Complement, complement activation and anaphylatoxins in human ovarian follicular fluid

Complement anaphylatoxins as immune regulators in cancer

The role of the complement system in innate immunity is well characterized. However, a recent body of research implicates the complement anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a as insidious propagators of tumor growth and progression. It is now recognized that certain tumors elaborate C3a and C5a and that complement, as a mediator of chronic inflammation and regulator of immune function, may in fact foster ...

Complement Activation

The complement system is the most important biochemical cascade in the blood for the recognition, opsonization, and elimination of foreign materials. To date, the leading causes of death in the United States include cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. New treatments are urgently needed to treat these devastating diseases and nanotechnology potentially provides n...

Complement activation in uveitis.

To determine whether complement is activated in uveitis we have measured plasma levels of C3d, a sensitive indicator of complement activation. Increased levels of C3d were found in 11 of 15 patients with idiopathic uveitis, 13 of whom had circulating immune complexes containing complement components. Since during complement activation potent mediators of inflammation are generated, it is sugges...

Complement activation and complement control proteins in acute pancreatitis.

Serum levels of the complement proteins C3, C4, C1 inhibitor (C1 INH), factor I (C3b inactivator) and factor H (BIH) and plasma levels of cleavage products of C3 (C3c) and factor B were measured in 26 patients with acute pancreatitis. Breakdown of C3 occurred in 19 patients, as shown by a reduction in C3 level and the presence of C3c. C4 levels, however, did not fall and factor B breakdown prod...

Hemolytic Complement in Synovial Fluid.