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Is the central complement component C3 altered in the synergy of HIV infection and preeclampsia?
Mikyle David1, Shoohana Singh1, Thajasvarie Naicker1
1Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Insights
Complement component 3 (C3) is elevated in HIV-associated preeclampsia, particularly in HIV-positive preeclamptic individuals compared to HIV-negative counterparts. This suggests C3 dysregulation may play a role in HIV-associated preeclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Complement activation is implicated in preeclampsia and HIV infection.
- Understanding complement component 3 (C3) in HIV-associated preeclampsia is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plasma C3 concentrations in HIV-associated preeclampsia.
- To compare C3 levels between normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies, stratified by HIV status.
Main Methods:
- A study population of 76 participants was stratified by pregnancy type and HIV status.
- Plasma C3 concentration was measured using a Bioplex immunoassay.
Main Results:
- C3 concentration was significantly higher in HIV-negative versus HIV-positive groups, irrespective of pregnancy type.
- C3 levels were similar between normotensive and preeclamptic groups when HIV status was disregarded.
- HIV-positive preeclamptic individuals showed significantly increased C3 compared to HIV-negative preeclamptic individuals.
Conclusions:
- C3 is upregulated in HIV-associated preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancies.
- HIV infection may dysregulate C3 expression, potentially due to antiretroviral therapy.
Objective:
In light of complement activation in preeclampsia and HIV infection, this study evaluates the concentration of complement component 3 (C3) in HIV-associated preeclampsia.
Method:
The study population (n = 76) was equally stratified by pregnancy type (normotensive pregnant and preeclampsia) and by HIV status (HIV positive and HIV negative). The plasma concentration of C3 was determined using a Bioplex immunoassay procedure.
Results:
We report a significant increase in C3 concentration in the HIV-negative versus the HIV-positive groups (p < 0.05), regardless of pregnancy type. However, based on pregnancy type and irrespective of HIV status, C3 concentration was similar between normotensive versus preeclampsia. Concentration of C3 was significantly increased in the HIV-positive preeclamptic compared HIV-negative preeclamptic groups (p = 0.04). The correlation of C3 with all study groups was non-significant.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that C3 was upregulated in HIV-associated PE compared to HIV- associated normotensive pregnancies. The dysregulation of C3 expression by HIV infection may be attributed to antiretroviral therapy.
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