P3NP (N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen), serum
Clinical Background:
Type III procollagen has propeptide extensions at both ends of the molecule. Some of the amino-terminal propeptides are released during the synthesis and deposition of type III collagen. N-terminal...
Type III procollagen has propeptide extensions at both ends of the molecule. Some of the amino-terminal propeptides are released during the synthesis and deposition of type III collagen. N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (P3NP) can therefore be found in the serum due to its production during synthesis of new type III collagen or degradation of existing type III collagen fibrils.
Increased serum concentrations of P3NP are found in a number of conditions where accumulation and/or degradation of connective tissue take place. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis of various aetiologies increase serum concentrations of P3NP. The principal clinical use of P3NP is currently as a non-invasive means of monitoring patients treated with methotrexate, thereby reducing the necessity of liver biopsy. Elevations in P3NP are not specific for liver fibrosis and can also be due to fibrotic conditions of the lungs, myeloproliferative disease and healing of damage to cardiac tissue for example.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum
Serum
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum
Serum
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Minimum Volume Adult:
2 mL
2 mL
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
2 mL
2 mL
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated: Same day
Separated: 5 days at 4-8°CUnseparated: Same day
Separated: 5 days at 4-8°C -
Transport Requirements:
Ambient
Ambient
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Interpretation:
Indications for considering liver biopsy:
Pre-treatment P3NP >8.0 µg/L
P3NP above 4.2 µg/L in at least 3 samples over 12-month period
P3NP >8.0 µg/L in two consecutive samplesIndications for consid...
Read MoreIndications for considering liver biopsy:
Pre-treatment P3NP >8.0 µg/L
P3NP above 4.2 µg/L in at least 3 samples over 12-month period
P3NP >8.0 µg/L in two consecutive samplesIndications for considering withdrawal of methotrexate:
P3NP >10.0 µg/L in at least 3 samples in a 12-month period -
Reference Ranges:
Adults (20-65yrs): 1.7-4.2 ug/L
Adults (20-65yrs): 1.7-4.2 ug/L
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Other Info:
Lithium heparin and EDTA plasma samples also acceptable
Lithium heparin and EDTA plasma samples also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email: