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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

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Published on: June 15, 2019
The role of complement components C1q, MBL and C1 inhibitor in pathogenesis of endometriosis
Justyna Sikora1, Agnieszka Wróblewska-Czech2, Marta Smycz-Kubańska3
1Department of Immunology and Serology, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Medical Analytics in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jedności 8, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland. sikoraj@poczta.onet.pl.
Insights
Endometriosis is linked to higher levels of complement system proteins C1q, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and C1 inhibitor (C1INH) in peritoneal fluid. These elevated levels may impair the clearance of ectopic endometrial cells and increase inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Complement System Biology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a complex gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
- The pathogenesis of endometriosis involves inflammation, immune dysregulation, and potential issues with the clearance of shed endometrial cells.
- The complement system, a crucial part of innate immunity, plays a role in inflammation and cellular homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between complement components C1q, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and C1 inhibitor (C1INH) and the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
- To determine if altered levels of these complement proteins in peritoneal fluid correlate with the presence or stage of endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify concentrations of C1q, MBL, and C1INH.
- Peritoneal fluid samples were collected from 80 women, including those with and without endometriosis.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare protein levels between groups and disease stages.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated levels of C1q, MBL, and C1INH were detected in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
- Higher concentrations of these complement components were observed in women with early-stage endometriosis compared to those with advanced disease (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest dysregulation of the classical and lectin pathways of the complement system in the peritoneal cavity of endometriosis patients.
- These abnormalities may contribute to impaired clearance of ectopic endometrial cells and enhanced local inflammation, key features of endometriosis pathogenesis.
Purpose:
The purpose of the work was to evaluate possible associations between the complement components C1q, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and C1 inhibitor (C1INH) with pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Methods:
Concentrations of C1q, MBL and C1INH were measured by ELISA in peritoneal fluid (PF) in 80 women with or without endometriosis.
Results:
Significantly higher PF levels of C1q, MBL and C1INH in women with endometriosis compared to control group were observed (p < 0.0001). A higher concentration of the studied parameter was found in PF of women at the early stage of the disease, as compared to women with advanced endometriosis (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
Our research suggests that in the peritoneal cavity in women with endometriosis there are abnormal regulations of both the classical and lectin pathways of the complement system. This can suggest impairments in purification of peritoneal cavity from ectopic endometrial cells and augmented local inflammation in endometriosis patients.
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