C4a

<p class="toc_title">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Normal Range 0-2830 ng/mL&nbsp;(in someone who has had a Lyme infection, their C4a tends to be 4,000-8,000...also, this is the primary marker for mold illness it's seen around 12,000 or above.)&nbsp;</p>

<p>C4a has become the inflammatory marker of greatest significance looking at innate immune responses in those with exposure to Water Damaged Buildings (WDB)</p>

<p>The complement system is a group of proteins that move freely through your bloodstream. The proteins work with your immune system and play a role in the development of inflammation.</p>

<p>Each complement activates inflammatory responses, with spillover of effect from the innate immune response to acquired immune response and hematologic parameters.</p>

<p>These short-lived products are re-manufactured rapidly, such that an initial rise of plasma levels is seen within 12 hours of exposure to biotoxins, and sustained elevation is seen until definitive therapy is initiated.</p>

<ul class="toc_list">

<li>

<p>C4A is part of a &ldquo;complement&rdquo; group. The term complement means it is able to kill bacteria and contributes to immune defenses. However if there are too many complements, it can cause tissue damage and trigger an allergic reaction.</p>

<p>C4A is an activation protein, which means it also activates the other complement proteins to increase in level.</p>

<p>The C3a, C4a and C5a components are referred to as anaphylatoxins: they cause smooth muscle contraction, histamine release from mast cells, and enhanced vessel permeability.</p>

<p>They also mediate inflammation and the generation of free radicals.</p>

<p>C4a activates Neutrophils, which increases inflammation and free radicals.</p>

</li>

</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul class="toc_list">

<li>

<p>C4A appears to be an immune marker (has increased levels) in the following disorders:</p>

<ul>

<li>Lyme Disease&nbsp;</li>

<li>CFS (R), CIRS&nbsp;</li>

<li>Psoriasis&nbsp;</li>

<li>Eczema&nbsp;</li>

<li>Antiphospholipid syndrome&nbsp;</li>

<li>Lupus and higher C3a &hellip;.According to one study, lower C4a contributes to lupus.</li>

<li>AIDS&nbsp;</li>

<li>Schizophrenia&nbsp;</li>

<li>Acute pancreatitis&nbsp;</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li>4 C4A and Mold Illness</li>

<li>5 C4A and Lyme Disease</li>

<li>6 C4A and CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)</li>

<li>7 C4A and Histamine Intolerance</li>

<li>8 Testing C4A (and C3A)</li>

</ul>

<p>Dr. Shoemaker uses Procrit to reduce C4a. He says that It does have a black box warning on it for blood clots but Shoemaker has used it in over 500 patients without any evidence of clotting.</p>