2.2. Measurement of serum C1q level
Serum C1q levels were determined with an automatic biochemical analyzer (AU5400, Beckman, US) and C1q Reagent Kit (Beijia Biochemistry Reagents Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China). At the same time, blood white cell counts, biochemical parameters, ESR and hs-CRP levels were measured. All tests were performed according to the manufacturer’s manual.