Radial Immunodiffusion Technique Research Articles

The pattern of hypogammaglobulinaemia in Sri Lankan children.

To evaluate the prevalence of hypogammaglobulinaemia in Sri Lankan children who present with recurrent or severe bacterial infections. A descriptive study. Medical Research Institute (MRI), Colombo. 100 children between the ages of four months to twelve years referred to the Department of Immunology, MRI, for evaluation of immune status during four years from 1993 to 1997. Immunoglobulin G, A and M levels were measured using radial immunodiffusion technique. 22 out of 100 children had an underlying antibody deficiency, of whom IgA deficiency was the commonest (18 patients). Two patients had low IgG and A and elevated IgM levels, and they were diagnosed as having X linked-hyper-IgM syndrome. One patient had deficient IgA and IgM, and all three immunoglobulins were deficient in another. Results indicate that IgA deficiency is the commonest immunodeficiency in Sri Lanka, which is comparable with studies done in the West. This study also shows the need to improve the standard of care in patients with immunodeficiency.

Estimation of major immunoglobulin levels in patients with oral submucous fibrosis

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis is a widely prevalent disabling disease prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. The role of altered immune response is stated as a factor in its etiopathogenesis. The present case-control study aims at detecting changes in major immunoglobulin levels in oral submucous fibrosis patients. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 30 patients with oral submucous fibrosis and the control group included 25 age- and sex-matched subjects. The estimation of serum immunoglobulin level was done by single radial immunodiffusion technique. Results: The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were significantly increased in oral submucous fibrosis patients, while no change in the levels of immunoglobulin A (Ig A) was observed. Conclusion: The serum levels of IgG and IgM were increased in oral submucous fibrosis cases, indicating altered immune response.

PO-0052 Nitric Oxide, Immunoglobulins And Lipid Peroxidation In Type 1 Diabetic Children

<h3>Background and aims</h3> To assess the levels of lipid peroxidation and circulating levels of nitric oxide (NO), lipoproteins and immunoglobulins in type 1 diabetes children. <h3>Methods</h3> Thirty (30) type 1 diabetic patients newly diagnosed and 30 healthy control subjects, comparable for age (less than 15 years), sex and body mass index (BMI) were recruited in the Department of Paediatrics in the Mother and Child Hospital of Tlemcen. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA, CH2 (CHO) 2) using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA). The serum NOx (nitrate and nitrite, NOx [NO2-, NO3-]) was measured as an indirect marker of the formation of NO <i><i>in vivo</i></i> by the Griess method. Lipoproteins were measured by ultrasensitive gel electrophoresis (SEBIA, France). Immunoglobulins were determined by the radial immunodiffusion technique (IDR). <h3>Results</h3> Circulating levels of MDA and NO production were significantly higher in type 1 diabetic patients compared to controls (respectively, p = 0.001, p = 0.01). This was also the same for immunoglobulins A, G and M (for all comparisons, p &lt; 0.01). Circulating levels of alpha lipoprotein and Lp (a) were similar in both groups (p &gt; 0.05); however, those of the pre-beta and beta lipoproteins were significantly increased in patients compared to controls (respectively, p = 0.039, p = 0.018). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The onset of the DT1 is associated with nitrogen stress and oxidation of circulating lipids. Also, the excessive formation of NO and MDA may be the result of inflammatory conditions associated with the autoimmune disease process.

Igg-Index as Early Predictor for Neurological Morbidity in Egyptian Patients with Acute Meningitis

Diagnostic procedures to predict the prognosis of acute meningitis are of paramount importance in order to choose the appropriate level of further surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive power of IgG-index as CSF biomarker for disease prognosis in patients with acute meningitis. This is a prospective study done on forty patients; group I: Twenty patients with the clinical diagnosis and CSF analysis of acute bacterial meningitis and group II: Twenty patients with the clinical diagnosis and CSF analysis of aseptic meningitis. All the patients were subjected to routine clinical and laboratory evaluation and complete CSF analysis. Intrathecal IgG synthesis was measured using radial immunodiffusion (RID) technique. Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) was done at discharge .The duration of hospital stay was recorded. The IgG-index was the only independent predictor for unfavorable outcome (GOS < 5) in patients' groups' especially aseptic group. The best cut off value of IgG index for early prediction of unfavorable outcome (GOS < 5) in bacterial meningitis group was > or = 6.75 with AUC of 0.922 and 95% CI of 0.769-1.07 and sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.7%. While, in aseptic meningitis group was > or = 7.9 with AUC of 1 and 95% CI of 1.00-1.00 and sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%.

Levels of serum immunoglobulins in apparently healthy children and adults in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Serum levels of the immunoglobulins: IgG, IgA and IgM were determined by the single radial immunodiffusion technique of Mancini in a total of 122 apparently healthy subjects consisting of 43 children (20 males; 23 females) aged 5-12 years and 79 adults (39 males; 40 females) aged 18-65 years resident in Port Harcourt, southeastern Nigeria. The effects of age and sex on the serum levels of the various immunoglobulin types were also determined. The mean values and ranges for the various immunoglobulin types are presented for both children and adults. Although, female children were found to have significantly lower mean values of IgA compared to male children (p&lt;0.05), there were no significant differences in the mean values of both IgG and IgM between male and female children involved in the present study (p&gt;0.05). However, female adults had significantly higher mean values of IgG and significantly lower mean values of IgA compared to male adults (p&lt;0.05); suggesting a significant gender difference in the value of both IgG and IgA amongst adult subjects. No significant differences were observed in the mean values of any of the various types of immunoglobulin between adults and children. The present study reports mean values of the various types of immunoglobulin in apparently healthy children and adults resident in Port Harcourt, southeastern Nigeria. Significant gender differences were observed for some of the immunoglobulin types only amongst adults. Our results suggest that these gender differences amongst adults were apparently a gradual build-up from childhood. The results also confirm suggestions that levels of some immunoglobulin types seen amongst African adults may have possibly been attained during childhood. Our study could be of value since previous reports in this regard have been relatively scanty especially in this part of Nigeria.

Biochemical nutritional parameters in patients suffering from head and neck cancer after the administration of nutritional support. Preliminary study.

The evaluation of nutritional status, through biochemical parameters, in a subgroup of these patients, before and after oral intake of a nutritional supplement. Seven adult patients, were attended in the A. Roffo Institute, with local advanced head and neck cancer, underwent therapy with chemoradiotherapy that completed oral intake of a nutritional supplement, during 60 days (Supportan®, Fresenius‐Kabi ). The supplement provides 500Kcal/day, P%27, F%40 (2 g EPA provided by fish oil, MCT and vegetal oils) and 33% of carbohydrates. Blood samples were collected from patients before(To) and after (Tf) the oral administration of the supplement plus habitual diet. Specific serum protein fractions:TTR, transferrin, C3c, C4c, Cp, Hp and PCR were measured by single radial immunodiffusion technique(Biocientífica SA, Argentina and Binding Site, UK).ResultsTf vs To (mg/dl), expressed as X (SD) were:TTR:21.1(8.9) vs 22.9(7.3); Transferrin:188.9(36.1) vs 207.3 (20.9) ;C3c :122.6(24.9) vs 122.5(52.3);C4c:37.5( 7.4) vs 38.9 (11.1); Cp: 40.0 (6.7) vs 36.1(11.7), Hp: 334.0(194.2) vs 245.6(103.9); PCR : 1.4( 0.3) vs 1.6(2.1). No differences between Tf and To were observed. Data suggest that the administration of this oral supplement was useful to maintain the initial biochemical nutritional profile. Supported by UBA( 20020100100044)

Immunoglobulin Classes and Acute Phase Proteins In The Breast Milk and Plasma of Nigerian HIV-Infected Lactating Mothers

Relationship between infections and human breast milk still requires more research especially, in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of HIV infection on immunologic factors in the breast milk and plasma of HIV infected lactating mothers. Plasma and breast milk concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A, M and E, caeruloplasmin (CLP), complement factor IIIc (C3c), α1-antitrypsin (A1AT), and transferring (TRF) were determined in 20 asymptomatic HIV-infected lactating mothers (HIM) and 30 age-matched HIV-free (seronegative) lactating mothers (HFM) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Single Radial Immunodiffusion technique. The mean plasma level of IgM was significantly elevated in HIM compared with HFM while the mean plasma level of IgE was significantly low in HIM compared with HFM. The mean breast milk levels of IgA, IgM, CLP, C3c and TRF were significantly elevated in HIM compared with HFM. Significant positive correlation existed between IgE in the plasma and breast milk of HIM and plasma IgG had significant positive correlation with the milk IgG in HFM. Severe hypergammaglobulinaemia may not be a feature of Nigerian HIM and increased levels of CLP and TRF indicate low levels of Cu and Fe respectively in the breast milk of HIM.

Levels of inflammatory markers (complement C3, Complement C4 and C-reactive protein) in smokers

The study aimed to discover the relative significance of selected inflammatory markers in smokers. Serum levels of complement C3, C4 and C-reactive protein were determined in 24 male smokers (18 to 73 years). A group of 24 healthy non-smokers was taken as control. C3 and C4 were measured by using radial immunodiffusion technique and CRP was determined by latex agglutination technique. The statistical analysis was done using Student’s t-test and Fisher exact test which were used for the comparison of the characteristics of the groups. C3 and C4 were observed to be 33.84 and 45.28% higher in smokers, respectively, but statistically insignificant as (p = 0.122) and (p = 0.078). No significant difference was observed in the case of C-reactive protein levels and the body mass index of smokers and non-smokers (CRP: p = 0.49 and BMI: p = 0.64). These findings repudiated the presence of an acute phase and inflammatory reaction in smokers. Key words : Smokers, C-reactive protein, body mass index, complement.

Inflammatory biomarker profile in children with cystic fibrosis: preliminary study

The aim of this preliminary study was to determine specific proteins, related to inflammation process and nutritional status as well as to total antioxidant capacity, in children suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). The study was performed on 17 nonhospitalized children (12 boys and 5 girls) with CF aged 3 months to 10 years, who were assisted at the Nutrition Service from Pedro de Elizalde Hospital. Transferrin, transthyretin, ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen were measured by single radial immunodiffusion techniques. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined by a decolorization assay. Statistical analyses were performed by the Student's t test. Transferrin and transthyretin values were lower in CF patients in comparison with data obtained from healthy children (reference group, RG). The decreased transferrin concentration and the tendency towards low plasma transthyretin values suggested an abnormal nutritional status. However, higher Cp and haptoglobin levels were shown in patients than in RG. The fact that 23 and 50% of patients exceeded the desirable values for fibrinogen (<285.0 mg/dl) and CRP (<0.2 mg/dl), respectively, should be highlighted. The TAC (mM; Trolox equivalents) was shown to be lower in the CF group than in RG. The diminished TAC concomitant with an increased plasma Cp concentration would exacerbate the inflammatory status and could explain the depression of the immune system. These preliminary results could explain the need to include biochemical and functional parameters in the early nutritional status evaluation in CF patients in order to use appropriate nutritional and pharmacological therapies and consequently to improve their survival and quality of life.

Microquantitative Estimation of Serum C-Reactive Protein and Alpha 1-Acid Glycoprotein in Patients with Ovarian Cancer

Both serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) were measured in 22 patients with benign ovarian tumors, 58 patients with ovarian cancer and 31 normal controls, using a single radial immunodiffusion technique. In most normal women as well as patients with benign ovarian tumors, serum CRP was lower than 2 μg/ml and AAG lower than 80 mg/dl. In 15 of 25 untreated patients with ovarian cancer and in 14 of 16 patients with recurrence, both serum CRP and AAG were above 2 μg/ml and 80 mg/dl respectively. Serum CRP and AAG levels were measured sequentially in 9 patients with ovarian cancer after initial treatment. Serum CRP and AAG levels in 5 patients without recurrence had returned to and remained at normal levels after successful treatment. In contrast, 4 patients with recurrence exhibited elevations in serum CRP and AAG levels above the normal range. It is worth notions that these proteins increased before clinical evidence of recurrence. These studies suggest that serial measurement of CRP and AAG may be of great use in the surveillance of patients with ovarian cancer following initial treatment.

Acute phase proteins in pregnant women with urinary schistosomiasis in Ilie Village, Osun state, Nigeria

Background: The acute phase proteins (APPs) are plasma proteins whose concentration rise or reduce in reaction to infection, inflammation or trauma (Baumann and Gauldie, 1990). The circulating concentration of these proteins are related to the severity of the underlying condition,thus quantification of their concentrations provide a ready means of giving valuable clinical information and extent of the disease processes (Thompson et. al., 1992). Materials and Methods: Serum levels of three acute phase proteins (transferrin, á2-macroglobulin and haptoglobin) were determined using single radial immuno-diffusion technique in one hundred and eight Nigerian women aged between 15 and 30 years. Theywere made up of thirty pregnant women with urinary schistosomiasis (P+USS), thirty-six pregnant women without USS (P-USS), eighteen non-pregnant women with USS (NP+USS), and twenty-four healthy non-pregnant women without USS (NP-USS) as controls.Results: The result shows that transferrin was least in P-USS group and highest in NP+USS. The highest mean value of alpha-2 macroglobulin was found in P+USS group and the least in NP+USS. Haptoglobin was significantly reduced in P+USS compared with other groups.Conclusions: The finding of this study suggests an independent effect of USS and pregnancy on serum levels of APPs, therefore APPs could be used to distinguish P+USS from P-USS

SERUM ADENOSINE DEAMINASE ACTIVITY, C3c and C4c FRACTIONS IN CHILDREN SUFFERING DIABETES. PRELIMINARY STUDY

IntroductionDifferent studies have shown that nutritional pathology induces depression of the immune system.ObjectiveIn this preliminary study we measured Adenosine Deaminase‐enzyme related with lymphocytes T, and complement fractions (C3, C4), in patients suffering diabetes (DTB).MethodsTwenty five persons, between 12 and 18 years of age, assisted by the Nutrition Service, were evaluated. Samples of whole blood were collected from fasting patients. Serum ADA(U/L), was determined by Giusti and Galanti method and C3c and C4c (mg/dL), were measured by single radial immunodiffusion techniques with commercially available kits (Diffuplate, Biocientifica, Buenos Aires, Argentina). The results expressed as X± SD were compared with reference values obtained from children of the same range of age (* p &lt; 0001) It was observed, statistical diminution of C3c and C4c with a concomitant increase of activity of ADA sera concentration.ConclusionsThese preliminary results suggest that the mechanisms of defense of these children was altered. On the other hand, these fractions might be included in the periodic evaluation of patients suffering diabetes. Group C3c C4c ADA DBT 68.6±24.0 14.6±7.5 39.1±15.5 Refence 126.3±45.5 27.5±7.7 23.0±5.6

Serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein levels in patients with idiopathic peripheral retinal vasculitis (Eales' disease).

Serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein levels were measured in 27 patients with idiopathic peripheral retinal vasculitis (Eales' disease) and 31 healthy subjects by single radial immunodiffusion technique. The levels were found to be significantly increased in both moderate and severe types of the disease. The serum levels of this protein paralleled the severity of the disease. The increased alpha-1 acid glycoprotein in serum showed a significant fall to near normal levels during the quiescent stage. Our observations support the hypothesis that idiopathic peripheral retinal vasculitis is an immune mediated disease. It is proposed that serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein may be considered as a reliable parameter of the activity and the degree of severity of the disease, as well as an useful tool for monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

Antibody and complement levels in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma

The concentration of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and complement (C3 and C4) were measured in fifty-seven (57) Nigerian children with Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), and in twenty-eight (28) apparently healthy control subjects, using the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) technique. The sera analyzed were obtained from the four clinical stages of BL. There were high titres of IgA (stage I: n=22; 667.27 ± 509.16; stage II:n=11; 616.82 ± 408.55; stage III: n=20; 695.65 ± 699.93 and stage IV: n=4, 485.75 ± 289.90); IgG (stage I: n=22, 260.59 ± 232.56; stage II:n=11 195.18 ± 102.86;stage III:n=20, 309.65 ± 276.43; stage IV:n=4, 244.85 ± 400.107). IgM (stage I:n=22, 253.55 ± 104.99, stage:II n=11, 217.82 ± 77.8; stage III:n=20, 419.20 ± 74.21, stage IV:n=4, 233.35 ± 108.84). These values are significantly higher (P

Bovine muscle 20S proteasome. III: Quantification in tissue crude extracts using ELISA and radial immunodiffusion techniques and practical applications

The 20S proteasome is a large complex (700 kDa) that exhibits endo- and exo-peptidase activities with wide specificity. In postmortem muscles, several sets of evidence suggest a possible significant contribution of proteasome to meat tenderisation. Hence, an accurate and rapid quantification procedure is needed to attest that new function during the ageing of meat. In the present work, we developed an ELISA test enabling the quantification of nM concentrations of the 20S proteasome. We further tested the radial immunodiffusion (RID) technique described as a more simple method that can quantitatively determine the concentration of an antigen in a complex mixture. The ELISA test allowed us to quantify the 20S protesome in tissue homogenates and fluids with a recovery of 100%, a coefficient of variation lower than 5% and a detection limit of 9 ng/ml. Quantification of the 20S proteasome in various bovine tissue by ELISA showed the highest concentration in liver followed by spleen and kidney, with muscles exhibiting the lowest concentrations. In addition, measurement of the proteasome concentration in eight different bovine muscles with various metabolic profiles led to the conclusion that the relationship between muscle metabolic properties and proteasome concentration is rather complex. Nevertheless, heart muscle exhibited the highest proteasome content (331 μg/g wet tissue) whereas the lowest values were found for M. Tensor Fascia Latae (213 μg/g wet tissue), a fast twitch white muscle, M. Supraspinatus (209 μg/g wet tissue), a slow twitch red muscle and M. Pectoralis profondus (203 μg/g wet tissue), an intermediate muscle. As compared to other endogenous peptidases, muscle tissue contains relatively high amounts of proteasome. Hence this complex can be quantified using the RID, which allows quantification of protein in the μg range. Plotting the concentration values determined with both methods for all bovine tissues tested gave a straight line with a correlation coefficient of 0.99.

Third Trimester Maternal Plasma Total Fibronectin Levels in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: Results of a Tertiary Center

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal plasma total fibronectin values in pregnancy-associated hypertension in women in the third trimester of pregnancy. A total of 125 pregnant women at the 24th week of gestation participated in this study. Nonpregnant normotensive women were included as control group (n = 30). Plasma samples for fibronectin were obtained at the 24th, 28th, and 32nd weeks of gestation from all pregnant patients. From this cohort, 10 patients met the criteria for the diagnosis of gestational hypertension and 15 women met the stringent requirements of preeclampsia, whereas 100 patients were normotensive later in gestation. Plasma total fibronectin levels were determined by radial immunodiffusion technique. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program. The mean plasma fibronectin levels of the pregnant women in whom gestational hypertension and preeclampsia developed were significantly higher at the 24th, 28th, and 32nd weeks in comparison to normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.001). However, throughout the period from the 24th to 32nd weeks of pregnancy, plasma total fibronectin levels did not exhibit a significant change in normotensive pregnant patients or in patients with preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. There was also no correlation between plasma fibronectin levels and gestational age, mean arterial pressure, birth weight, and 5-minute Apgar scores in all groups (p < 0.05). The elevated maternal plasma fibronectin level over 40 mg/dL is capable of predicting preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 92%. These results suggest that serial plasma fibronectin measurements before 24 weeks' of gestation may be helpful in the early detection of preeclampsia in normotensive gravid women who are destined to become clinically preeclamptic.

Immunologic Factors in Human Milk: The Effects of Gestational Age and Pasteurization

This study compared concentrations of total protein, lysozyme, and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) in samples of colostrum (n=101) obtained from mothers of infants<32 weeks, 32 to 36(6) 7 weeks, and >or=37 weeks gestational age, both before and after pasteurization. Total protein was measured by refraction index, lysozyme by the lysoplate method, and immunoglobulins through the radial immunodiffusion technique. The total protein concentration was greater in colostrum of the <32 weeks and 32 to 36(6) 7 weeks categories compared to full-term (P<.001), while concentrations of lysozyme and IgM were similar. IgA concentrations were higher in the <32 weeks group compared to the full-term and similar to the 32 to 36(6) 7 weeks group (P<.05). The IgG was higher in the <32 weeks category compared to 32 to 36(6) 7 weeks, and both were similar to the full-term (P<.05). Pasteurization significantly decreased all of the factors analyzed.

Evaluation of the secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the colostrum and milk of mothers of term and pre-term newborns.

To determine and to compare the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A in samples of colostrum and milk of mothers of term and preterm neonates. The levels of secretory immunoglobulin A of 10 mothers of term neonates and 10 mothers of preterm neonates were determined from 5 mL of colostrum or milk collected on the 1st, 4th, 10th and 15th days of the puerperal period, using the radial immunodiffusion technique. We employed anamnesis, as well as physical and gynecological exams in women in the puerperal period. All the patients were attended at the Januário Cicco Maternity College. The secretory immunoglobulin A levels were significantly higher in the colostrum and milk of mothers of preterm neonates when compared with the levels found in colostrum and milk of mothers of term neonates (Mann-Whitney test, p<0.0001). There was a significant decline in the secretory immunoglobulin A levels of the colostrum and milk of the mothers of term and preterm neonates during the four periods (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<00001). The secretory immunoglobulin A levels in colostrum and milk of mothers of preterm neonates were significantly higher than in the mothers of term neonates, demonstrating immunological adaptation in preterm neonate breast-feeding.

Immunochemical quantification of heat denaturation of camel (Camelus dromedarius) whey proteins

The major whey proteins IgG, serum albumin and alpha-lactalbumin were purified from camel milk using gel permeation and ion-exchange chromatography. Specific antisera against each of them were raised and used to quantify their heat denaturation in early or mature milk over a range of 60-90 degrees C for 10-60 min using the single radial immunodiffusion technique. The heat denaturation midpoints for the mature milk heated 30 min were 67.2, 73.0 and 77.5 degrees C for IgG, albumin and alpha-lactalbumin respectively. The early milk was more sensitive to heat treatment with coagulation at low temperature and heat denaturation midpoints of 64.8, 71.6 and 72.6 degrees C respectively. This difference was related to the high IgG content of the early milk (12.6 mg/ml v. 0.5 mg/ml for the mature milk) and stresses the importance of monitoring the IgG level of milk to assess the absence of colostrum.

Complement components (C3, C4) in childhood asthma.

To assess the involvement of complements (C3, C4) in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma. Selection of patients (n = 64) were made according to the recommended international criteria for diagnosis and classification of asthma. Serum levels of complement components (C3, C4) were measured by radial immunodiffusion technique in 64 Libyan children (age: 1-12 years, sex: 39 males, 25 females) with mild to moderately severe asthma (Group A). Among these patients, 35 had active disease (AA) and 29 had inactive disease (NA). According to age range, 20, 21 and 23 patients were between 1-3 years (A1), > 3-5 years (A2) and > 5-12 years (A3) respectively. A1 had 9 and 11 patients with active (AA1) and inactive (NA1) disease; A2 had 10 and 11 patients with active (AA2) and inactive (NA2) disease; A3 had 16 and 7 patients with active (AA3) and inactive (NA3) disease respectively. Age matched comparisons were made with 57 healthy children (age: 1-12 years; sex: 30 males, 27 females) (Group B). Among the controls, 15, 19 and 23 children were between 1-3 years (B1), > 3-5 years (B2) and > 5-12 years (B3) respectively. Mean C3 level was significantly elevated in patients, while C4 level was normal (A vs B --> C3: P < 0.2, C4: P > 0.2). Serum C3 level was significantly higher in patients with active disease only, while it was normal in patients with inactive disease (AA, NA, B --> P = 0.045); AA vs NA --> P < 0.05, AA vs B --> P < 0.02, NA vs B --> P > 0.05) and C4 levels were normal in both the groups (AA, NA, B --> P = 0.354). Further, C3 levels were significantly elevated in all the age groups, but in patients with active disease only (AA1, NA1, B1 --> P = 0.0024; AA2, NA2, B2 --> P = 0.0411; AA3, NA3, B3 --> P = 0.0102). The elevated C3 level was possibly due to induction by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The probable mechanisms of C3 involvement in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma were discussed.