Stephan and colleagues analyzed the activation of FSAP in patients suffering from various inflammatory diseases of increasing severity.
The authors demonstrate that FSAP in plasma is activated upon contact with dead cells and this activation can be followed by measuring FSAP-alpha2-antiplasmin and FSAP-C1-inhibitor complexes in plasma by ELISA. By means of the assays they demonstrate FSAP activation in post-surgery patients, patients suffering from severe sepsis, septic shock and meningococcal sepsis.
The results suggest that FSAP activation in sepsis might be involved in nucleosome release thereby contributing to lethality.

Title:
Activation of factor VII-activating protease in human inflammation: a sensor for cell death

Authors and Source:
Stephan F, Hazelzet JA, Bulder I, Boermeester MA, van Till JO, van der Poll T, Wuillemin WA, Aarden LA, Zeerleder S.
Crit Care. 2011 Apr 5;15(2):R110. [Epub ahead of print]