Procollagen Type III Peptide, P3NP

Immunology

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Description

Type III collagen is a major constituent of most dense and loose connective tissues in the body. Its relative concentration is typically higher in early phases of fibroproliferative response, such as wound healing or formation of liver fibrosis, but its absolute amount is also increased during the later phases of fibrosis. Newly formed type III collagen fibrils have partially cleaved procollagen molecules on the surface (PIIINP) [1]. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis of various aetiologies increase serum concentrations of PIIINP. Patients on long-term methotrexate are at risk of developing hepatic fibrosis or other liver problems. Serum PIIINP levels are increased in cases with fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. PIIINP analysis may be of use in the clinical management of patients on methotrexate, as it can provide a non-invasive method of assessing the presence of fibrosis, and may provide a way of avoiding unnecessary liver biopsies [2]. In fibrotic conditions of the lung, such as idiopathic lung fibrosis, scleroderma or pulmonary sarcoidosis, serum PIIINP levels may be raised and may report activity or prognosis. High concentrations can also be found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. PIIINP is also raised in renal fibrosis [1].

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Indications

Fibrosis marker in adults: PBC, Hepatitis-C, Cirrhosis, Methotrexate, Fibrosing Alveolitis, Scleroderma, Renal Transplantation

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (6mL Red tube) or 2mL Plasma (Heparin or EDTA) is also suitable. Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Age | Male | FemaleBirth - 2yrs | 10 - 50 | 10 - 502 -4 yrs | 5 - 15 | 5 - 155 - 10 yrs | 5 - 10 | 5 - 1011 - 14 yrs | 5 - 10 | 8 - 1515 - 19 yrs | 8 - 20 | 2 - 820 - 65 yrs | 1.7 - 4.2 | 1.7 - 4.2Reference ranges established by manufacturer and verified in house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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References

PRU Handbook of Clinical Immunochemistry. 9th Edition. 2007. [Ref 1]Khan S, Subedi D and Chowdhury M. Use of amino terminal type III procollagen peptide (PIIINP) assay in methotrexate therapy for psoriasis. Postgrad Med J. 2006. 82(967):353-354. [Ref 2]Risteli J, et al. Rapid equilibrium radioimmunoassay for the aminoterminal propeptide of human type III procollagen. Clin Chem. 1998. 34(1):715-718.

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