (2020). Procalcitonin in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A meta-analysis. Clinica Chimica Acta, 505, 190-191. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.02.030
Branche, A., et al. (2021). Procalcitonin to guide antibiotic therapy in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 147(5), e2020000636. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-000636
The article was written by https://www.prospecbio.com/
