OBJECTIVETo investigate the value of serum IgA/C3 ratio in the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy and explore its relationship with the clinicopathological features of the patients.

METHODSSixty-six patients with IgA nephropathy, 111 with other glomerular diseases, and 40 healthy control subjects without kidney disease were tested for serum IgA and C3 levels using CRM470 adjusted standardized immune turbidimetric method, and the IgA/C3 ratio was calculated. According to Oxford and Lee's classification criteria, we analyzed the pathological grades of the renal biopsy samples from patients with IgA nephropathy. The ROC curve was used to assess the value of serum IgA and IgA/C3 ratio in predicting IgA nephropathy.

RESULTSPatients with IgA nephropathy had an elevated serum IgA/C3 ratio than those with other glomerular diseases and the control subjects, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.776. An elevated serum IgA/C3 ratio was not found to significantly correlate with the pathological grade of renal biopsy samples in patients with IgA nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONIn the absence of renal biopsy findings, serum IgA/C3 ratio can help in the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy.

Biopsy ; Case-Control Studies ; Complement C3 ; analysis ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; blood ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; blood ; Kidney ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the performance of BNII auto-analyzer system in detecting C3 and C4.

METHODSCLSI protocols (EP15-A, EP6-A, EP9-A2) and other relevant literatures were use to or evaluate the precision, accuracy, linearity of C3 and C4 detection by the auto-analyzer system, and the results were compared with the recognized standards.

RESULTSThe relative bias of C3 and C4 was less than one third of the CLIA'88 standard and the precision met the clinical requirement. The results tested by DADE BNII system were not compatible with those by Roche Modular System. C3 showed good linearity in the tests (R2>0.975, P<0.05) with a linearity range of 0.18-5.1 g/L. The linearity of C4 was not available because of lack of high-level samples.

CONCLUSIONThe performances of DADE BNII System basically meet the recognized standards in clinical detection of C3 and C4, but the method comparison needs further validation.

Autoanalysis ; methods ; Blood Chemical Analysis ; instrumentation ; methods ; Complement C3 ; analysis ; Complement C4 ; analysis ; Humans ; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry ; instrumentation ; methods ; Proteins ; analysis ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of different types of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in Tibetan patients at high altitude, as to provide reference for correctly identifying high-risk patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was used to analyze the 304 HSP patients admitted to Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital from April 2014 to March 2022. The gender, age, allergic history, family history, clinical type, laboratory indexes (hemoglobin, platelet count, eosinophil, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, complement C3 and C4) were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis to screen for risk factors affecting different types of HSP. RESULTS: Renal HSP patients showed higher IgA [(9.2±1.7) g/L vs. (6.4±2.4) g/L, P=0.015], lower complement C3 [(203.3±21.6) mg/dL vs. (301.1±19.5) mg/dL, P=0.043], and complement C4 [(33.5±2.3) mg/dL vs. (53.0±7.2) mg/dL, P=0.032]. The patients with abdominal HSP showed lower levels of hemoglobin [(119.6±19.6) g/L vs. (146.6±47.3) g/L, P=0.038] and plasma albumin [24.8 (22.1, 33.9) g/L vs. 32.6 (24.6, 35.1) g/L, P=0.045]. The patients with articular HSP exhibited higher CRP [13.5 (0.2, 20.6) g/L vs. 7.5 (0.1, 15.2) g/L, P=0.036] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [24 (5, 40) mm/h vs. 15 (4, 30) mm/h, P=0.049]. Elevated IgA and decreased complement C4 were risk factors for renal HSP, anemia and decreased plasma albumin were risk factors for abdominal HSP, and elevated CRP was a risk factor for articular HSP. CONCLUSION The clinical characteristics of different types of HSP in plateau areas were different. Patients with high IgA, low complement C4, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and significantly elevated CRP should be highly vigilant. Early and effective intervention can improve the clinical efficacy, avoid severe development, and improve the prognosis.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibet/epidemiology* ; Complement C3/analysis* ; IgA Vasculitis/complications* ; Altitude ; Complement C4 ; C-Reactive Protein/analysis* ; Immunoglobulin A ; Risk Factors ; Anemia ; Hemoglobins/analysis* ; Serum Albumin/analysis*

A 45-year-old woman with epidermolysis bullosa aquisita is presented. The clinical, histological, and immunopathological features were in keeping with the previous reports of this disease. The patient also had anti-basal cell cytoplasmic antibodies at a significant titer, which is considered an unusual finding associated with this disorder. Treatment with a moderate dose of corticosteroid was effective in controlling the bullous lesions
Autoantibodies/*analysis ; Complement C3/analysis ; Cytoplasm/*immunology ; Epidermis/*immunology ; Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/diagnosis/*immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged

The aim of this study was to systemically analyze the proteins that adsorbed on the surface of hemodialysis membrane. The Fresenius F6 reused polysulfone dialyzers were selected as the research objects. The methodology we used encompassed the digestion of protein in rinsed solution and the separation of peptide mixture in virtue of RP-HPLC followed by ESI-MS/MS identification in orde to get their adsorption behavior, species and characteristics. The results illustrated that, after being rinsed by reverse osmosis (RO) water, 179 species of the protein adsorbed on the hemodialysis membrane, most of which were acidulous and middle or small weight protein molecules. The data from counting the numbers of peptides showed there were 5 species of high-abundant proteins (the contents being above 5% each), namely Ficolin-2 precursor, Complement C3 precursor (Fragment), Mannan-binding lectin serine protease 1 isoform 2 precursor, Complement-activating component of Ra-reactive factor precursor, and Mannan-binding lectin serine protease 1 isoform 3. These proteins are in close relationship with human immune system; moreover, they are of great significance to the clinical mechanism for cleaning reuse hemodialyzers and to the development of new hemodialysis materials.
Adsorption ; Complement C3 ; analysis ; Equipment Reuse ; Humans ; Lectins ; analysis ; Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases ; analysis ; Membranes, Artificial ; Renal Dialysis ; instrumentation

OBJECTIVETo study the diagnostic value of determinations of serum acute phase reaction protein, such as complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), prealbumin (PA) and C-reactive protein (CRP), etc., in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

METHODSSerum levels of C3, C4, PA and CRP were determined by turbidimetry in 54 cases of SARS, 20 of other pneumonia and 30 normal persons.

RESULTSSerum concentrations of C3, C4, CRP and PA were (1.18 +/- 0.42) g/L, (1.15 +/- 0.56) g/L, (10.52 +/- 8.77) mg/L and (107 +/- 54) mg/L in SARS patients, (1.30 +/- 0.46) g/L, (0.57 +/- 0.31) g/L, (0.88 +/- 0.43) mg/L and (291 +/- 76) mg/L in patients with other pneumonia, and (1.11 +/- 0.56) g/L, (0.38 +/- 0.26) g/L, (0.42 +/- 0.26) mg/L and (376 +/- 74) mg/L in normal persons, respectively. Serum level of PA was significantly lower and levels of C4 and CRP significantly in patients with SARS higher than those in patients with other pneumonia and normal persons (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in serum level of C3 between the three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDetermination of serum level of C4, CRP and PA in suspected patients is beneficial to early differential diagnosis for SARS.

Acute-Phase Proteins ; analysis ; Acute-Phase Reaction ; blood ; Adult ; Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Complement C3 ; analysis ; Complement C4 ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prealbumin ; analysis ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study serum acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) and complement 3 (C3) levels and their relationship with blood lipids in children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS).

METHODSBlood samples were obtained from 35 PNS children with proteinuria, 25 children with PNS at remission and 35 body mass index-matched healthy children (control group). Fasting serum ASP, C3, albumin and blood lipids were measured.

RESULTSThe serum ASP levels in the proteinuria group (101 ± 22 nmol/L) were significantly higher than those in the remission group (32 ± 8 nmol/L) and the control group (33 ± 8 nmol/L) (P<0.01). Serum C3 levels were not significantly different among the three groups. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein B increased, in contrast, serum albumin level decreased significantly in the proteinuria group when compared with the remission and the control groups. Serum ASP levels were positively correlated with serum C3 (r=0.661; P<0.05) and triglyceride levels (r=0.354; P<0.05), whereas serum C3 levels were not correlated with serum triglyceride levels (r=0.319, P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe increased serum ASP level may be associated with a complemental mechanism against hyperlipidemia in children with PNS.

Child, Preschool ; Complement C3 ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; blood ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; blood ; Serum Albumin ; analysis

PURPOSE: Local activation of the complement system plays a role in target organ damage. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of cyclosporine (CsA)- induced renal injury on the complement system in the kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice fed a low salt (0.01%) diet were treated with vehicle (VH, olive oil, 1mL/kg/day) or CsA (30mg/kg/day) for one or four weeks. Induction of chronic CsA nephrotoxicity was evaluated with renal function and histomorphology. Activation of the complement system was assessed through analysis of the expression of C3, C4d, and membrane attack complex (MAC), and the regulatory proteins, CD46 and CD55. CsA treatment induced renal dysfunction and typical morphology (tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis) at four weeks. RESULTS: CsA-induced renal injury was associated with increased the expression of C3, C4d, and MAC (C9 and upregulation of complement regulatory proteins (CD 46 and CD55). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the activated complement components were mainly confined to the injured tubulointerstitium. CONCLUSION: CsA-induced renal injury is associated with activation of the intrarenal complement system.
Animals ; Antigens, CD45/analysis ; Antigens, CD46/analysis ; Antigens, CD55/analysis ; Complement C3/analysis ; Complement C4b/analysis ; Complement Membrane Attack Complex/analysis ; Complement System Proteins/*analysis ; Cyclosporine/*toxicity ; Disease Models, Animal ; Immunity, Innate/drug effects ; Immunoblotting ; Immunohistochemistry ; Immunosuppressive Agents/toxicity ; Kidney/*drug effects/immunology/pathology ; Kidney Diseases/*chemically induced/immunology ; Mice ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Peptide Fragments/analysis

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy of Zengse Pill ( ZSP) on patients with vitiligo of qi-stagnancy and blood-stasis syndrome type (V-QB), and to preliminarily explore its mechanism of action.

METHODSSixty-five V-QB patients, with their diagnosis confirmed by clinical examination, were randomized by digital table method into two groups, with 31 patients in the control group and 34 in the treatment group. Cobamamide (2 tablets) was administered orally to all patients, and Psoralea tincture (a self-formulated preparation) was applied externally thrice a day. In addition, for patients in the treatment group, ZSP was given orally, at 5 pills per dose, 3 times every day. The therapeutic course for both groups was 3 months. Patients were re-examined every half-month, and changes in the skin lesions were observed and recorded. The levels of lymphocyte subsets, serum immune globulin, and complement C3 and C4 in patients were determined before and after the therapeutic course and compared with the corresponding indexes determined in 21 healthy subjects.

RESULTSThe total effective rate in the treatment group was 82.4%, which was markedly higher than that in the control group (54.8%), showing a significant difference (P<0.05). After treatment, CD(4) (+) percentage, CD(4) (+)/CD(8) (+) ratio, and blood levels of C3 and C4 increased, while CD(8) (+) percentage decreased in the treatment group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). All these indexes remained unchanged in the control group, and the respective comparisons between groups showed significant differences (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONZSP has a definite clinical effect on the treatment of V-QB but with no evident adverse reactions, and it can increase the CD(4) (+) percentage, CD(4) (+)/CD(8) (+) ratio, and the levels of serum C3 and C4, thus regulating the immunity of the organism, which might be one of its mechanisms of action.

Adolescent ; Adult ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Complement C3 ; analysis ; Complement C4 ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; blood ; Lymphocyte Subsets ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Qi ; Vitiligo ; drug therapy ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore the potential changes in the immune function of patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

METHODSWe carried out a retrospective cross-sectional study of 187 patients with established OSAHS and 20 healthy subjects (control). For all the patients, the medical history was carefully examined, and overnight sleep monitoring was carried out with detection of the humoral and cellular immunity.

RESULTSWe found a significant increase in the levels of C3 and a decrease in both the IgM level and NK cell percentage in OSAHS patients as compared to the control group (P<0.01). Correlation analysis indicated that C3 was positive correlated to AHI but inversely to the lowest pulse oxygen saturation (LSpO(2)); IgM showed a mild positively correlation to LSpO(2), and NK cells had a mild inverse correlation to AHI. The other immunological indices were not found to undergo noticeable changes or show correlations in OSAHS.

CONCLUSIONImmune function changes occur in patients with OSAHS, characterized primarily by deteriorations in the humoral and cellular immunity.

Adult ; Antibody Formation ; Complement C3 ; analysis ; Complement C4 ; analysis ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; blood ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Immunoglobulin M ; blood ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; blood ; immunology