A Study of Complement C3 and Immunoglobulin G levels in Gestational Diabetics and their Newborns

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy. Complement 3(C3) is the central component of the complement system which induce inflammatory, immunomodulatory and metabolic responses. This passive immunity acquired by the fetus is crucial for the adaptation of the newborn to the extra uterine environment, providing protection against infections. The Objectives of the present study was to estimate the serum levels of complement3 (C3) & Immunoglobin (Ig) G in Gestational Diabetic and their newborns, and to compare the above parameters with normal pregnant females and their newborns.

Total 90 pregnant females aged between 20-40yrs with regular antenatal care at Cheluvamba Hospital & Mission Hospital, Mysore, were included in the study. Out of 90, 45 were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. About 4ml of blood sample was collected from the mother during the time of labour and 4ml of cord blood was collected from their newborns and serum was analysed for complement C3 and Immunoglobin (Ig) G by immunoturbidimetric method.

The study showed significant increase in complement C3 levels in Gestational Diabetes, when compared with normal pregnancy with mean and standard deviation of 190+14.4 and 105+11.2 respectively. There was significant decrease in Immunoglobulin G levels in cord blood of newborns of gestational diabetes when compared with cord blood of newborns of normal pregnancy with mean and standard deviation of 790.4+138.7 and 974.0+144.3 respectively with p value <0.05.

Complement C3 estimation in GDM could help to understand the underlying chronic inflammation which in turn affects the growing fetus innate immune system and predisposes the individual for future Diabetes and its complications.