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Circulating immune complexes in healthy persons
Insights
Circulating immune complexes (CIC) are common in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Detecting CIC with complement activation products (C4 and C3 A.P.) and considering seasonal variations may improve diagnostic significance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Circulating immune complexes (CIC) are implicated in various autoimmune diseases.
- Assessing CIC and complement activation products (C4 and C3 A.P.) can offer insights into immune system activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of CIC and C4/C3 A.P. in different populations.
- To explore the relationship between CIC, C4/C3 A.P., rheumatoid arthritis, and seasonal factors.
Main Methods:
- Sera from blood donors, hospital staff, and rheumatoid arthritis patients were analyzed.
- Circulating immune complexes (CIC) were detected using complement consumption and PEG precipitation tests.
- C4 and C3 activation products (C4 and C3 A.P.) were measured via crossed immunoelectrophoresis.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in CIC prevalence was observed between healthy controls (blood donors and staff).
- A higher incidence of CIC was noted in hospital staff during winter months.
- CIC were detected in 86% of rheumatoid arthritis patients, with significantly more C4/C3 A.P. present in CIC-positive sera.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous detection of CIC and C4/C3 A.P. may enhance diagnostic utility.
- Seasonal variations and complement activation products are important considerations when interpreting CIC test results.
Abstract:
The prevalence of circulating immune complexes (CIC) and C4 and C3 activation products (C4 and C3 A.P.) was investigated in sera from 106 blood donors, 100 hospital staff-members, 63 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and active synovitis, and in 25 hospital staff-members who had monthly tests performed during one year. CIC were detected by means of a complement consumption test and a polyethylene glycol precipitation test. C4 and C3 A.P. were demonstrated by means of crossed immunoelectrophoresis. No significant differences in the prevalence of CIC were found between blood donors and hospital staff-members (3 and 9%, respectively) and no age and sex differences were observed. In the longitudinal study of hospital staff-members, a significantly increased incidence of CIC was found during the winter months. CIC were found in 86% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis. C4 and C3 A.P. were found significantly more often in sera with than without CIC. The significance of CIC detection may be increased by the simultaneous demonstration of C4 and C3 A.P. and by making allowance for seasonal variations.