Calcitonin Gene Family of Peptides

The Role of Procalcitonin in the Early Diagnosis of Septic and Non-Septic Complications in the Immediate Postoperative Setting After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

“…In adults and children, infection and sepsis have been found to be associated with increased serum levels of calcitonin precursors [46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53]. These concentrations were shown to be positively correlated with a subsequent mortality rate [45]. Circulating calcitonin precursors, including procalcitonin, are raised in severe bacterial infections, but remain in low or normal ranges in viral infections and non-specific inflammatory diseases.…”

“…Calcitonin, a 32-amino-acid amidated hormone, is initially biosynthesized as a precursor, named preprocalcitonin [45] This protein is processed into several calcitonin precursors. In adults and children, infection and sepsis have been found to be associated with increased serum levels of calcitonin precursors [46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53].…”

“…Circulating calcitonin precursors, including procalcitonin, are raised in severe bacterial infections, but remain in low or normal ranges in viral infections and non-specific inflammatory diseases. (38,45,46). Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor protein of the hormone calcitonin with a molecular weight of approximately 13 kDa.…”

“…Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor protein of the hormone calcitonin with a molecular weight of approximately 13 kDa. PCT is induced in the plasma of patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections or sepsis [38,[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54]. Local bacterial infections, viral infections, autoimmune and allergic disorders do not induce PCT.…”

Procalcitonin in sepsis and bacterial infections

“…6 As the name suggests, it is a precursor of calcitonin, produced by the C-cells of thyroid under the control of the calcitonin gene related peptide 1 (CALC-1) gene. 7 Normally, the expression of the gene is found in the neuroendocrine cells of the thyroid and the lung. However, during microbial infections there is increased CALC-1 gene expression in various extra-thyroid tissues and cells including kidneys, liver, pancreas, leucocytes, and adipose tissue with concomitant release of PCT throughout the body.…”