Abstract: The invention features a purified hyaluronidase BH55 polypeptide isolated from a mammalian species, preferably bovine or human. The invention also features DNA encoding BH55, vectors and transformed host cells containing DNA encoding BH55, the methods of making BH55 hyaluronidase polypeptides, and the antibodies that specifically bind BH55.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a blood sample is obtained from a pregnant female in the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy after an overnight fast, after a 1-hour 50-gram glucose challenge test, or at the 1-hour time point during a 3-hour 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test. The concentrations of fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated plasma proteins in this blood sample are then determined. A fasting plasma glucose concentration equal to or exceeding 90 mg/dL is 100% sensitive and 64% specific in predicting glucose-related macrosomia (i.e., birth weight above 4000 grams). A glycosylated plasma protein concentration equal to or exceeding 23% is 100% sensitive and 52% specific in predicting glucose-related macrosomia. A fasting plasma protein value equal to or exceeding 90 mg/dL and a glycosylated plasma protein value equal to or exceeding 23% is 100% sensitive and 93% specific in predicting glucose-related macrosomia.