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Published on: June 8, 2022
Complement cascade in systemic lupus erythematosus: analyses of the three activation pathways
Angela Ceribelli1, Laura Andreoli, Ilaria Cavazzana
1Microbiology Institute, Ospedale San Carlo Borromeo, Milan, Italy. dott.ceribelli@libero.it
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|September 18, 2009
Summary
Complement (C") reduction correlates with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study found a significant link between classical pathway (CP) activation and lupus activity, suggesting C
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The complement cascade is crucial for innate immunity, involving classical (CP), alternative (AP), and mannose-binding lectin (MP) pathways.
- Complement reduction is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), contributing to pathogenesis and disease relapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate complement (C') variations with SLE disease activity.
- To investigate complement deficiencies in SLE patients.
- To assess the utility of ELISA assays for SLE complement testing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 52 serum samples from 20 SLE patients.
- Testing of all three complement pathways (CP, AP, MP).
- Correlation analysis using ECLAM score and anti-dsDNA antibodies.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between the ECLAM score and classical pathway (CP) activation (P = 0.001).
- Correlation with anti-dsDNA antibodies did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05).
- A significant association between lupus activity phases and CP reduction was detected.
Conclusions:
- The ELISA assay is suitable for testing complement levels in SLE samples.
- Complement (C') reduction, particularly of the classical pathway (CP), is significantly linked to SLE disease activity.
- Monitoring complement levels can aid in managing SLE flares.
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