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Serum complement components in patients with trachoma
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1985
Insights
Complement component levels, specifically C1q and C3, were significantly low in trachoma stages II and III. These levels normalized after successful medical treatment, indicating their role in disease resolution.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness.
- The complement system plays a crucial role in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between complement component levels and trachoma.
- To assess changes in complement levels during disease progression and resolution.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of C1q, C3, C4, and C5 were quantified.
- Measurements were taken in 56 healthy individuals and 98 patients with trachoma across different stages.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced serum C1q and C3 levels were observed in stages II and III of trachoma.
- Serum C4 and C5 levels remained unchanged throughout all stages.
- C1q and C3 levels normalized upon successful treatment and disease resolution.
Conclusions:
- C1q and C3 complement components are implicated in the immunopathology of trachoma.
- Monitoring C1q and C3 levels may offer insights into disease activity and treatment response.
Abstract:
Serum C1q, C3, C4, and C5 components of complement levels were measured in 56 healthy subjects and 98 patients with trachoma. Serum C1q and C3 levels were found to be significantly low in stages II and III. There was no change in serum C4 and C5 levels in any of the stages. The levels of C1q and C3 complement components in serum in stages II and III returned to normal as the disease resolved following the medical treatment.