| abstract |
Diagnostic methods that rely on the use of one or more assays that assess cellular activation are provided. The assays are performed on whole blood or leukocytes (neutrophils), and indicate individually or in combination the level of cardiovascular cell activation, which is pivotal in many chronic and acute disease states. These results of the assays are used within a clinical framework to support therapeutic decisions such as: further testing for infectious agents, anti-oxidant or anti-adhesion therapy, postponement and optimal re-scheduling of high-risk surgeries, classifying susceptibility to and progression rates of chronic disease such as diabetes, organ rejection, atherogenesis, and venous insufficiency; extreme interventions in trauma cases of particularly high risk and activation-lowering therapies. Also provided is composition derived from a pancreatic homogenate that contains circulating cell activating factors, which can serve as targets for drug screening to identify drug candidates for use in activation lowering therapies. Methods for lowering cell activation by administering protease inhibitors, particularly serine protease inhibitors, are also provided. Kits for performing the methods are also provided. |