晚期血吸虫病肝纤维化患者血清维生素D水平与免疫失衡的关系

目的 探索晚期血吸虫病肝纤维化患者血清维生素D水平与免疫失衡间的关系.方法 选择2016年5月至2018年9月就诊于嘉兴市第一医院血吸虫病科的120例晚期血吸虫病肝纤维化患者作为观察组,选取50例同期该院健康体检者作为对照组,比较两组血清中IgG抗体、IgA抗体、C3补体、C4补体、CD4+细胞比例、CD8+细胞比例、...     

The association of serum immunoglobulin and complement levels and liver fibrosis and inflammation stage in patients with chronic hepatitis B

The utility of measurement of serum immunoglobulin and complement in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum immunoglobulin and complement levels and liver fibrosis and inflammation stage in CHB patients. A total of 687 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled. Serum immunoglobulin and complement were measured before liver biopsy, and liver pathological results were recorded. Associations of serum immunoglobulin and complement levels and liver fibrosis and inflammation stage were analysed. C3, C4, IgG and IgG1 had statistically significant differences among different fibrosis and different inflammation groups. Both C3 and C4 negatively correlated with fibrosis and inflammation stage, but IgG and IgG1 showed opposite results. C3, C4, IgG and IgG1 had statistical significance to predict ≥S2, ≥S3 and S4, and also had statistical significance to predict ≥G2, ≥G3 and G4. The area under curve (AUC) of the combination of C3, C4 and IgG (C3 + C4 + IgG) for predicting ≥S2, ≥S3 and S4 was 0.640 (95% CI: 0.603, 0.676), 0.674 (95% CI: 0.638, 0.709) and 0.744 (95% CI: 0.710, 0.776), respectively. The AUC of C3 + C4 + IgG for predicting ≥G2, ≥G3 and G4 was 0.723 (95% CI: 0.688, 0.756), 0.674 (95% CI: 0.638, 0.709) and 0.771 (95% CI: 0.738, 0.802), respectively. C3, C4, IgG and IgG1 are correlated with liver fibrosis and inflammation stage in CHB patients. C3, C4, IgG and IgG1 have diagnostic value for liver fibrosis and inflammation. C3 + C4 + IgG may improve diagnostic accuracy.     

Serum complement in chronic liver disease

Total serum haemolytic complement activity (CH(50)) and the serum concentrations of both the third and fourth components of the complement system (C3 and C4) have been measured in 29 control subjects, 92 patients with chronic hepatocellular disease, and eight patients with large duct biliary tract obstruction. The mean C4 concentration was reduced in all types of chronic liver disease studied. However, the mean CH(50) and C3 values were increased in compensated primary biliary cirrhosis, were relatively normal in non-cirrhotic chronic active hepatitis, and were decreased in cryptogenic cirrhosis, particularly when ascites was present. There was a significant correlation between CH(50) and C3 in patients with chronic liver disease but no correlation between CH(50) and C4 or between C3 and C4. Raised values for CH(50) and C3 in primary biliary cirrhosis may be due at least in part to concomitant cholestasis since these values tend to be raised in patients with large duct biliary tract obstruction. Although primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis, and cryptogenic cirrhosis are considered to be part of a spectrum of chronic liver disease associated with disturbed immunity, the results of this study emphasize that there are clearly definable differences between these diseases in terms of the pattern of changes in serum complement.     

Relationships between serum aminotransferase levels, liver histologies and virological status in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Taiwan

In patients with chronic hepatitis C, the relationships between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, histological liver injury and serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA titres remain controversial. To evaluate these relationships, 93 Chinese patients with histological diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C were enrolled for this study. Serum ALT levels, HCV-RNA titres and HCV genotypes were examined. The histology was evaluated according to a modified histological activity score based on the degree of periportal necro-inflammation, intralobular necro-inflammation, portal inflammation, total necro-inflammation and fibrosis. The mean serum ALT level was significantly higher in patients with severe intralobular necro-inflammation activity than in patients with mild or no activity (P= 0.013). However, scores of intralobular activity were only weakly correlated with serum ALT levels (r= 0.27) and could not be used to adequately predict ALT values. Serum ALT levels showed no significant correlation with the scores of portal inflammation, periportal necro-inflammation, total necro-inflammation and fibrosis. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean serum ALT level among different serum HCV-RNA levels and HCV genotypes. Serum HCV-RNA titres and genotypes showed no significant correlation with liver histology and serum HCV-RNA titres were only weakly correlated with the total necro-inflammatory score (r= 0.27). In conclusion, although serum ALT levels were higher in patients with more severe intralobular necro-inflammatory activity, the correlation was not strong enough to adequately predict ALT values. Serum HCV-RNA titres and genotypes also showed no significant correlation with serum ALT levels and liver histologies.     

Complement activation in patients with amebic liver abscess

Serum or plasma concentrations of components of the classical (C1q, C4) and alternative (C3, factor B) pathways, regulatory protein factor H, and one of the C3 products of degradation, C3d, were determined in 19 patients with amebic liver abscess (ALA). Patients were divided into two groups. Thirteen patients that recovered under medical treatment who had a significantly shorter clinical course on admission (P less than 0.05) (group 1) exhibited either normal (C1q; C4; factor B; C3d) or increased levels of these components (C3, P less than 0.001; factor B, P less than 0.01). On the other hand, 16 patients that recovered after medical treatment and abscess drainage (group 2) exhibited significantly diminished serum levels of C1q (P less than 0.05), C3 (P less than 0.001), factor B (P less than 0.01) and factor H (P less than 0.05), and normal levels of C4, and C3d as compared to the control group. The relationships among the complement components studied were suggestive of activation of the complement system through the classical pathway in patients within group 1 and through both pathways in group 2. Sera of 3 out of the 5 patients who initially exhibited low plasma levels of C3d showed an increase during convalescence. Plasma levels of C3d were demonstrated to show a direct correlation with serum albumin and SGOT in this group of patients. Possible implications of the complement system in the immunopathogenesis of ALA are discussed.     

冠心病患者血清补体C3、C4及HDL－C水平分析

目的分析冠心病(CHD)患者血清补体C3、C4与HDL－C的水平。 方法依据病情将2016年5月至2017年10月西安市第五医院收治的137例CHD患者分为急性冠脉综合征组(ACS组,80例)和稳定性冠心病组(SCHD组,57例),选取同时期健康体检的60例健康人员纳为对照组。对比3组患者补体C3、C4、HDL－C水平,分析补体C3、C4水平与HDL－C水平的相关性。 结果ACS组和SCHD组患者补体C3水平均高于对照组(P<0.05);ACS组患者补体C3水平高于SCHD组(P<0.05);ACS组患者补体C4水平高于对照组(P<0.05),SCHD组患者补体C4水平低于对照组(P<0.05);对照组HDL－C水平高于ACS组和SCHD组患者(P<0.05)。ACS组和SCHD组患者血清补体C3、C4水平与HDL－C水平无关(P>0.05),对照组血清补体C3水平与HDL－C水平呈负相关(P<0.05)。 结论CHD患者血清补体C3、C4水平升高,HDL－C水平降低,炎症反应影响血清补体与HDL－C水平的相关性。     

Serum C3 complement concentrations correlate with liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate whether C3 and C4 serum complement concentrations have prognostic relevance for patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODOLOGY: Serum complement concentrations of C3 and C4 were measured in 69 patients with liver cirrhosis and correlated with the Child-Pugh score. RESULTS: C3 concentrations were 1.06+/-0.21 g/L in patients with Child-Pugh A liver cirrhosis and significantly lower in Child-Pugh B (0.78+/-0.24 g/L) and even lower Child-Pugh C (0.49+/-0.14 g/L) (p=0.006 B vs. A, p<0.001 C vs. B). Patients with consecutive hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) had the lowest C3 concentrations (0.44+/-0.05 g/L (Child-Pugh C +HRS) vs. 0.54+/-0.06g/dL (Child-Pugh C -HRS); p<0.05). C4 concentrations were 0.21+/-0.08 in Child-Pugh A and significantly lower in Child-Pugh B (0.11+/-0.04) and Child-Pugh C (0.09+/-0.04) patients (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between C3 (r = -0.81, p<0.001) and C4 (r = -0.51, p<0.05) concentrations and the Child-Pugh score. CONCLUSIONS: Serum complement concentrations of C3 and C4 correlate negatively with the Child-Pugh score in patients with liver cirrhosis. C3 concentrations are lower in those Child-Pugh C cirrhosis patients with consecutive development of HRS.     

Influence of ascites on the chemotaxis of granulocytes in patients with cirrhosis

Abstract Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a specific infectious complication in liver cirrhosis. The reasons for the preferred location of infection on the peritoneum are not clear. The aims of the present study were to ascertain whether hepatogenic ascites fluid is chemotactically effective, what part is played by complement factor C3 and whether there are inhibitors of chemotaxis in ascites. Chemotaxis of granulocytes in serum and ascites fluid was measured in 18 patients with cirrhosis and ascites and in 18 healthy individuals using the Boyden chamber method. In the patients, the chemotactic effect of serum was reduced significantly. Ascites fluid had lower chemotactic activity than autologous serum ( P < 0.01), directly correlated to C3 levels ( P < 0.025). There was a significant correlation between chemotaxis in serum and in ascites fluid ( P < 0.005). Adding ascites fluid to serum led to reduction of chemotactic activity only in the patients ( P < 0.025). In conclusion, the chemotactic effect of ascites fluid is considerably lower than that of serum and is proportional to local concentrations of C3. Chemotaxis-inhibiting factors can also be identified in ascites fluid, their pathogenetic relevance being limited.     

The value of complement measurements in the assessment of lupus activity

The complement system was studied prospectively in 29 patients, predominantly renal (25), with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to examine the value of complement assays in the distinction between active and inactive disease. Disease activity was evaluated primarily by clinical, biochemical and histological parameters which were obtained at the time of assessment. Fourteen patients had active disease, as assessed by clinical and laboratory criteria. Clq, C4, C4a, C2, C3, C3a, C5, total haemolytic activity (CH50) and complement inhibitors were measured in each patient. The ratios of C4a:C4 and C3a:C3 were also calculated.
Values for all components except C5 were different between control subjects and active patients while only CH50 was different between inactive patients and controls. All parameters except C4a:C4 and C5 were different between active and inactive patients. There was a highly significant difference in the number of active patients with reduced levels of C2, C3 and C3a:C3 compared to inactive patients (i.e. p < 0.001) whereas lesser or no difference was observed for other parameters. The concentration of complement inhibitors was elevated in both groups.
We conclude that, among readily available complement parameters, C2 and C3 provide the best assessment of disease activity in patients with SLE.     

S protein/vitronectin in chronic liver diseases: correlations with serum cholinesterase, coagulation factor X and complement component C3

S protein/vitronectin plays an important role as a regulatory component in the terminal steps of the complement- and coagulation cascades. In patients suffering from chronic liver diseases, plasma S protein concentration was measured and compared with changes in serum cholinesterase activity, coagulation factor X activity and complement component C3 concentration. Significant decreases of all these proteins were seen in liver cirrhosis. Changes in S protein concentration correlated closely with those of cholinesterase, factor X and complement C3. The data give support for the liver as the main organ of plasma S protein/vitronectin synthesis.     

Complement (C3) metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis in relation to the disease course

Summary Metabolic turnover studies of the third component of complement, C3, were performed in 23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to get a direct insight in the dynamics of complement synthesis and catabolism. Results of these turnover studies were related to the serum level of the total amount of C3 as well as to that of the activation product C3d. A hypercatabolism of C3 was observed in 12 of the 23 patients studied. Six of these 12 patients showed signs of extra-articular RA; only one patient with extra-articular manifestations had a normal catabolism of C3. Decreased serum levels of C3 were not found in any of the patients with a hypercatabolism of C3, indicating that the accelerated turnover was compensated by an increased synthesis. In RA patients levels of the activation product C3d could not correlate with the turnover of C3. However, in selected RA patients without signs of nodules or extra-articular manifestations, they could. Thus, our results indicate that serum levels of C3 and C3d do not reflect C3 metabolism in RA patients. Furthermore, the existence of extra-articular manifestations is accompanied by a more pronounced activation of the complement system.     

Role of serum complement,immunoglobulins, and cell-mediated immune system in the pathogenesis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of advanced liver disease, which has a reported prevalence of between 4 and 27%. Frequent bacteremias due to inadequate host defense mechanisms, particularly the reticuloendothelial system (RES), with seeding of an ascitic fluid that lacks a normal opsonic activity, is believed to be the principal cause of SBP. Little data exist as to the role of serum levels of complement and immunoglobulins as well as the cell-mediated immune system in the pathogenesis of SBP. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of the third and fourth components of complement (C3, C4), total hemolytic complement activity (CH₁₀₀), and properdin factor B (PFB) and immunoglobulins G, A, and M and various T-cell parameters in individuals admitted to hospital with ascites and advanced liver disease and to determine whether one or more of these factors could be used to predict the development of SBP in patients with advanced liver disease. Fourteen consecutive patients (nine male and five female; age 47.5±3.1 years, mean±Sem) with end-stage liver disease and ascites, who were evaluated for possible liver transplant at the University of Pittsburgh and who developed SBP, comprised the study group. The diagnosis of SBP was determined by positive ascitic fluid culture (three patients) and/or ascitic fluid neutrophil count of>250 cells/mm³ (all patients). The control group consisted of 14 patients, matched for type of liver disease, age, and sex, who did not develop SBP. Each patient studied underwent a prospective elective abdominal paracentesis, and the recovered fluid was assayed for total protein, total white blood cell count, total neutrophil count, and culture. The immunological status of each individual was accomplished by determining the serum levels of C3, C4, PFB, CH₁₀₀, and immunoglobulins G, A, and M. Finally the percentage of lymphocytes and their distribution in the various T-cell subsets was determined also. No difference in the immunological status between these two groups was evident. However, the ascitic fluid protein level, although not significantly different between the two groups studied, was less than 2 g/dl more often in the group developing SBP than in the control group that did not subsequently develop SBP. The estimated risk for developing SBP in individuals with ascitic fluid protein level of <2 g/dl was increased eightfold (95% CI: 50.05, 1.28) compared to those with ascitic fluid total protein levels above this cutoff level. Based on these data, it is concluded that serum immunoglobulin and complement levels and the cell-mediated immune system activity are similar in patients with advanced liver disease who develop and do not develop SBP. Thus, these parameters cannot be used as predictors for the development of SBP. In contrast, the ascitic fluid protein level was found to be a simple readily measurable parameter capable of identifying patients at high risk for the development of SBP.This work was supported by grants from NIAAA (06601) and from NIDDK (32556 and 39789).     

丙氨酸转氨酶和天冬氨酸转氨酶是反映HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎肝组织炎性分级的敏感指标

目的 分析HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)自然病程中血清ALT和AST水平,以及由相同肝实质细胞体积分摊的血清ALT和AST水平与肝组织炎症活动度分级的关系.方法 检测HBeAg阴性CHB患者肝组织病理学不同炎症活动度分级患者血清ALT和AST水平,以及相同肝实质细胞体积分摊的血清ALT和AST水平.数据经ANOVA检验.结果 145例CHB肝组织炎症活动度分级G1～G4级患者血清ALT水平分别为(35.3±29.1)、(91.6±120.4)、(111.6±116.1)和(118.0±122.1)U/L,用相同肝脏实质细胞体积分摊后的血清ALT水平分别为(54.0±45.1)、(144.2±184.9)、(191.3±204.8)和(215.1±226.5)U/L,G1级分别与G2～G4两两比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);G1～G4的AST水平分别为(35.5±29.0)、(64.9±71.7)、(96.0±81.9)和(102.8±77.0)U/L,相同肝脏实质细胞体积分摊后的血清AST水平分别为(54.3±44.6)、(102.3±107.9)、(165.2±148.7)和(189.4±145.4)U/L,G1与G3、G1与G4、G2与G3、G2与G4比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 HBeAg阴性CHB自然病程中,ALT和AST均是反映肝组织炎症活动度分级严重性的较为敏感的指标.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)or aspartate aminotransferase (AST)apportioned by the same hepatic parenchyma cell volume and liver histological necroinflammation grades in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB)patients.Methods A total of 145 CHB patients were divided into four groups:Gl,G2,G3 and G4 based on the liver histological necroinflammation grade.The serum ALT and AST levels were determined by automatic biochemical instrument in these four groups.Furthermore,serum ALT and AST levels were then apportioned by the same hepatic parenchyma cell volume.The data were analyzed by ANOVA.Results Mean serum ALT levels in G1,G2,G3 and G4 groups were (35.3±29.1),(91.6±120.4),(111.6± 116.1)and (118.0±122.1)U/L,respectively,and the serum ALT levels apportioned by same hepatic parenchyma cell volume were ( 54.0 ± 45.1 ),( 144.2 ± 184.9 ),(191.3± 204.8)and (215.1 ± 226.5)U/L,respectively.The pairwise comparison between G1 and other three groups all showed statistically significant difference (P＜0.05).Meanwhile,AST levels in G1 to G4 groups were (35.5± 29.0),(64.9±71.7),(96.0±81.9)and (102.8±77.0)U/L,respectively and the serum AST levels apportioned by the same hepatic parenchyma cell volume were (54.3±44.6),(102.3± 107.9),(165.2±148.7)and (189.4±145.4)U/L,respectively.The pairwise comparison between G1 and G3,G1 and G4,G2 and G3,G2 and G4 all showed statistically significant difference (P＜0.05).Conclusion Both AST and ALT levels are sensitive indicators for liver inflammation grading in HBeAg-negative CHB patients during the natural history of the disease.     

Serum vitamin D_3 does not correlate with liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C

AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D3 levels and liver fibrosis or inflammation in treatment-naive Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C(CHC).METHODS: From July 2010 to June 2011, we enrolled 122 CHC patients and 11 healthy controls from Dingxicity, Gansu Province, China. The patients were infected with Hepatitis C virus(HCV) during blood cell retransfusion following plasma donation in 1992-1995, and had never received antiviral treatment. At present, all the patients except two underwent liver biopsy with ultrasound guidance. The Scheuer Scoring System was used to evaluate hepatic inflammation and the Metavir Scoring System was used to evaluate hepatic fibrosis. Twelve-hour overnight fasting blood samples were collected in the morning of the day of biopsy. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, cholineste rase, prothrom binactivity, albumin, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, hemoglobin, calcium and phosphorus were determined. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.R E S U LT S : Serumlevels of 2 5(OH) D3 but not 24,25(OH)2D3 were significantly lower in CHC patients than in control subjects. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels did not correlate with liver fibrosis, inflammation, patient age, or levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, prothrombin activity, cholinesterase or HCV RNA. However, serum 25(OH)D3 levels did correlate with serum 24,25(OH)2D3 levels. Serum 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 levels, and the 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratio, have no difference among the fibrosis stages or inflammation grades.CONCLUSION: We found that serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and its degradation metabolite 24,25(OH)2D3 did not correlate with liver fibrosis in treatment-naive Chinese patient with CHC.     

系统性红斑狼疮患者磷脂酶C-γ1与磷脂酶C-γ2表达的研究

目的 探讨系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)中磷脂酶C-γ1、磷脂酶C -γ2的表达水平及其与SLE疾病活动性的相关性.方法 运用半定量聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法,检测30例SLE患者与25名健康对照人的磷脂酶C-γ1与磷脂酶C-γ2 mRNA表达水平,并采用Pearson相关性检验分析它们与补体C3、C4、抗双链DNA (dsDNA)抗体及SLE疾病活动指数(SLEDAI)积分的相关性.结果 ①SLE组与健康对照组相比,磷脂酶C-γ1与磷脂酶C-γ2 mRNA表达显著增高(分别为P＜0.01);②磷脂酶C-γ1与磷脂酶C-γ2 mRNA表达水平之间呈正相关(r=0.726,P＜0.01);③SLE组磷脂酶C-γ1 mRNA表达水平与补体C3、C4、抗dsDNA抗体均无相关性,而与SLEDAI积分呈正相关(r=0.002,P＜0.05).磷脂酶C-γ2与补体C3、C4呈显著负相关(r=-0.914,P＜0.01;r=-0.829,P＜0.05),与抗dsDNA抗体正相关(r=0.171,P＜0.05),与SLEDAI积分相关性不明显.结论 本研究发现SLE患者磷脂酶C-γ1与磷脂酶C-γ2的表达水平在SLE患者中增高,磷脂酶C-γ1与SLEDAI积分呈正相关,磷脂酶C-γ2与补体C3、C4呈负相关,与抗dsDNA抗体正相关,可能对SLE患者的诊断和病情评估有较大价值.     

Lower levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate are associated with more advanced liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C

Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus induces liver fibrosis, but it is unknown why some patients progress to advanced fibrosis while others remain with mild disease. Recently, an inverse association between serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S) and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was described, and it was postulated that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has antifibrotic effects. Our aim was to compare serum DHEA‐S levels with liver fibrosis in hepatitis C patients. We collected serum samples from hepatitis C patients at the same day they underwent a liver biopsy. S‐DHEA was compared to different stages of fibrosis. Binary logistic regression models were applied to evaluate independent variables associated to fibrosis. We included 287 patients (43.9% male). According to fibrosis stages 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, median serum DHEA‐S levels were 103 (26‐462), 73 (5‐391), 46 (4‐425), 35 (6‐292) and 28 (2‐115) μg/dL, respectively (P < .001). Median serum DHEA‐S levels were 74 (5‐462) vs 36 (2‐425) μg/dL for mild (F0‐1) vs significant (F2‐4) fibrosis, respectively (P < .001). Median serum DHEA‐S levels were 64 (4‐462) vs 31 (2‐292) μg/dL for non advanced (F0‐2) vs advanced fibrosis (F3‐4), respectively (P < .001). The same association was found when the subgroup of HCV patients with and without steatosis or steatohepatitis was analysed. The association between lower DHEA‐S levels and advanced fibrosis was independent of age, gender, diabetes mellitus, obesity and steatosis. Lower circulating DHEA‐S levels are associated with more advanced stages of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C patients.     

Immunological variables and acute-phase reactants in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's syndrome) and their relatives

Summary Serum and EDTA blood from 120 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's syndrome) and serum from 138 first-degree relatives of patients and from 42 adult blood donors were investigated. Increased serum concentrations of IgA and IgG and complement factors C3 and C4 were found in total groups of HLA B27-positive male or female patients compared with controls or relatives. The men had higher serum concentration of IgA and complement factors than the women, whereas IgM concentration was higher in the women. These patterns were found in controls, in relatives and in patients. Increased concentrations of IgA and of C4 were characteristic of all patients whereas IgG and IgM and C3 concentrations were likewise elevated in patients with peripheral joint arthritis/arthropathy. Increased levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were associated with peripheral joint arthritis and were strongly correlated with IgG or CRP concentrations in serum. Total haemolytic complement activity in serum was negatively correlated with concentrations of CIC or CRP indicating complement activation in patients with such complexes. No differences in serum concentrations of Ig or complement factor concentrations were seen between HLA B27-positive and negative relatives with normal sacro-iliac joints or between relatives and controls. Strong mutual correlations were seen among IgG, IgM, complement factors, CRP, SAA, sedimentation rate and alpha₂-macroglobulin. When the present findings were combined with our previous results it turned out that AS, and psoriasis with or without arthropathy, and acute anterior uveitis (AAU) in combination with sacro-iliitis, may be described as IgA-related conditions and that increased serum C4 was related to sacro-iliitis in all these disorders.     

Comparison of serological markers between ACPA<Superscript>+</Superscript> and ACPA<Superscript>−</Superscript> of RA patients

Anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA) have recently emerged as sensitive and specific serological markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), providing superior alternative of the rheumatoid factor (RF) test in the laboratory diagnostics of RA. We compare the change of serum RF, CRP, IgG, IgM, IgA, total complement, C3 and C4. The sera sample was collected from 123 patients with RA. ACPA were detected with ELISA, and RF, CRP and total complement (Ct), C3 and C4 were examined by automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum RF and total complement concentrations were significantly higher in ACPA+ than in ACPA−, but there were no correlation between ACPA and RF and Ct. Between ACPA+ and ACPA−, there were no significant difference of CRP, IgG, IgM, IgA, total complement, C3 and C4. While there were significant correlation between the concentration of C3 and IgM and ACPA in ACPA+. Conclusion: This is the first study to show that ACPA concentration in ACPA+ patients with RA is positively related to serum IgM and C3 levels.     

Differential contributions of C3, C5, and decay-accelerating factor to ethanol-induced fatty liver in mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The complement pathway is an important component of the innate and adaptive immune response. Here we tested the hypothesis that activation of complement is required for development of ethanol-induced fatty liver. METHODS: Wild-type mice and mice lacking the third (C3) or fifth (C5) components of the complement activation pathway, as well as mice lacking decay-accelerating factor (CD55/DAF), a complement regulatory protein, were fed Lieber-DeCarli ethanol-containing diets for 6 weeks or pair-fed control diets. RESULTS: Ethanol feeding to wild-type mice increased C3a in plasma. Wild-type and C5-/- mice fed the ethanol diet developed hepatic steatosis characterized by microvesicular and macrovesicular lipid accumulation and increased triglyceride content. C3-/- mice did not develop steatosis, while CD55/DAF-/- mice accumulated even more hepatic triglyceride after ethanol feeding than wild-type mice. Levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha, indicators of hepatocyte injury and inflammation, respectively, were increased in wild-type and CD55/DAF-/- mice but not in C5-/- mice after ethanol feeding. In contrast to the protective effect of C3-/- against ethanol-induced steatosis, levels of both alanine aminotransferase and tumor necrosis factor alpha were increased in C3-/- mice after ethanol feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Here we have identified several elements of the complement system as important contributors to ethanol-induced fatty liver. C3 contributed primarily to the accumulation of triglyceride in the liver, whereas C5 was involved in inflammation and injury to hepatocytes. Further, the absence of CD55/DAF exacerbated these responses, suggesting that CD55/DAF serves as a barrier to ethanol-induced fatty liver.     

Complement levels in patients with hepatic dysfunction

Total hemolytic complement activity and serum complement protein concentrations were compared in 17 hospitalized patients with normal hepatic function and 16 patients with liver disease due to alcohol (15 patients) or acetaminophen toxicity (one patient). In contrast to the control patients, individuals with hepatic dysfunction had decreased total CH₅₀ levels and low concentrations of total C3, C4, C5, factor B, and the regulatory proteins factor I and beta-1H. These patients also had increased C4d/C4 ratios, indicating classical pathway activation. The level of complement deficiency appears to correlate with either prolongation of the prothrombin time or depression of serum albumin concentration. These results indicate that patients with hepatic disease have severe complement depletion that is probably multifactorial in origin. This impairment in complement function will contribute to the impaired antibacterial host defense of the patient with chronic hepatic disease.This research was supported in part by the Veterans Administration Research Service. Dr. Ellison has a Research Associate career development award from the Veterans Administration.