Evaluation of lectin pathway activity and mannan-binding lectin levels in the course of pregnancy complicated by diabetes type 1, based on the genetic background.
BACKGROUND
There are numerous indications that either mannan-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency or its excessive activity are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. High MBL concentrations and corresponding MBL2 genotypes were shown to be associated with microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of MBL and MBL-dependent activity of the lectin pathway (LP) of complement in the course of pregnancy in diabetic mothers, based on genetic background.


METHODS
These parameters were determined in samples from healthy non-pregnant (control), diabetic non-pregnant, healthy pregnant, and pregnant diabetic women.


RESULTS
No significant differences in median MBL levels or LP activities were found in any study group compared to the control. However, statistically significant differences in MBL levels were noted during pregnancy between the 1st and 3rd trimesters in both healthy controls and pregnant diabetics. With regard to LP values, similar trends were evident, but statistically significant results were obtained only in the healthy pregnant group. When data analysis was confined to patients carrying the A/A (wild-type) MBL2 genotype, an increase in MBL level during pregnancy (in both healthy and diabetic pregnant women) was still observed. Similarly, LP activity increased during both healthy and diabetic pregnancies, significantly so for the former.


CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes, an autoimmune disease, is a serious complication of pregnancy. Therefore, determination of MBL status might be beneficial in identifying type 1 diabetic patients who are at increased risk of developing both vascular complications and poor pregnancy outcomes.
Pertyńska Marczewska
Magdalena
M
Department of Fetal-Maternal Medicine and Gynecology, Research Institute Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital, Łódź, Poland. m_pertynska@yahoo.com
Cedzyński
Maciej
M
Swierzko
Anna
A
Szala
Agnieszka
A
Sobczak
Małgorzata
M
Cypryk
Katarzyna
K
Wilczyński
Jan
J
D000328:Adult; D037582:Complement Pathway, Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000235:genetics; D011254:Pregnancy in Diabetics / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
D003165:Complement System Proteins; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; C445619:MBL2 protein, human