Circulating immune complexes and microvascular complications in IDDM

ABSTRACT

Microvascular complications occurring in diabetes mellitus may be attributed to the long standing metabolic derangement, platelet abnormalities or to circulating immune complexes present in the serum of patients, especially those with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Twenty patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] and 10 age-matched controls were subjected to a study of their ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Detection of IgG aggregates and/or circulating immune complexes [CIC] was done using an indirect ELISA technique. Significantly higher serum levels of IgG aggregates and/or CIC were found in IDDM patients compared with normal controls. Elevated levels were detected in 65% of patients. A significant positive correlation was found between fasting blood sugar and IgG aggregates and/or CIC. Hence, measurement of CIC in IDDM may serve as a predictive test for the development of microangiopathic complications in IDDM