Serum complement C1q level is associated with acute coronary syndrome

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The complement system is implicated in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) development.
• Complement C1q, a key component of the classical complement pathway, is linked to atherosclerosis (AS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum complement C1q levels and the severity of coronary stenosis in patients undergoing coronary arteriography.

Main Methods:

• 320 patients were stratified into non-ACS, unstable angina (UA), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) groups.
• Coronary stenosis severity was assessed using Gensini score.
• Serum C1q levels were measured using immune transmission turbidity.

Main Results:

• Serum C1q levels were significantly lower in the AMI group compared to control and UA groups.
• A negative correlation between serum C1q and Gensini score was observed in nitrate-taking patients and non-smokers.
• Lower serum C1q was an unfavorable factor for AMI and ACS in drinking patients, though diagnostic accuracy was low.

Conclusions:

• Lower serum C1q levels in ACS, particularly AMI patients, may contribute to atherosclerotic plaque instability.
• Serum C1q, when combined with other indicators, could aid in predicting coronary stenosis risk and severity.