HPB is a neutrophil-derived granule protein, that has been shown to be a useful biomarker for predicting organ dysfunction in sepsis. In primary acute GI injury, such as abdominal trauma, the neutrophils of the damaged intestinal barrier release HBP. Sun et al. (2020) demonstrated links between HBP and enteral feeding intolerance in critically ill patients.
References:
Fisher J, Linder A. Heparin-binding protein: a key player in the pathophysiology of organ dysfunction in sepsis. J Intern Med 2017;281(6):562e74.
Sun JK, Shen X, Sun XP, Wang X, Zhang WH, Shi QK, et al. Heparin-binding protein as a biomarker of gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open 2020;10(7):e036396.