Enhanced local production of complement components in the small intestines of patients with Crohn's disease

Article Abstract:

Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory bowel condition with mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (types of white blood cells) typically found in the inflamed tissue. The presence of these cells suggests that complement proteins (other components of the immune response) may be activated in Crohn's disorder, exacerbating the inflammation. This possibility was tested by measuring the amount of complement components C4, C3, and factor B, in isolated segments of the intestine in 22 Crohn's disease patients, 35 healthy controls, 13 healthy first-degree relatives of the patients, and several patients with other intestinal disorders. Solutions of various salts were run through segments of intestine which were isolated by a special small-diameter tube to allow collection of intestinal cell secretions. Complement components of the secretions were then evaluated, and blood tests were also performed. The results showed that patients with active Crohn's disease had elevated concentrations of C3 and C4 in their blood compared with the control subjects. However, patients with inactive disease had the same C3 and C4 levels as the controls. The fluid samples from intestinal segments in Crohn's disease patients had approximately 40 percent more C3, and 200 percent more C4 than controls; there were no differences in factor B levels. Active disease patients had a fourfold increase in C4 compared with the controls, and inactive disease patients had a twofold increase. C3 secretion was similar for both patient groups. Patients with other intestinal disorders, and first-degree relatives of Crohn's disease patients, had component levels that were comparable to those in control subjects. The intestinal region that was investigated is not the same as the area affected by Crohn's disease; the findings may indicate that an inflammatory process is ongoing throughout the small bowel at a level too small to be detected by ordinary clinical techniques. Increased complement, usually part of the immune defense system, may contribute to the inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Physiological aspects, Gastrointestinal diseases, Crohn's disease, Complement (Immunology)

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Complement, part 1

Article Abstract:

The diseases caused by complement deficiency and abnormalities in the regulation of complement are reviewed. Topics include pyogenic infections, neisserial infections, mannose-binding lectin deficiency, activation of C3, C3 nephritic factor, factor H deficiency, C1 inhibitor deficiency, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

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Complement, part 2

Article Abstract:

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease considered to be caused by a defect in complement. The defect prevents dead cells and waste products from being removed, which then stimulate an autoimmune response.

Causes of, Systemic lupus erythematosus

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