Activated protein C, a natural anticoagulant protein, has antioxidant properties and inhibits lipid peroxidation and advanced glycation end products formation

APC in the range of 10-50 μg/mL could reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ROS generation, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and resultant proinflammatory cytokine production. Additional cell-free experiments revealed that APC (10-50 μg/mL) had inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and AGE formation. These findings suggest that APC, via its intrinsic anti-oxidant properties, may, in settings of oxidant stress, exert important cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects that are distinct from its anticoagulant activity as an antioxidant protein. If that is true, APC may contribute to ROS-related chronic disorders including atherosclerosis and diabetes as well as acute shock conditions.