Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Measuring the 50% Haemolytic Complement (CH50) Activity of Serum
08:26

Measuring the 50% Haemolytic Complement (CH50) Activity of Serum

Published on: March 29, 2010

The serum concentration of the third component of complement beta-1C-beta-1A in liver disease

R A Fox, F J Dudley, S Sherlock

    Gut
    |July 1, 1971
    PubMed

    Insights

    Serum complement C3 levels were significantly reduced in patients with acute hepatitis and massive necrosis. Chronic liver disease patients generally showed normal C3, but some with active hepatitis or cirrhosis had low levels.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Hepatology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Serum complement component 3 (C3) plays a crucial role in immune responses.
    • Previous studies have established normal ranges for serum C3 in healthy individuals.
    • Alterations in C3 levels may indicate underlying pathological conditions, particularly in liver diseases.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate serum C3 concentrations in patients with acute hepatitis and chronic liver disease.
    • To determine if C3 levels correlate with the severity and type of liver pathology.
    • To explore potential reasons for observed C3 level changes in liver disease patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Quantitative measurement of serum C3 levels using established laboratory assays.
    • Comparison of C3 levels between normal individuals and patient cohorts.
    • Categorization of liver disease patients into acute hepatitis (with and without massive necrosis) and chronic liver disease groups.

    Main Results:

    • Serum C3 levels in normal individuals ranged from 85-370 mg/100 ml.
    • Patients with acute hepatitis and massive necrosis exhibited consistently reduced C3 levels (below 50% of normal).
    • Most patients with chronic liver disease had normal C3 levels, but hypocomplementaemia was observed in 10 patients (active chronic hepatitis and cryptogenic cirrhosis).

    Conclusions:

    • Significantly reduced serum C3 is a marker for acute hepatitis with massive necrosis.
    • While generally normal in chronic liver disease, C3 depression can occur in specific subgroups like active chronic hepatitis and cryptogenic cirrhosis.
    • The cause of C3 depression in these patients may involve decreased synthesis, increased consumption, or a combination of factors.

    More Related Videos

    In vivo Liver Endocytosis Followed by Purification of Liver Cells by Liver Perfusion12:35

    In vivo Liver Endocytosis Followed by Purification of Liver Cells by Liver Perfusion

    Published on: November 10, 2011

    Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells06:29

    Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells

    Published on: January 29, 2014

    Related Concept Videos

    Liver Physiology01:30

    Liver Physiology

    The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
    Metabolic Regulation:
    The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of  70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can also...
    Complement System01:27

    Complement System

    The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a membrane...
    Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

    Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

    Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
    Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug01:14

    Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug

    In pharmacotherapy, monitoring drug concentrations is paramount, especially for drugs whose therapeutic effects hinge on both the active compound and its metabolite. Hepatic impairment profoundly influences drug potency by altering liver function. If the drug is more potent than its metabolite, impaired liver function amplifies drug activity due to elevated drug concentration levels. Conversely, if the metabolite holds greater potency, diminished liver function diminishes drug activity by...
    Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

    Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

    In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
    Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

    Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

    Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
    Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
    Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...