Gastricsin (PGC)

Gastricsin, also known as Pepsin C, is a major aspartic protease primarily secreted by the gastric chief cells as the inactive zymogen pepsinogen C (UniProt P20142; Wikipedia). It plays a critical role in the digestive process by catalyzing the hydrolysis of dietary proteins into smaller peptides within the acidic environment of the stomach, specifically targeting peptide bonds involving aromatic or hydrophobic amino acids (Britannica; Wikipedia). Beyond its physiological role, Gastricsin is a significant clinical biomarker; its downregulation is associated with the progression of gastric cancer, and the ratio of pepsinogen A to pepsinogen C is widely used to screen for atrophic gastritis and precancerous lesions (NIH; ResearchGate). In the context of reflux diseases, such as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), Gastricsin can be aspirated into the upper airways where it causes tissue damage and inflammation, even at near-neutral pH (NIH; Wikidoc). Therapeutic management of Gastricsin-related pathology typically involves indirect inhibition through acid suppression using proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists, as well as mucosal protectants like sucralfate (SCBT; PatSnap).

Other names

Pepsin CPepsinogen CProgastricsinPepsinogen II

Indirect inhibition of zymogen activation through gastric acid reduction; direct inhibition of proteolytic activity; physical shielding of the gastric mucosa.