Complement activation in atherosclerosis: effect of angiography and surgery
Kalos, A.; Germenis, A.; Prountzos, P.; Kitas, G.D.; Kalodiki, E.; Fertakis, A.; Balas, P.
International Angiology a Journal of the International Union of Angiology 7(1): 71-74
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-9590 PMID: 2968427 Document Number: 314723
Complement activation in the plasma of patients with severe atherosclerosis (arterial occlusive or aneurysmatic disease) was investigated in this study. The effects of angiography and reconstructive arterial surgery (RAS) were also assessed. Atherosclerosis was not found to be associated with systemic complement activation. Angiography resulted in high levels of C3 breakdown products. Surgery caused a significant degree of systemic complement activation in both patients with atherosclerosis and controls. Post-operative levels of C3 breakdown products were significantly higher in atheromatic patients than in controls, most likely due to the insertion of dacron arterial prostheses in the first group.