Soluble membrane attack complex in ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis without infections

Figure 1 Activation of the complement system through three pathways results in different effecter mechanisms. Binding of S-protein to the MAC complex lead to the formation of soluble MAC (sMAC). Complement component 1 (C1), mannan-binding lectin (MBL), MBL associated serine protease (MASP), pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), membrane attack complex (MAC). The figure is modified from reference [12].

Figure 2 sMAC levels in cirrhotic patients. A: Levels of sMAC in ascites (Grey Square) compared with plasma (White Square); B: Ascitic sMAC vs plasma sMAC. Each dot represents an individual and the dashed line indicates line of identity.

Figure 3 Association between Galactose elimination capacity and sMAC levels in ascites. Linear regression lines show the correlation. Each dot represents an individual.