Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
Published on: January 29, 2014
Complement anaphylatoxin C5a contributes to hemodialysis-associated thrombosis
Ioannis Kourtzelis1, Maciej M Markiewski, Michael Doumas
1First Department of Internal Medicine Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Complement activation during hemodialysis causes tissue factor expression in neutrophils, promoting thrombosis. Inhibiting complement may prevent blood clots in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Thrombosis is a frequent complication in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis.
- Mechanisms underlying hemodialysis-associated thrombosis require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of complement activation in hemodialysis-induced thrombosis.
- To explore the link between complement activation, tissue factor expression, and thrombosis in ESRD patients.
Main Methods:
- Assessed complement activation and its downstream effects in blood from hemodialysis patients.
- Measured tissue factor (TF) expression on neutrophils.
- Evaluated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) induction.
- Investigated the impact of complement inhibition on TF and G-CSF levels.
Main Results:
- Hemodialysis biomaterials trigger complement activation, generating C5a.
- C5a induces functional tissue factor (TF) expression in peripheral blood neutrophils.
- Complement activation contributes to G-CSF induction, implicated in thrombosis.
- Inhibiting complement activation reduced TF expression and G-CSF induction.
Conclusions:
- Complement activation during hemodialysis is a key driver of thrombosis via TF induction.
- The complement system represents a potential therapeutic target for preventing thrombosis in hemodialysis patients.
- Targeting complement may mitigate thrombotic risks in chronic renal failure patients.
Related Concept Videos
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Complement System
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy