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Progesterone and RU486 regulation of uterine complement C3 after prior induction with estradiol.

Previous results demonstrated that progesterone (P4) given simultaneously with estradiol (E2) prevented stimulation by E2 of complement C3 expression in the immature rat uterus. Northern blot analysis revealed that simultaneous administration of P4 was able to prevent the E2-stimulated increase in C3 mRNA concentration in the luminal epithelial cells. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether progesterone modulates C3 expression after the gene has been induced by prior administration of E2 and also to determine the reversibility of this effect by the concomitant administration of RU38486, 17 beta-hydroxy-11 beta-[4-dimethylaminophenyl]estra-4,9,-dien-3-one (RU486). This regulation was studied by examination of protein synthesis as well as mRNA concentrations. Immature 21-day-old female rats were treated with E2 for 2 days (1 microgram/day), followed 24 h later by P4 (500 micrograms) or vehicle. Uteri were removed 6, 9, and 18 h after progesterone treatment and the radiolabeled secreted proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoprecipitation using a goat anti-rat C3 antibody. In animals treated with vehicle, E2-stimulated C3 synthesis remained elevated at 6 and 9 h and returned to control values by 18 h. In contrast, the administration of P4 resulted in a decrease in C3 synthesis at 6 and 9 h with the greatest decrease observed at 9 h. Similar results were obtained when C3 mRNA concentrations were examined. E2-stimulated C3 mRNA concentrations were decreased in rats treated with progesterone compared to those treated with vehicle alone.2

Animals↗

TNF-alpha stimulates the biosynthesis of complement C3 and factor B by human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells.

The human umbilical cord vein (HUVEC) endothelial cells synthesize and secrete complement components. We analyzed the regulation of biosynthesis of the third component of complement (C3) and factor B (Bf) by cytokines in endothelial cells. Production of C3 increased after stimulation with TNF-alpha or IL-1beta and that of Bf with TNF-alpha, TNF-beta and IFN-gamma. TNF-alpha was the most effective in stimulating the secretion of C3 and Bf or the expression of mRNA of C3 or Bf. Preincubation with TNF-alpha for at least 36 or 24 h was needed for the stimulation, respectively. TNF-alpha, together with IFN-gamma had synergistic effects and the release of C3 or Bf increased to about 40- and 26-fold higher than those in control cells after incubation with both cytokines.

Cell Line↗

Solution conformation of carboxy-terminal fragments of the third component of human complement C3: proton nuclear magnetic resonance study of C3a, des-Arg-C3a, and C3a Arg69.

A proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study is reported of the solution conformation of human C3a, that is released on activation of C3, the third component of complement. The intact C3a was used along with des-Arg-C3a, which is formed on cleavage of Arg-77 at the C terminal of C3a, and C3a Arg69, which is a 69-residue fragment produced on tryptic digestion of C3. A method of carboxypeptidase digestion/difference spectroscopy (Endo & Arata (1985) Biochemistry 24, 1561-1568) was extensively used for the spectral assignments of Ile-43, Ile-60, Leu-63, Tyr-15, and Tyr-59. On the basis of the results of nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) measurements, we discuss the solution conformation of the C3a molecule. It has been concluded that removal of Arg-77, which is essential for expression of the biological activity of C3a, does not induce any significant change in the solution conformation of the C3a molecule. The C3a molecule is known to consist of a core region that comprises segment Tyr-15-Tyr-59. We conclude that in solution the C terminal segment sticks out of the core and takes on a helix-like conformation. Possible roles of the core region and the N terminal segment in maintaining the conformation of the C terminal segment are briefly discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and linkage analysis of complement C3 and C4 genes of the Japanese medaka fish.

The thioester-containing complement components, C3 and C4, are believed to have arisen by gene duplication from a common ancestor, and the mammalian C4 gene resides in the vicinity of the C2 and B genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region. To analyze the evolution of both the complement system and the MHC, we determined the complete primary structures of two C3 genes, termed Orla C3-1 and Orla C3-2, and one C4 gene, termed Orla C4, of a teleost, Japanese medaka fish (Oryzias latipes), by analyzing cDNA clones isolated from a liver library constructed using the inbred AA2 strain. The deduced basic structures of Orla C3-1, C3-2, and C4, such as the subunit chain structure, the thioester site, and the proteolytic activation site, are similar to their mammalian counterparts. However, the catalytic His residue which greatly increases the rate of thioester reaction, is replaced by Ala in Orla C3-2, implying functional differentiation between two C3 molecules. Mapping analysis revealed a close linkage between the C3-1 and C3-2 genes, indicating that they arose by a local duplication rather than by a genome-wide tetraploidization. The C4 gene belongs to a different linkage group, and no linkage was observed among the C3, C4, Bf/C2, MHC class I, and MHC class II loci. These results suggest that the MHC class III complement region was established in the tetrapod lineage, or lost in the teleost lineage.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Progesterone regulation of estradiol-induced rat uterine secretory protein, complement C3.

Previously, using DNA sequencing, Northern and Southern analysis, and immunohistochemical data, we identified an estrogen-stimulated secretory protein as the third component of complement (C3). In this study, we demonstrate that progesterone modulated the estradiol regulation of C3 in immature rats as well as during the normal reproductive cycle. C3 was most abundant during estrus and reached its lowest concentration in diestrus. Immunoprecipitations reveal that progesterone prevented the estradiol-stimulated increase in radiolabeled C3 both in the media and tissue. The mechanism for the progesterone inhibition of estrogen-stimulated C3 appeared to be at the level of transcription or possibly mRNA stability since progesterone blocked the estradiol-stimulated increase in C3 mRNA.

Animals↗

Complement (C3, C4) consumption in cardiopulmonary bypass, cardioplegia, and protamine administration.

Anaphylatoxins produced by complement activation have been postulated to be responsible for postperfusion syndrome and protamine hypotension in patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. The consumption of serum complement components C3 and C4, which reflects the classic and alternate pathway activations of the complement system, was studied in 22 patients undergoing cardiac operations. Prior to the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass, the complement levels were within normal range. Rapid reduction in both C3 and C4 within minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass indicated rapid complement activation. Such a reduction in complement levels could not be accounted for by either hemodilution or transfusion of complement-poor blood. Aortic cross-clamping and cold potassium cardioplegia followed by myocardial reperfusion did not lead to further consumption of C3 and C4. Slow intravenous infusion of protamine sulfate after cardiopulmonary bypass did not change C3 and C4 levels significantly in our patients, although protamine and heparin-protamine complex have been shown to activate complement components in vitro. In another group of 9 similar cardiac surgical patients, C3 and C4 were found to return to normal levels within 24 hours after operation. This study thus confirms the rapid activation of the complement system by cardiopulmonary bypass but fails to demonstrate further activation of the complement system by cardioplegia or protamine administration.

Adult↗

Additional organizational features of the murine gamma-glutamyl hydrolase gene. Two remotely situated exons within the complement C3 gene locus encode an alternate 5' end and proximal ORF under the control of a bidirectional promoter.

Analysis of independently isolated clones from a mouse liver cDNA library identified a splice variant of gamma-GH mRNA with novel nucleotide sequence at the 5' end. Genomic sequencing now shows that this variant (variant II) incorporates two new alternates (exons Bla and Blb) of exon 1 in the murine gamma-GH gene remotely situated with respect to the rest of the gene. Further analysis of this variant also showed that it incorporates a small segment at the 3' end of exon A1, revealing that the previously described exon 1 consists of two individual exons (Ala and Alb) joined at a cryptic splice site. The 5' UTR and a segment of the ORF of variant II results from splicing of exon Bla to exon Blb which in turn is spliced to exon Alb and through this splicing to the rest of the exons within this gene. Remarkably, this splicing occurs even though exons Bla and Blb are located >45 Kb upstream of exons Ala and Alb. Our results also show that transcription starting at exons Bla and Blb is under the control of a separate and bidirectional promoter (promoter B). Exons Bla and Blb are located on the sense DNA strand within the complement C3 gene locus which is encoded on the antisense strand. This promoter is less efficient than the downstream promoter (promoter A) in regulating transcription at least in the context of reporter gene and primer extension assays. However, in these same contexts, this region of DNA sequence in the reverse orientation is markedly more efficient in driving transcription of an unidentified gene. Deletion of specific regions of sequence within this promoter have different effects depending upon the orientation (forward or reverse) within the reporter gene construct.

Alternative Splicing↗

A prospective study of serum complement (C3 and C4) levels in normal human pregnancy: effect of the development of pregnancy-associated hypertension.

Serum levels of complement components (C3 and C4) were measured serially in 173 initially normotensive pregnant women and the results compared with those obtained in 32 nonpregnant women of similar ages. There was significant elevation of serum levels of both C3 and C4 during gestation. Pregnancy-associated hypertension developed in the third trimester in 26 pregnant women but they had the-same degree of elevation of serum C3 and C4 levels as did the 147 pregnant women who remained normotensive throughout their pregnancy. Measurements of serum C3 and C4 levels and therefore of no value in predicting the development of pregnancy-associated hypertension.

Adolescent↗

Complement C3 cleavage and cytokines interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze whether complement C3a anaphylatoxin, other C3 fragments, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) contributes to inflammation in chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). METHODS: The amount of C3a was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Further breakdown of C3 was analyzed by Western blotting. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Bacteria were analyzed by culture and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Highly elevated levels of C3a and other C3 cleavage fragments were found in all middle ear effusion (MEE) samples. The mean values (+/- SEM, n = 26) for C3a, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha were 5,973 +/- 1,124 ng/mL, 1,043 +/- 490 pg/mL, and 79 +/- 14.3 pg/mL, respectively. Comparison to an average C3 level of 555 (+/-108) microg/mL indicated that at least 40.5% +/- 6% of total C3 had become activated within the MEE. C3a concentrations were higher in the group in which the effusion had been present in the middle ear for a prolonged period (> or =4 mo) (P = .04). Children with multiple tube insertions had higher C3 (P = .006) and TNF-alpha (P = .04) concentrations in their MEE samples than those receiving their first tubes. C3 and C3a concentrations in MEE correlated to each other (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.513, P = .0056), as did concentrations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha (r = 0.7016, P < .0001). No significant correlation was found between complement C3 or C3a levels and IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, or bacterial growth. CONCLUSIONS: Highly elevated levels of C3a in MEE indicate ongoing complement activation, which is stronger than in almost any other disease demonstrated previously. Elevated C3a levels contribute to chemotactic and inflammatory potential in the MEE and correlate with the chronicity of the disease.

Blotting, Western↗

Complement (C3) metabolism in systemic lupus erythematosus in relation to the disease course.

Metabolic turnover studies of complement components (C3) provide a direct insight into the dynamics of the complement regulation (synthesis and catabolism). To obtain information about the role of the complement system in relation to the disease course in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prospective study was performed. The results of the C3 turnover studies were also correlated to the complement levels (C3) and to the presence of C3 conversion products (C3d) in circulation. In nearly all SLE patients (in 21 of the 26 metabolic turnover studies) a C3 hypercatabolism was found, with a quantitative difference depending on the disease phase. In the period preceding an exacerbation an impaired C3 synthesis was observed (in three of the four studies), in contrast to SLE patients in stable disease phase where in one case only a decrease C3 synthesis was calculated (1 out of 15 observations). A linear correlation was found between the serum C3-levels and the ratio of C3d/C3, suggesting that both serologic parameters are quantitatively indicative for C3 hypercatabolism. The study shows that in all SLE patients, irrespective of the disease stage, an increased C3 consumption is found, which supports the concept that a chronic inflammatory process is constantly present.

Adult↗

Serum C3 complement concentrations correlate with liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate whether C3 and C4 serum complement concentrations have prognostic relevance for patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODOLOGY: Serum complement concentrations of C3 and C4 were measured in 69 patients with liver cirrhosis and correlated with the Child-Pugh score. RESULTS: C3 concentrations were 1.06+/-0.21 g/L in patients with Child-Pugh A liver cirrhosis and significantly lower in Child-Pugh B (0.78+/-0.24 g/L) and even lower Child-Pugh C (0.49+/-0.14 g/L) (p=0.006 B vs. A, p<0.001 C vs. B). Patients with consecutive hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) had the lowest C3 concentrations (0.44+/-0.05 g/L (Child-Pugh C +HRS) vs. 0.54+/-0.06g/dL (Child-Pugh C -HRS); p<0.05). C4 concentrations were 0.21+/-0.08 in Child-Pugh A and significantly lower in Child-Pugh B (0.11+/-0.04) and Child-Pugh C (0.09+/-0.04) patients (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between C3 (r = -0.81, p<0.001) and C4 (r = -0.51, p<0.05) concentrations and the Child-Pugh score. CONCLUSIONS: Serum complement concentrations of C3 and C4 correlate negatively with the Child-Pugh score in patients with liver cirrhosis. C3 concentrations are lower in those Child-Pugh C cirrhosis patients with consecutive development of HRS.

Bacterial Infections↗

Complement C3: a molecular mosaic of binding sites.

Many of the biological activities of the complement system are mediated by C3, the third complement component, and its proteolytic fragments. At the same time, several of the molecules which regulate complement activation target their action at the C3 molecule. Accordingly, the C3 molecule is equipped with multiple binding sites for at least 14 other complement or complement-related proteins. As described in this review, major progress has been made recently in the identification of the C3 binding sites and the residues involved. Yet this has exposed only the "tip of the iceberg". A novel technique which may facilitate the elucidation of the active sites in C3 is presented. Finally, based on the current knowledge on the C3 molecule, a hypothetical model of the molecular organization of this molecule and its binding sites is presented.

Animals↗

Levels of complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) on erythrocytes, circulating immune complexes and complement C3 split products C3d and C3c are not changed by short-term physical exercise or training.

The effect of heavy short-term physical exercise on the levels of complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) on erythrocytes, the concentrations of circulating immune complexes (IC), and the complement C3 split products C3c and C3d were examined in young healthy males. Fourteen untrained volunteers underwent a 60-min bicycle exercise test at 75% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Six of the volunteers were exercised twice with an interval of at least one month. Before the second bicycle test they received oral indomethacin. With an interval of at least 1 week, 6 also went through a 60-min back-muscle exercise at up to 30% of VO2max. Blood samples were collected before and during the last few minutes of exercise as well as 2 h and 24 h afterwards. The same parameters were examined once in 29 highly trained racing cyclists. There were no consistent or significant exercise-induced changes in the levels of erythrocyte CR1, circulating IC, C3c nor C3d as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polyethylene glycol precipitation complement consumption method, and by intermediate gel rocket immunoelectrophoresis, respectively. Neither did these parameters differ from controls in the highly trained group. The results indicate that CR1 on erythrocytes, circulating immune complexes and complement cleavage products C3c and C3d in healthy subjects remain unaffected by short-term heavy physical activity and training.

Adult↗

Complement C3 and C5 degradation products during hemodialysis treatment: study of an index of membrane bioincompatibility.

In 10 hemodialyses (HD) with cuprophan (CU) and 10 with polyacrylonitrile (PAN), signs of complement activation were investigated by following arterial and venous levels of C3a, C3d and C5a, in order to propose a marker of bioincompatibility. Despite large individual variabilities, significant increases of these molecules were detected at t 20 min, particularly with CU device in the artery and more marked in the vein except for C3d with PAN. During the later stage of HD, while C3a and C5a levels gradually declined, but remained significantly higher than t 0 in all the patients treated with CU, the C3d concentration reached a plateau suggesting a continuous complement activation throughout HD. HD using PAN membranes were associated with a lower C3a, C3d and C5a generation and fewer dialyses generating these products. In some dialyses the higher arterial level of these molecules suggests an extra-dialyzer complement activation especially with PAN membrane. Although C5a venous levels appeared to be the more significant index of complement activation, for clinical purposes we propose the C3d arterial measurement as a reliable, non-expensive and technically simple indicator of membrane intolerance.

Acrylic Resins↗

Development and clinical application of electroimmunoassays for the direct quantification of the complement C3 split products C3c and C3d.

The present report describes the development of electroimmunoassays for the direct quantification of C3d and C3c, split products of the third complement factor (C3). Both methods were developed as rocket immunoelectrophoreses, using two antibody preparations with specificities against the C and D epitopes on C3. A stable calibrator preparation for C3c and C3d was produced by autolytic cleavage of C3. Investigations of patients with anaphylactic reactions or chronic immunological disorders showed that quantification of C3c and C3d in plasma by these methods reflected the degree and rate of complement activation. C3d determination was found to be the most sensitive and reliable indicator of C activation, both during acute and chronic activation since C3c is eliminated considerably faster from the circulation than C3d (estimated half lives of 2 h and 4 h, respectively). Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients with prednisolone caused a prompt decrease of plasma C3d values, indicating that the clinical effect may be due to inhibition of complement activation.

Antibody Specificity↗