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Complement
The complement system is an important effector mechanism of both humoral and innate immunity. Its functions are to promote phagocytosis of microbes, to stimulate inflammation, and to induce lysis of these organisms. The system is highly complex and comprised of over 50 effector and regulatory molecules. It is activated via one of three pathways: antibody, lectin, or by natural "tick-over" of C3.
Dr. Corey Clay reviewed this
12 year experience in Allergy and Immunology
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Related questions
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What foods complement each other well nutritionally?
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A 28-year old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: complement?
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A 48-year old asked:
What are the benefits of massage, how does it complement regular medicine?
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A 48-year old asked:
Need help with a workout for someone who doesn't gain weight! what kind of diet should I have to complement this?
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What is complement c3?
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What does it mean by complement activation?
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What does the complement receptor type 1 do?
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A 46-year old asked:
How is complement involved in immune responses?
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A 41-year old asked:
I am feeling like a failure, complementing suicide each day?
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A 44-year old asked:
Can different types of health practitioners complement each other?
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A 37-year old female asked:
Complement C4 is .12 (normal is .14 -.54) is it worth getting repeated.
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 42-year old female asked:
What is complement total (ch50) elevated over 60 mean? Any significance?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 44-year old asked:
What is the average weight to complement a person with the height of 5'9"?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 36-year old asked:
I am feeling like a failure, complementing suicide each day due to feeling worthless, what should I do?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 60-year old female asked:
My complement Total (CH50) was elevated in July. Four months later, it was low (33). What can cause this?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 33-year old asked:
What does high hemolytic complement mean?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
What would having low complement levels indicate?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 31-year old asked:
What do low complement levels indicate is going on?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 36-year old asked:
What does high immunoglobulin IG m and complement mean?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 44-year old asked:
Anyone have lupus or know any information on C4 complement?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 28-year old male asked:
I have type 1 obesity. What is the best pill to complement my diet?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 33-year old male asked:
Does the human body even use the complement system at all to fight-off viruses?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A female asked:
Running is my primary form of exercise. What else would complement this for a full body workout for general health? Would yoga be a good option?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 37-year old male asked:
What are the acceptable range for "Complement Activity, Total (CH50)" for a 3 years old Kid? Why is my kid result showing "greater than 60" instead of definite value. Does it mean it is anywhere between 60 and 70?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 43-year old asked:
Does hgb A1c test complement a glycomark test?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 33-year old asked:
What could high immunoglobulin IG m and complement C4 mean?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 46-year old female asked:
What does a low complement c and a speckled positive ANA indicate?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
I've never head of complement levels, what do they mean when they are low?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 25-year old female asked:
I am complement deficient without an autoimmune disorder. what is making me sick?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 58-year old female asked:
Could someone have lupus with homogeneous ANA 1:320 but elevated complement 3 and 4?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
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