Increased levels of markers of vascular inflammation in patients with coronary heart disease

Elevated levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs), inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with atherosclerotic disease states. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether circulating levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), E- and P-selectin were significantly elevated in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with healthy controls, and to study possible associations between these sCAMs, tumour necrosis factor &#102 (TNF &#102 ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), CRP and major CHD risk factors. The study included 193 patients in various stages of CHD and 193 matched controls. To evaluate any possible influence of acute phase reaction, reinvestigation was performed after 6 months. After adjustment for major CHD risk factors, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, P-selectin, IL-6 and CRP remained significantly elevated in the CHD patients (p for all < 0.001). In multivariate analysis sVCAM-1 was predicted by age (p = 0.015), sICAM-1 by smoking (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (p = 0.026), E-selectin by body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.004) and P-selectin by male gender (p = 0.015). TNF &#102 significantly predicted sICAM-1 and E-selectin levels, while IL-6 predicted CRP but none of the sCAMs measured. This might indicate that TNF &#102, but not IL-6, plays a major role in the regulation of sCAM levels in vivo .     

Circulating endothelial adhesion molecules (sE-selectin, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1) during rHuG-CSF-stimulated stem cell mobilization

The role of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions during granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-induced stem cell mobilization is unclear. To examine endothelial activation during this process, we determined levels of circulating endothelial adhesion molecules in healthy donors undergoing G-CSF-mobilized stem cell collection. Plasma levels of soluble (s) E-selectin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were serially determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 10 healthy donors during G-CSF-stimulated stem cell mobilization. There was a significant increase in plasma levels of all three endothelial adhesion molecules (sE-selectin, p = 0.01; sICAM-1, p = 0.003; sVCAM-1, p = 0.0002) between day 1 and day 5 of G-CSF stimulation, but only sVCAM-1 concentrations exceeded the range obtained from unstimulated controls in all stem cell donors. Increases of sCAM were accompanied by increased numbers of white blood cells and CD34(+) progenitors in peripheral blood. G-CSF-stimulated peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) mobilization results in increased levels of circulating endothelial adhesion molecules that were most evident for VCAM-1 molecules. Because soluble VCAM-1 remains active in binding to the VLA-4 receptor on CD34(+) cells, it may reduce stem cell adhesiveness to endothelial cells and to bone marrow microenvironment.     

Chlamydia LPS and MOMP seropositivity are associated with different cytokine profiles in patients with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND: Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae infection within atherosclerotic plaques are possible stimulators of inflammation in atherosclerosis. Why the microbe develops persistency in some individuals is unknown, but experimental studies in cell cultures and animals have demonstrated the levels of gamma interferon (IFNgamma) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) to be of crucial importance. DESIGN: We wanted to evaluate whether Chlamydia seropositivity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) (n = 193) was associated with elevated IFNgamma and IL-10. Two methods for detection of Chlamydia antibodies were included as well as analysis of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin for the evaluation of vascular inflammation. RESULTS: We found that patients with IgA antibodies towards Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide (LPS) had elevated levels of IFNgamma (P = 0.048), IL-10 (P = 0.029), TNFalpha (P = 0.009) and sE-selectin (P = 0.045), while Chlamydia LPS IgG seropositivity predicted elevated levels of IL-10 (P = 0.013). Patients with IgA antibodies towards C. pneumoniae major outer membrane protein (MOMP) without simultaneous LPS IgA seropositivity had lower levels of IFNgamma and sVCAM-1 when compared to patients with Chlamydia LPS IgA alone (P = 0.005 for IFNgamma, P = 0.016 for VCAM-1) and patients with combined Chlamydia MOMP and LPS IgA seropositivity (P = 0.046 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we demonstrated an association between Chlamydia LPS IgA seropositivity and elevated levels of IFNgamma, IL-10, TNFalpha, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in CHD patients that might indicate persistent Chlamydia infection and a proinflammatory state. On the other hand, C. pneumoniae MOMP antibodies were not associated with elevated inflammatory markers and might merely be indicative of past infection, possibly with successful microbe clearance.     

C-反应蛋白细胞黏附分子与急性冠脉综合征相关性的临床研究

目的探讨急性冠脉综合征（ACS）患者体内C-反应蛋白（CRP）、可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1（sICAM-1）和可溶性血管细胞黏附分子-1（sVCAM-1）表达水平以及它们之间的相互关系。方法252例冠心病患者分为两组：ACS组86例，非ACS组166例。酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法测定血清sICAM-1和sVCAM-1水平，快速免疫比浊法测定血清CRP水平。结果ACS组血清CRP、sICAM-1和sVCAM-1水平均显著高于对照组（P〈0．01），而且ACS组各类型血清CRP、黏附分子水平亦显著高于对照组（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。结论血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1、CRP对ACS的发生、发展可能起到促进作用，在ACS危险分层中具有一定临床意义。     

冠心病患者血清中IL-6、sICAM-1的表达及CRP测定的临床意义

目的 检测C-反应蛋白(CRP)、白介素-6(IL-6)、可溶性细胞粘附分子-1(sICAM-1)的水平．并探讨它们与冠状动脉造影证实的各级冠心病之间的关系。方法 CRP水平采用致敏乳胶增强免疫技术于Beckman LX-20全自动生化仪上作免疫浊度测定：sICAM-1、sICAM-1含量测定用ELISA方法。结果 冠心病(CHD)组患者血清中CRP、sICAM-1以及sICAM-1的水平明显高于非CHD组(P＜0．01)。各级冠心病组之间CRP、IL-6及sICAM-1的水平比较分别呈现不同的意义。结论 CRP、IL-6以及sICAM-1对冠状动脉疾病的诊断以及病变程度的分析均具有重要的临床价值。     

Keishibukuryogan (gui-zhi-fu-ling-wan), a Kampo formula, decreases disease activity and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

An increasing death rate due to cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been reported. Keishibukuryogan (KBG) is a traditional Chinese/Japanese (Kampo) formula that has been administered to patients with blood stagnation, e.g. thrombotic disease and atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of KBG on disease activity and endothelial dysfunction in RA patients. Sixteen RA patients were enrolled and administered KBG (12 g per day) for 12 weeks in addition to continuing other drugs. The disease activity of RA was assessed by modified disease activity scores for 28 joints (DAS(28)). Plasma levels of adhesion molecules, soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were evaluated. C-reactive protein (CRP), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) and lipid peroxide (LPO) were also evaluated. Fourteen patients completed the study. The disease activity of RA, tender joint count, swollen joint count and DAS(28) decreased significantly. Among adhesion molecules, only sVCAM-1 decreased significantly. LPO also decreased significantly, whereas CRP and inflammatory cytokines remained unchanged. These results suggest that KBG has insufficient anti-inflammatory or immunomodulating effect but does have a beneficial effect on articular symptoms and a protective effect against endothelial dysfunction in RA patients.     

Adhesion molecules in untreated inflammatory arthritis: synovial expression and levels in synovial fluid and serum [corrected] [published erratum appears in QJM 1996 Jul;89(7):559]

Adhesion molecules play a critical role in regulating leucocyte migration at sites of inflammation. The relationship of soluble forms in serum or synovial fluid (SF) to synovial membrane expression in inflammatory arthritis is controversial. We examined soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin levels in matched serum and SF, and their relationship to expression in synovium obtained at the same time in 13 patients with previously untreated inflammatory arthritis. Serum- soluble (s)ICAM-1 correlated with sedimentation rate (T = 0.45), Ritchie articular index (T = 0.47) and SF sICAM-1 (T = 0.48), and SF sICAM-1 correlated with membrane ICAM-1 expression (p < 0.02). sE- selectin and sVCAM-1 levels were unrelated to disease activity or membrane expression. Membrane E-selectin expression correlated inversely with ICAM-1 expression (T = -0.57) and serum sICAM-1 (T = - 0.54). Serum sE-selectin correlated inversely with membrane ICAM-1 expression (T = -0.55). The correlations observed between ICAM-1 in serum, SF, synovium and disease activity suggest that ICAM-1 could be a useful target for immunotherapy. The inverse relationship of ICAM-1 and E-selectin suggest important differences in regulation and pathogenetic roles.      

急性心肌梗死患者溶栓治疗前后血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1、IL-6及IL-8的动态观察

目的探讨急性心肌梗死 (AMI)溶栓治疗前后血清可溶性细胞间粘附分子 1(sICAM 1)、可溶性血管细胞粘附分子 1(sVCAM 1)、白细胞介素 6 (IL 6 )、白细胞介素 8(IL 8)的动态变化。方法采用ELISA法观察 2 6例经尿激酶溶栓治疗及 2 2例常规治疗的AMI患者治疗前及治疗后 1、2、5、7、14天血清sICAM 1、sVCAM 1、IL 6、IL 8的动态变化并进行比较分析。结果治疗前两组间sICAM 1、sVCAM 1、IL 6、IL 8无差异 ,治疗后各指标变化趋势相似 ,但溶栓组sVCAM 1在治疗后第 5、7、14天显著高于对照组 (P <0 .0 1) ;而sICAM 1在第 5、7天明显低于对照组 (P <0 .0 1) ,IL 6在治疗后第 1、2、7天显著低于对照组 (P <0 .0 1) ,IL 8在治疗后第 1、7天明显低于对照组 (P <0 .0 1)。结论sICAM 1、sVCAM 1、IL 6、IL 8均可作为溶栓监测指标 ,其动态改变及作用影响AMI的发生、发展变化。溶栓治疗可减轻AMI的病理损伤 ,缩短病程。     

Influence of single low-density lipoprotein apheresis on the adhesion molecules soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and P-selectin.

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of single low-density lipoprotein apheresis (heparin extracorporeal low-density lipoprotein precipitation [HELP]procedure) on plasma concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules (sAMs) such as soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and P-selectin in patients with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia and documented coronary artery disease enrolled in a chronic weekly HELP apheresis. Before HELP apheresis, the mean plasma concentration of sVCAM-1 was 515 +/- 119 ng/ml, 204 +/- 58 ng/ml for sICAM-1, and 112 +/- 45 ng/ml for P-selectin. After single HELP apheresis, plasma concentrations of sAM declined significantly by 32 +/- 7%, 18 +/- 15%, and 33 +/- 25% for sVCAM- 1,sICAM-1 and P-selectin, respectively. After a 1 week interval, sAM concentrations rose to approximately the initial values. The concentrations of all sAMs studied were significantly lower in the plasma leaving than entering the filter. Due to filtration, the decline in plasma level of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and P-selectin was 62 +/- 19%, 51 +/- 39%, and 67 +/- 22%, respectively. In addition to lipid reduction, single HELP apheresis significantly lowers plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and P-selectin.     

雷公藤红素对人急性早幼粒白血病荷瘤模型小鼠黏附分子及细胞周期的影响

目的:观察雷公藤红素对人急性早幼粒白血病(APL)荷瘤模型小鼠黏附分子及细胞生物学特性的影响.方法:将18只SCID beige小鼠尾静脉注射NB4细胞株(5x106/只)以构建人APL荷瘤模型,然后随机分为荷瘤组、三氧化二砷组和雷公藤红素组,另取6只不造模并设为对照组;3周后向对照组和荷瘤组腹腔注射生理盐水并进行对照...     

Soluble L-selectin level is a marker for coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the fall in soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) level constitutes a marker for myocardial ischemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The levels of soluble forms of adhesion molecules, i.e., intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), E-selectin (sE-selectin), P-selectin (sP-selectin), and L-selectin (sL-selectin), were compared in type 2 diabetic patients without inflammatory syndrome but with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) (group 1, n = 11), with silent ischemic disorders and proven coronary stenoses (group 2, n = 11), with silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) and normal coronary angiography (group 3, n = 10), and without proven SMI (group 4, n = 13). These levels were compared with those of 22 control subjects. RESULTS: The sL-selectin level was significantly lower in groups 1, 2, or 3 with symptomatic CAD or with SMI as compared with the control group (P = 0.0004). Group 4 without myocardial ischemia did not significantly differ from the control subjects (P = 0.6). In type 2 diabetic patients, after controlling for HbA1c, a partial correlation between sL-selectin and the CAD status was significant (P = 0.001). sICAM-1 and sP- or sE-selectin did not differ significantly between type 2 diabetic patients and control subjects or among the different groups of patients. The sVCAM-1 level in type 2 diabetic patients was significantly higher than in the control subjects (P = 0.001), but there were no significant intergroup differences (P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: In type 2 diabetic patients, sVCAM-1 is increased with regard to glycemic control, whatever the CAD status. In type 2 diabetic patients with symptomatic CAD or SMI associated with coronary stenoses, sL-selectin is significantly decreased. A marked fall in sL-selectin might constitute a marker for silent CAD in type 2 diabetic patients.     

G-CSF联合化疗动员外周血干细胞过程中某些生物因子的动态变化

目的　探讨IL 8、可溶性血管细胞粘附分子 1 (sVCAM 1 )及可溶性细胞间粘附分子 1(sICAM 1 )在自体造血干细胞动员过程中的变化及其意义。方法　采用酶联免疫吸附实验方法动态分析患者造血干细胞动员过程中血浆IL 8、sICAM 1及sVCAM 1水平的变化 ;通过免疫荧光标记和流式细胞仪检测CD3 4+细胞 ;体外半固体培养CFU GM集落及血细胞计数法观察白细胞和血小板数量变化。结果　①在动员过程中 ,外周血IL 8[(2 4 7.4± 84.2 ) μg L]、sICAM 1 [(530 .3± 2 86 .1 ) μg L]及sVCAM 1[(575 .3± 350 .4) μg L]含量均较动员前和正常人显著升高 (P <0 .0 1 ) ;②患者外周血中IL 8、sVCAM 1水平与CD3 4+细胞和CFU GM集落数呈正相关 (P <0 .0 0 1 )。结论　在自体干细胞动员过程中 ,血浆IL 8和sVCAM 1的含量与患者CD3 4+细胞数和CFU GM集落形成有显著的相关性 ,分析这些生物因子的变化具有临床实用价值     

细胞间粘附分子和嗜酸细胞趋化因子在哮喘患儿血清中的表达及意义

目的探讨支气管哮喘患儿血清可溶性细胞间粘附分子-1（sICAM-1）、血管内皮细胞间粘附分子-1（sVCAM-1）、嗜酸细胞趋化因子（Eotaxin）水平的相关性及临床意义。方法采用ELISA双抗体夹心法对38例哮喘患儿和36例正常对照组儿童血清sICAM、sVCAM-1、Eotaxin进行检测。结果哮喘患儿血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1、Eotax-in水平均较对照组显著升高（P〈0．01）,而哮喘发作期患儿与缓解期患儿之间差异也具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,重度发作患儿较轻、中度发作升高明显（P〈0．05）。哮喘患儿血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平与Eotaxin水平之间存在正相关（r=0．632,P〈0．01）。结论sICAM-1、sVCAM-1、Eotaxin参与了哮喘的病理过程,其水平的高低可能与哮喘病情的严重程度有关,可视为哮喘气道炎症诊断和观察病情活动性的重要指标。     

Interaction between cytokines and sCD40L in patients with stable and unstable coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that soluble CD40-ligand (sCD40L) is elevated in coronary artery disease (CAD) and is released from activated platelets during the acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although sCD40L is part of immune response, the mechanisms regulating its release in different disease states remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 596 subjects: 201 patients with stable CAD, 109 patients with AMI and 286 healthy controls. Circulating levels of sCD40L, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-a (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Patients with AMI (n = 109) had higher levels of sCD40L and IL-6 compared to both CAD (n = 201) (P < 0.01) and controls (n = 286) (P < 0.01), while CAD also had higher levels of sCD40L and IL-6 compared to controls (P < 0.01). Similarly, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were higher in CAD and AMI compared to controls (P < 0.05). IL-6 was the only parameter independently associated with sCD40L in healthy individuals [beta (SE):0.491(0.096), P = 0.0001]. However, in CAD or AMI, only diabetes mellitus [beta (SE): 2.689 (1.082), P = 0.044 and beta (SE): 10.406 (3.215), P = 0.002, respectively] and smoking [beta (SE): 3.470 (1.111), P = 0.002 and beta (SE): 9.694 (2.478), P = 0.0001, respectively] (but not IL-6), were independently associated with sCD40L levels. CONCLUSIONS: Both CAD and AMI are accompanied by increased levels of sCD40L in parallel with an elevation of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and adhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1. Diabetes mellitus and smoking (but not IL-6 or adhesion molecules) were the only factors independently associated with sCD40L levels in CAD and AMI patients.     

Different patterns of endothelial cell activation in renal and pulmonary vascular disease in scleroderma

Abnormal endothelial cell function is implicated in the development of scleroderma, and in major life-threatening complications of the disease. The nature of the stimulus leading to abnormal endothelial cell function in scleroderma, scleroderma renal crisis, and scleroderma- associated pulmonary hypertension was investigated by measurement of soluble adhesion molecules, shed by activated endothelial cells, in sera from patients with these conditions. In scleroderma renal crisis, mean levels of soluble E-selectin (p < 0.05 limited scleroderma, p < 0.0001 diffuse scleroderma), sVCAM-1 (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) (p < 0.05 limited scleroderma, p < 0.05 diffuse scleroderma), and sICAM-1 (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1) (p < 0.0001 limited scleroderma, p < 0.0001 diffuse scleroderma) were raised, supporting a model of endothelial cell activation in this complication. Evidence for endothelial cell activation in scleroderma- associated pulmonary hypertension was inconsistent, with normal sE- selectin and normal sVCAM-1 in sera from patients with limited scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension. The endothelial cell phenotype in scleroderma-associated pulmonary hypertension may resemble that of unstimulated cells. The pulmonary vascular and renal vascular lesions associated with scleroderma may arise by distinct pathogenic mechanisms.      

Ethnic differences in circulating soluble adhesion molecules: the Wandsworth Heart and Stroke Study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether soluble adhesion molecule levels differ by ethnic group. Soluble plasma adhesion molecules [soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1)] were measured in 261 white (120 females), 188 African origin (99 females) and 215 South Asian (99 females) individuals living in England. All were free from coronary heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular disease, diabetes, drug therapy for hypertension or high lipids, hormone-replacement therapy or oral contraceptive pill. The results of the study indicated that there were important differences in the levels of adhesion molecules by sex and smoking. However, when adjusting for these and other potential confounders, there were no differences in levels between white subjects and individuals of South Asian origin. In contrast, people of African origin had significantly lower levels of sICAM-1 [Caribbean -30% (-36 to -23%); West African -22% (-29 to -15%), values are means (95% confidence intervals)], sVCAM-1 [Caribbean -14% (-19 to -8%); West African -10% (-17 to -3%)] and sP-selectin [Caribbean -10% (-17 to -2%); West African -24% (-31 to -16%)] than white individuals. In conclusion, circulating levels of some soluble adhesion molecules are lower in individuals of Caribbean or West African origin compared with white or South Asian individuals. These relationships may contribute to the low risk of coronary heart disease seen in people of African origin living in England.     

急性脑梗死血清可溶性粘附因子及选择素的检测及意义

目的 研究血清粘附分子及选择素在急性脑梗死的临床诊断、治疗、病情转归和判断预后的应用价值。方法 以EIASA法分别检测急性脑梗死患者治疗前后以及正常对照组血清可溶性细胞问粘附分子(sICAM—1)、血管细胞粘附分子(sVCAM—1)、E—选择素、P—选择素、L—选择素含量。并探讨各指标与神经功能缺损的关系。急性脑梗死患者治疗前血sICAM—1、sVCAM—1、E—选择素、P—选择素含量较对照组明显升高,而L—选择素则无显著变化;脑梗死治疗后以上各指标明显下降;脑梗死组神经功能缺损程度与各指标变化均无显著差异(p>0.05)。结论 血清sICAM—1、sVCAM—1、及sE—选择素、sP—选择素水平的变化与脑梗死的临床变化有较密切的关系,可以作为脑梗死病情变化的监测指标和预后判断指标,同时也为在脑梗死发病早期使用抗粘附分子抗体及药物治疗提供临床实验依据。     

Stability of soluble adhesion molecules, selectins, and C-reactive protein at various temperatures: implications for epidemiological and large-scale clinical studies

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of sample storage conditions on soluble vascular cell adhesion molecules (sVCAM), soluble intracellular adhesion molecules (sICAM-1), soluble (s)E-selectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and sP-selectin. METHODS: Markers were measured by ELISA in venous blood from 10 healthy volunteers on aliquots stored as plasma or whole blood at 4, 21, or 30 degrees C for 1-5 days and after 1-5 freeze-thaw cycles. We compared results on these samples to results for samples processed immediately and stored at -80 degrees C. Statistical models assessed time-related effects and effects of postprocessing conditions. RESULTS: Using an upper limit of 10% variation from baseline with P >0.05, we found that stability duration in plasma was 5 days for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and at least 2 days for sE-selectin at 4, 21, and 30 degrees C and 5 days for CRP at 4 and 21 degrees C and 1 day at 30 degrees C. Stability duration in whole blood was 5 days for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and at least 2 days for sE-selectin at 4, 21, and 30 degrees C and 5 days for CRP at 4 and 21 degrees C and 2 days at 30 degrees C. sP-selectin was not stable in plasma or whole blood. sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, CRP, and sE-selectin were stable after 5 freeze-thaw cycles. CONCLUSIONS: sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and CRP are stable in plasma or whole blood at 4 and 21 degrees C for at least 3 days and sE-selectin for 2 days. sP-selectin is not stable and therefore requires immediate assay.     

Interaction between Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity, inflammation and risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with severe coronary stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) seropositivity in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 81) is associated with increases in markers of inflammation, the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was ranked by Gensini score. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were evaluated using white blood cell counts and levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ferritin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukins 1beta and 6 (IL-1beta, IL-6), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), E-selectin and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and these were compared between Cpn-seropositive and seronegative individuals. RESULTS: IgA and IgG Cpn seropositivity were significantly associated with the presence of CAD (p = 0.005) and were independent predictive factors for the severity of coronary atherosclerosis (p = 0.005). Elevated levels of IL-6 (p = 0.027) and triglyceride (p = 0.038) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.038) were significantly predicted by Cpn IgA and IgG seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: Seropositivity for Cpn is a risk factor for patients with significant angiographically documented coronary stenosis. Additionally, Cpn seropositivity was significantly associated with dyslipidemia and elevated IL-6, known risk factors for CAD. These observations indicate that Cpn infection may be one entry point to the causal or contributory pathways that lead to atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations.     

Effects of angiotensin II-receptor blockers on soluble cell adhesion molecule levels in uncomplicated systemic hypertension: An observational, controlled pilot study in Taiwanese adults

Background:

Controversy exists as to whether individuals with hypertension without risk factors for atherosclerosis (eg, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia,

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether (1) levels of solubleCAMs (sCAMs) (soluble E-selectin [sE-selectin], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1 ], soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1 ], and von Willebrand factor [vWF]) are elevated in Taiwanese adults with uncomplicated essential hypertension without other risk factors; (2) CAM levels increase with severity (stage) of hypertension; and (3) monotherapy with the angiotensin II-receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan modulates CAM expression in a subgroup of these patients.

Methods:

This observational, controlled pilot study was conducted at the Hypertension Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Adult patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension without other risk factors (eg, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity) and normotensive controls were eligible. Blood pressure (BP) was determined using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in all participants, and the staging of hypertension was classified based on criteria in The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (normotensive, prehypertension, stage I hypertension, and stage II hypertension). The SCAM levels and 24-hour ABPM were measured before and after 8 weeks of open-label irbesartan monotherapy in a subgroup of the patients with hypertension. Patients who had difficulty achieving the target BP values on irbesartan monotherapy were treated with combination therapy (2 or 3 antihypertensive agents); levels of sCAMs were not measured in these patients. Plasma levels of sE-selectin, the sCAMs, and vWF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The study comprised 61 patients with uncomplicated essentialhypertension (33 men and 28 women; mean [SD] age, 51 [12] years) and 17 normotensive controls (11 men, 6 women; mean [SD] age, 52 [ 11 ] years). The mean (SD) dose of irbesartan was 243 (63) mg. Hypertensive patients had significantly higher circulating levels of sICAM-1 compared with normotensive controls (P = 0.009). No significant differences in levels of sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, or vWF were found between hypertensive patients and controls. The mean sICAM-1 level was significantly higher in the prehypertensive patients compared with normotensive controls (P = 0.03). The mean sE-selectin level was significantly higher in the patients with stage I hypertension compared with the prehypertensive group (P = 0.01). The 18 patients given 8 weeks of irbesartan monotherapy showed a significant decrease from baseline in systolic and diastolic BP (both, P = 0.001) and sE-selectin (P= 0.006), but not in sVCAM-1 or sICAM. Forty-three patients did not reach target BP on irbesartan monotherapy and thus were treated with combination therapy.

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this observational, controlled pilotstudy in Taiwanese patients, we suggest that ARB therapy, in addition to reducing BP, has the potential to suppress CAM expression and to improve endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.