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Complement factor C5a in acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
M M Marc1, S S Kristan, A Rozman
1University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Golnik, Slovenia. mateja.marc@klinika-golnik.si
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|May 27, 2010
Summary
Complement component C5a is elevated in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients, increasing locally during exacerbations. This suggests C5a plays a key role in COPD pathogenesis and progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Inflammation
Background:
- Complement component C5a (C5a) is a potent inflammatory peptide implicated in disease pathogenesis.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves chronic inflammation in the airways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of C5a and C3a in the pathogenesis of COPD.
- To compare C5a and C3a levels in stable COPD, during exacerbations, and in healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of induced sputum and plasma from 28 stable COPD patients, 12 healthy smokers, and 7 non-smokers.
- Paired samples were collected during acute exacerbations in 13 COPD patients.
- Concentrations of C5a/C5a desArg and C3a/C3a desArg measured using cytometric bead array.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased C5a and C3a in induced sputum of stable COPD patients compared to controls.
- Significant elevation of C5a during COPD exacerbations, independent of C3a levels.
- Airway C5a levels negatively correlated with FEV1% predicted and TLCO.
- Elevated plasma C5a in COPD patients compared to healthy smokers, with no further increase during exacerbations.
- No significant difference in C5a levels between healthy smokers and non-smokers.
Conclusions:
- Local and systemic C5a concentrations are elevated in COPD.
- Local C5a concentrations further increase during acute COPD exacerbations.
- Cigarette smoke does not appear to be related to C5a increase.
- Elevated C5a levels support its importance in COPD pathogenesis and exacerbation.
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