Histidine-rich glycoprotein as an excellent biomarker for sepsis and beyond

Abstract

Sepsis remains a critical problem with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. One of the problems we have in critical care is the need to find a good biomarker of sepsis to determine the existence of bacterial infection and the severity of patients. This would enable us to start appropriate treatment at an earlier stage of the disease course. We propose that decreases in the plasma protein histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an excellent biomarker of sepsis compared with the current markers. Based on the novel pathophysiological roles of HRG in the cascade of events during sepsis, we also discuss the potential for supplemental therapy with purified HRG.