Various functions of plasma histidine-rich glycoprotein and its clinical application as the biomarker and therapeutic drug for sepsis

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a 75 kDa plasma glycoprotein synthesized in liver mainly, which exists at approximately 60–100 μg/ml in human plasma. HRG is known to bind to several ligands and cells, leading to exert coagulation, fibrinolysis, immune and inflammation regulatory activity in septic condition. Thus, decreased plasma HRG level induces the dysregulations of coagulation, fibrinolysis and immune system, resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure. This article focuses on the physiological activity of HRG and the potential of HRG as the biomarker and therapeutic drug for sepsis.