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Measuring the 50% Haemolytic Complement (CH50) Activity of Serum
08:26

Measuring the 50% Haemolytic Complement (CH50) Activity of Serum

Published on: March 29, 2010

Complement levels in patients with hepatic dysfunction

R T Ellison1, C R Horsburgh, J Curd

  • 1Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Denver, Colorado 80220.

Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|February 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Patients with liver disease show significantly reduced complement activity, including key proteins like C3 and C4. This complement depletion likely impairs the body's defense against bacterial infections in these individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hepatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Liver disease can affect various physiological functions, including the immune system's complement cascade.
  • The complement system plays a crucial role in host defense against pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare complement activity and protein levels in patients with and without liver dysfunction.
  • To investigate the relationship between complement levels and indicators of liver disease severity.

Main Methods:

  • Measured total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) and concentrations of specific complement proteins (C3, C4, C5, Factor B, Factor I, beta-1H).
  • Analyzed serum samples from hospitalized patients with normal hepatic function and those with liver disease (alcohol or acetaminophen-induced).
  • Assessed C4d/C4 ratios to indicate classical pathway activation and correlated complement levels with prothrombin time and albumin concentration.

Main Results:

  • Patients with hepatic dysfunction exhibited decreased CH50 levels and lower concentrations of multiple complement proteins compared to controls.
  • Elevated C4d/C4 ratios in patients suggested activation of the classical complement pathway.
  • Complement deficiency severity correlated with prolonged prothrombin time or low serum albumin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatic disease is associated with severe, likely multifactorial, complement depletion.
  • Impaired complement function in liver disease patients contributes to compromised antibacterial host defense.
  • These findings highlight the systemic impact of liver disease on immune function.

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