The inflammatory effects of TNF-α and complement component 3 on coagulation
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Abstract
Tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and complement component 3 (C3) are two well-known pro-inflammatory molecules. When TNF-α is upregulated, it contributes to changes in coagulation and causes C3 induction. They both interact with receptors on platelets and erythrocytes (RBCs). Here, we look at the individual effects of C3 and TNF-α, by adding low levels of the molecules to whole blood and platelet poor plasma. We used thromboelastography, wide-field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to study blood clot formation, as well as structural changes to RBCs and platelets. Clot formation was significantly different from the naïve sample for both the molecules. Furthermore, TNF-α exposure to whole blood resulted in platelet clumping and activation and we noted spontaneous plasma protein dense matted deposits. C3 exposure did not cause platelet aggregation, and only slight pseudopodia formation was noted. Therefore, although C3 presence has an important function to cause TNF-α release, it does not necessarily by itself cause platelet activation or RBC damage at these low concentrations. We conclude by suggesting that our laboratory results can be translated into clinical practice by incorporating C3 and TNF-α measurements into broad spectrum analysis assays, like multiplex technology, as a step closer to a patient-orientated, precision medicine approach.
Description
CITATION: Page, M. J., Bester, J. & Pretorius, E. 2018. The inflammatory effects of TNF-α and complement component 3 on coagulation. Scientific Reports, 8:1812, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-20220-8.
The original publication is available at http://www.nature.com
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.nature.com
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Keywords
Coagulation, Tissue necrosis factor-α (NTF-α), Complement component 3 (C3), Receptors on platelets and erythrocytes (RBCs)
Citation
Page, M. J., Bester, J. & Pretorius, E. 2018. The inflammatory effects of TNF-α and complement component 3 on coagulation. Scientific Reports, 8:1812, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-20220-8