Lower circulating levels of complement split proteins C3a and C4a in maternal plasma of women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on maternal circulating levels of C3a, C4a and C5a.
Methods: Anaphylatoxin C3a, C4a and C5a levels were measured in maternal and cord plasma from 42 women with normal glucose tolerance and 40 women with gestational diabetes at the time of term elective Caesarean section. Maternal plasma C3a, C4a and C5a concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay.
Results: Maternal C3a and C4a concentrations were significantly lower in women with gestational diabetes compared with women with normal glucose tolerance at the time of term delivery (P < 0.05, Student's t-test). There was, however, no difference in maternal circulating C5a levels between the two groups. Additionally, there was no difference in C3a, C4a and C5a levels in cord plasma obtained from women with normal glucose tolerance and those with gesational diabetes. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between maternal and cord complement split levels.
Conclusions: Gestational diabetes is characterized by lower levels of C3a and C4a in the maternal circulation at the time of term Caesarean delivery.
(© 2011 The Author. Diabetic Medicine © 2011 Diabetes UK.)