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Updated: May 15, 2026
Characterization of Immune Cells in Human Adipose Tissue by Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: March 6, 2018
Clinical analysis of selected complement-derived molecules in human adipose tissue
Wojciech Błogowski1, Marta Budkowska, Daria Sałata
1Department of Gastroenterology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland. drannab@wp.pl
Background:
It has been suggested that action of complement cascade [CC]-derived anaphylatoxins/molecules may represent a missing link between obesity and metabolic disorders. However, to date, the direct biochemical/immunomodulatory composition of the human AT environment remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined plasma and AT (subcutaneous and visceral/omental) levels of selected CC-derived anaphylatoxins/molecules, and adipsin as well as verified their associations with immune and stem cells chemoattractant - stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1).
Methods:
A total of 70 (35 subcutaneous and 35 omental) AT samples were obtained from patients undergoing elective surgery. Plasma and AT-derived interstitial fluid levels of C3a, C5a, C5b-9/membrane attack complex (MAC), complement factor D (adipsin) were measured using ELISA.
Results:
AT levels of all examined substances were significantly lower than the corresponding levels in the plasma (in all cases P < 0.0000001). Moreover, in subcutaneous AT, robust C3a and adipsin concentrations were observed, whereas high levels of C5b-9/MAC were detected in the visceral depots. In addition, we established the correlations between analyzed molecular substances and body composition, BMI and/or the adiposity index of the examined patients.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated for the first time that significantly reduced levels of complement-derived molecules were present in human AT than in the peripheral blood, and that these factors are associated with the metabolic status of examined individuals. Moreover, in human AT, various associations between complement-derived molecules and SDF-1 levels exist.
Insights
Complement cascade molecules are less abundant in human adipose tissue than in blood and link to metabolic health. These findings shed light on obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolic Research
- Adipose Tissue Biology
Background:
- The complement cascade (CC) and its anaphylatoxins are implicated in obesity and metabolic disorders.
- The biochemical and immunomodulatory profile of human adipose tissue (AT) in this context is not well understood.
- This study investigates CC-derived molecules and adipsin in human AT and their relationship with stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1).
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify levels of CC-derived anaphylatoxins/molecules and adipsin in human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue.
- To compare these levels with those found in plasma.
- To explore associations between these molecules, body composition, and metabolic status.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 70 adipose tissue samples (35 subcutaneous, 35 omental) from patients undergoing surgery.
- Measurement of C3a, C5a, C5b-9/membrane attack complex (MAC), and adipsin in plasma and AT interstitial fluid using ELISA.
- Correlation analysis with body composition, BMI, and adiposity index.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower levels of all examined CC-derived molecules and adipsin were found in AT compared to plasma (P < 0.0000001).
- Subcutaneous AT showed high concentrations of C3a and adipsin.
- Visceral AT depots exhibited high levels of C5b-9/MAC.
- Correlations were observed between these molecules and patient body composition metrics.
Conclusions:
- Human adipose tissue contains significantly lower levels of complement-derived molecules than peripheral blood.
- These complement factors are associated with the metabolic status of individuals.
- Specific associations exist between complement-derived molecules and SDF-1 levels within human AT.
