Table 1. Various functions of protein C.

APC, activated protein C; PAR-1, protease-activated receptor-1; NF, nuclear factor; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; MI, myocardial infarction; MGO, methylglyoxal

Function	Mechanism
Barrier protection	APC not only cleaves and activates PAR-1 in the membrane, which promotes endothelial integrity, but also rearranges cytoskeleton and increases expression of tight junction proteins
Anti-inflammatory	APC inhibits leukocyte and neutrophil adhesion to the endothelial surface and suppresses the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and TNF-α
Anti-apoptotic	APC increases the expression of anti-apoptotic genes and provides neuroprotective (by decreasing p53 expression), nephroprotective (by inhibiting reperfusion injury, generating reactive oxygen species, and controlling inflammasome activation), and cardioprotective (by decreasing cardiomyocyte death after MI or protection against MGO apoptotic effects) effects
Role in sepsis	Sepsis is a thrombotic state and consumes APC, thus reducing its level. Hence, administering recombinant APC may inhibit the harmful effects of sepsis-like thrombosis and inflammation