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Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
Published on: January 29, 2014
Complement profile and activation mechanisms by different LDL apheresis systems
Anders Hovland1, Randolf Hardersen, Erik Waage Nielsen
1Coronary Care Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway. anders.w.hovland@gmail.com
Acta Biomaterialia
|March 1, 2012
Summary
Selective LDL apheresis for familial hypercholesterolemia impacts the complement system differently based on column type. Plasma systems activate complement, while whole blood adsorption is inert, affecting complement activation products.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) often requires low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis when uncontrolled.
- Blood-biomaterial interactions during apheresis can affect non-LDL components, notably the complement system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different LDL apheresis column types modulate the complement system.
- To compare complement activation and adsorption patterns across whole blood adsorption, plasma adsorption, and plasma filtration systems.
Main Methods:
- An ex vivo model using human whole blood passed through three distinct LDL apheresis column types.
- Measurement of complement activation products, including terminal complement complex (TCC), C1rs-C1inh, C4d, Bb, C3a, and C5a.
Main Results:
- Whole blood adsorption systems showed no complement activation (inert), unlike plasma systems which generated significant terminal complement complex (TCC).
- Both plasma systems activated the classical pathway (C1rs-C1inh, C4d), with plasma adsorption showing pronounced alternative pathway activation (Bb).
- Anaphylatoxins (C3a, C5a) were generated equally by plasma systems, but efficiently adsorbed by the plasma adsorption column, unlike the filtration system.
Conclusions:
- The composition of LDL apheresis devices significantly influences complement system modulation.
- Plasma adsorption and filtration systems activate complement, whereas whole blood adsorption does not.
- Differential adsorption of anaphylatoxins by plasma adsorption columns impacts their availability post-treatment.
