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Plasma C1 inhibitor in malignant diseases: functional activity versus concentration
D Starcević1, Z Jelić-Ivanović, V Kalimanovska
1Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Clinical Centre, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Plasma C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) levels are elevated in cancer patients, but its specific activity is reduced, suggesting partial inactivation in malignant diseases. This indicates a functional impairment of C1-INH despite increased concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Plasma C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) plays a crucial role in regulating the complement system.
- Alterations in C1-INH levels and function may be associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma C1-INH antigen concentration and functional activity in patients with malignant diseases.
- To assess the relationship between C1-INH levels, function, and disease status.
Main Methods:
- Quantified C1-INH antigen concentration using radial immunodiffusion (RID).
- Assayed C1-INH functional activity via chromogenic substrate methods.
- Compared measurements between 64 cancer patients and 58 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher plasma C1-INH antigen concentrations and functional activities were observed in cancer patients compared to controls.
- A strong correlation (r = 0.914) was found between C1-INH activity and antigen concentration in patients, indicating synthesized C1-INH was functional.
- The specific activity of C1-INH (function/antigen ratio) was significantly lower in patients, inversely proportional to antigen concentration, suggesting partial inactivation.
Conclusions:
- Malignant diseases are associated with increased plasma C1-INH antigen and activity.
- Despite elevated levels, C1-INH exhibits partial inactivation in cancer patients.
- The findings suggest a complex dysregulation of C1-INH in the context of malignancy.