Immune regulation of procalcitonin: a biomarker and mediator of infection

Abstract

Procalcitonin (PCT) has recently emerged as a powerful biomarker for an early and accurate diagnosis of bacterial infection. Here we summarize our current understanding of the expression pathways of PCT, its potential cellular sources including immune cells, and factors inducing its secretion. Also addressed is the significance of increased blood PCT concentration, which may allow this molecule not only to act as a clinical biomarker but also as an active participant in the development and progression of infectious processes. Experimental approaches to delineate a better understanding of PCT functions, molecular pathways that modulate its expression and therapeutic opportunities to curtail its biological actions are discussed, as well.

Is Procalcitonin a more sensitive parameter than other Acute Phase Reactants for early infection in arthroplasty?

“…Based on this objective, the purpose of our study was to investigate PCT, which displays high selectivity, especially in bacterial infections, and has come into widespread use in recent years. PCT has been suggested as a more accurate and specific biomarker than other traditional molecules such as CRP with which to differentiate bacteria from other infectious agents such as viruses [6]. There are a limited number of studies conducted on the kinetic of PCT following surgical trauma.…”

Neuroendocrine tumors producing calcitonin: characteristics, prognosis and potential interest of calcitonin monitoring during follow-up

“…PCT is mainly expressed in thyroid C cells and CGRP in neuronal cells. In C cells, PCT is subsequently cleaved by a convertase enzyme to generate CT. PCT is usually not secreted in the blood but may be released during bacterial infections and has become an interesting marker in that situation (1). C cells are present not only in the thyroid gland but also in parathyroid glands, thymus, lungs, small intestine, liver and bladder.…”

DNA methylation pattern ofCALCAin preterm neonates with bacterial sepsis as a putative epigenetic biomarker

“…15 This makes the promoter region of the CALCA gene a suitable candidate for DNA methylation changes with functional consequences. CALCA is a gene that codes for two alternatively spliced products, calcitonin and calcitonin gene related peptide (α-CGRP), both of which are cleaved from larger pro-peptides PCT and proCGRP, respectively.…”

“…Exon 1 is non-coding and exon 2 codes for the signal sequences. 15 PCT is an acute phase protein whose serum concentration increases in response to a bacterial infection. Bacterial toxins or cytokines released in response to bacterial infections activate the production of PCT from leukocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.…”