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The third component of the complement (C3) is a marker of the risk of atherogenesis

Vincenzo Capuano1, Teodora D'Arminio, Giuseppe La Sala

  • 1Unità Operativa di Cardiologia ed UTIC - Ospedale Amico G. Fucito Mercato San Severino (SA), Genova, Italy. capuanov@tiscalinet.it

European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation : Official Journal of the European Society of Cardiology, Working Groups on Epidemiology & Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology
|July 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

High levels of the third component of complement (C3) are linked to increased coronary heart disease risk factors. This finding suggests C3 may indicate a predisposition to atherogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Identifying novel risk factors for CHD is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
  • The complement system, particularly C3, plays a role in inflammatory processes implicated in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum C3 concentrations and established CHD risk factors.
  • To determine if C3 is an independent predictor of CHD risk.
  • To explore the relationship between C3 and metabolic and hemostatic parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 1200 individuals (600 men, 600 women) aged 25-74 years.
  • Serum C3 levels were measured and correlated with various risk factors.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to assess significant associations and independent correlations.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive correlation was observed between serum C3 and body mass index (BMI) and fibrinogen.
  • Independent correlations were found between C3 and platelet count, insulin levels, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
  • An inverse correlation was noted between C3 levels and cigarette smoking.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum C3 concentration is associated with a cluster of CHD risk factors.
  • High C3 levels may serve as a marker for an atherogenic risk profile.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal role of C3 in atherogenesis.
Abstract

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