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Plasma terminal complement complexes in acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
D G Matsell1, S Roy, J D Tamerius
1Division of Nephrology, LeBonheur Children's Medical Center, Memphis, TN.
Summary
Terminal complement complexes (TCC) are elevated in acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). SC5b-9 levels correlated with disease severity and improved as kidney function recovered, suggesting TCC
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) involves complement system activation.
- Decreased complement proteins (C3, C5, properdin) are observed in APSGN.
- Terminal complement complexes (TCC) are implicated in glomerular injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SC5b-9, a marker of TCC formation, in APSGN pathogenesis.
- To assess SC5b-9 levels as a potential clinical marker in children with APSGN.
Main Methods:
- Plasma SC5b-9 concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassay in 13 children with APSGN.
- Measurements were taken during the acute phase and compared with convalescent samples.
- Correlations between SC5b-9 levels and clinical markers of kidney function were analyzed.
Main Results:
- SC5b-9 was significantly elevated in all acute APSGN plasmas within 30 days of onset.
- Acute SC5b-9 levels were significantly higher than paired convalescent samples.
- Decreasing SC5b-9 concentrations correlated with improved serum creatinine and reduced proteinuria.
Conclusions:
- TCC generation is common in the early stages of APSGN.
- Elevated SC5b-9 levels may indicate active glomerular injury in APSGN.
- SC5b-9 serves as a potential biomarker for monitoring APSGN activity and recovery.