Neopterin

Neopterin (NPT) is a non-specific, low-molecular-weight mediator of the of the cellular immune response, and has been called a marker of of inflammation. The primary mechanism of action of neopterin is modulation of oxidative stress. NPT is a very good indicator diagnostic of viral infections, in bacterial infections neopterin concentration may be normal. Determination of NPT is also useful in monitoring cancer (there is a correlation between the concentration of neopterin and the size of the tumor and the general condition of the patient) as well as autoimmune diseases (e.g rheumatoid arthritis). Determination of neopterin concentration is also used in monitoring patients after transplantation, in order to assess the risk of complications related to graft rejection or infection.