[The severity of gestational diabetes mellitus affects microvascular dysfunction measured three years after pregnancy that may be related to increased oxidative stress].

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative-nitrative stress and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation observed in gestational diabetes may play role in the increased cardiovascular risk in later life.

AIM: The present study aimed to examine the influence of the severity of previous gestational diabetes (insulin need) on vascular function three years after delivery. Furthermore, the authors investigated the relation of vascular function with oxidative-nitrative stress and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation.

METHOD: Macrovascular function was measured by applanation tonometry; microvascular reactivity was assessed by provocation tests during Laser-Doppler flowmetry in 40 women who had gestational diabetes 3 years before the study. Oxidative-nitrative stress and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity in blood components were determined by colorimetry and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Three years after insulin treated gestational diabetes impaired microvascular function and increased oxidative stress was observed compared to mild cases.

CONCLUSIONS: The severity of previous gestational diabetes affects microvascular dysfunction that is accompanied by elevated oxidative stress. Nitrative stress and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity correlates with certain vascular factors not related to the severity of the disease.