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Activation of the complement system in systemic sclerosis. Relationship to clinical severity
G Senaldi1, S Lupoli, D Vergani
1Department of Immunology, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Complement activation is elevated in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, correlating with disease severity. Measuring complement fragments like C3d and Ba may help monitor this autoimmune condition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease.
- The role of complement system activation in SSc pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate complement pathway activation in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and limited cutaneous SSc.
- To determine if complement activation correlates with clinical severity in SSc.
Main Methods:
- Newly developed techniques were employed.
- Plasma levels of complement fragments C3d, C4d, and Ba were measured.
- Measurements were taken in SSc patients and matched controls.
Main Results:
- All measured complement fragments and ratios were significantly higher in SSc patients compared to controls.
- Elevated levels of C3d, C3d:C3, Ba, and Ba:factor B were observed in diffuse cutaneous SSc.
- Increased levels of C3d, C3d:C3, C4d, and C4d:C4 were found in limited cutaneous SSc.
Conclusions:
- Complement activation is a feature of systemic sclerosis.
- The extent of complement activation correlates with the clinical severity of SSc.
- Complement activation may play a pathogenetic role and serve as a disease monitoring marker.