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Complement activation in atherosclerosis: effect of angiography and surgery
A Kalos1, A Germenis, P Prountzos
1Department of Pathologic Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Athens, Greece.
Summary
Severe atherosclerosis does not activate complement system. However, angiography and reconstructive arterial surgery (RAS) significantly activate complement, with higher post-operative C3 breakdown products in atherosclerosis patients due to dacron prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Surgical Science
Background:
- Systemic complement activation is implicated in various inflammatory conditions.
- The role of complement in atherosclerosis and its management remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate complement activation in patients with severe atherosclerosis.
- To assess the impact of angiography and reconstructive arterial surgery (RAS) on complement activation.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from patients with severe atherosclerosis and controls were analyzed.
- Complement activation was assessed by measuring C3 breakdown products.
- The effects of angiography and RAS were evaluated pre- and post-operatively.
Main Results:
- Atherosclerosis alone was not associated with systemic complement activation.
- Angiography led to elevated C3 breakdown products.
- RAS induced significant systemic complement activation in both patient and control groups.
- Post-operative C3 breakdown products were higher in atherosclerosis patients compared to controls, likely due to dacron arterial prostheses.
Conclusions:
- Systemic complement activation is not a feature of severe atherosclerosis itself.
- Angiography and RAS are triggers for complement activation.
- Dacron arterial prostheses may exacerbate complement activation post-surgery in atherosclerosis patients.