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Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
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Increased level of the complement C3 protein in endogenous hypertriglyceridemia

G Uza, A Cristea, M P Cucuianu

    Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Immunology
    |June 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Complement C3 protein and total complement activity (CH50) were decreased in liver cirrhosis and increased in hyperlipoproteinemia. C3 levels correlated with cholesterol and triglycerides, suggesting liver involvement in complement regulation.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Immunology
    • Clinical Chemistry

    Background:

    • Complement C3 protein and total complement activity (CH50) are crucial components of the immune system.
    • Alterations in complement levels are observed in various metabolic and liver diseases.
    • Hyperlipoproteinemia involves abnormal lipid metabolism, potentially affecting liver function and protein synthesis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the levels of complement C3 protein and total complement activity (CH50) in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and hyperlipoproteinemia (types IIb and IV).
    • To explore the correlations between C3 protein levels and other biochemical parameters, including lipids, pseudocholinesterase, and total complement activity.
    • To understand the potential relationship between accelerated lipoprotein turnover and the synthesis of liver-produced proteins like C3.

    Main Methods:

    • Comparative analysis of complement C3 protein and CH50 levels between control subjects, patients with liver cirrhosis, and individuals with hyperlipoproteinemia.
    • Statistical correlation analysis to determine relationships between C3 protein levels and serum cholesterol, triglyceride concentration, pseudocholinesterase, and CH50.
    • Comparison of C3 protein levels in hyperlipidemic subjects with and without clinical atherosclerosis.

    Main Results:

    • Complement C3 protein and CH50 were significantly decreased in decompensated liver cirrhosis.
    • C3 protein and CH50 were slightly but significantly increased in type IIb and type IV hyperlipoproteinemia.
    • C3 protein levels showed positive correlations with serum cholesterol, logarithm of serum triglyceride, serum pseudocholinesterase, and CH50.
    • No significant difference in C3 protein levels was found between hyperlipidemic subjects with or without clinical atherosclerosis.

    Conclusions:

    • Decompensated liver cirrhosis is associated with reduced complement C3 and CH50 levels.
    • Hyperlipoproteinemia (types IIb and IV) is linked to elevated C3 protein levels.
    • Accelerated lipoprotein turnover in hyperlipoproteinemia may stimulate the liver to increase the synthesis of plasma proteins, including complement C3.

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