Total hemolytic complement (CH50) and its fractions C3 and C4 in the sera of patients with localized juvenile periodontitis
The present study was undertaken to estimate total hemolytic complement mediated activity and the levels of immunochemically detectable C3 and C4 fractions in the sera of patients with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) and to compare it with periodontally healthy controls.
The total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) and its fractions were determined in the sera of 21 subjects with localized juvenile periodontitis. Total hemolytic activity was expressed as number of CH50 units per ml of blood, while C3 and C4 levels were assessed by radial immunodiffusion and expressed as mg percentage. The numbers were compared with an equal number of age- and sex-matched periodontally healthy subjects as controls. The results indicate a significant increase in CH50, C3, and C4 levels in the sera of patients with LJP.
The authors' conclusions are that study revealed the participation of the complement system in the pathogenesis of LJP, and its assessment may assist in understanding the relative importance of complement activities in the disease process. [M.O.]
Anil, S., V. Beena, P. Remani J. Mysore, and T. Vijayakumar, Ann Dent, 52:18,1995