Soluble endothelium-associated adhesion molecules in patients with Graves' disease.

The targeting and recruitment of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium in Graves' disease (GD) is mediated by intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). We have studied serum levels of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), soluble ELAM-1 (sELAM-1), and soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) in patients with GD (n = 21) and in patients with iodine-deficient goitre (IDG) (n = 23). The serum levels of sICAM-1 were markedly elevated in patients with GD before treatment with thiamazole (median 560 ng/ml versus 185 ng/ml in patients with IDG). In addition, elevated serum concentrations of sELAM-1 (median 85 ng/ml versus 33 ng/ml, respectively) and sVCAM-1 (median 42 ng/ml versus 15 ng/ml, respectively) were observed in patients with GD (P < 0.01 for all). The serum levels of sELAM-1 and sVCAM-1 dropped significantly after initiation of therapy and were within the normal range after 4, and 8 weeks of therapy, respectively. Serum levels of sICAM-1 were elevated even after 8 weeks of therapy. Serum levels of sVACM-1 and sICAM-1 correlated with the serum concentrations of anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-receptor antibodies (TSHR-R) (n = 21; r = 0.929 and r = 0.810, respectively) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) (n = 21; r = 0.673 and r = 0.750, respectively). However, no correlation between sELAM-1 and TPO-Ab, TSHR-R, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab), respectively, could be found. In addition to thyroid hormones and autoantibodies, serum concentrations of sELAM-1 and sVCAM-1, but not sICAM-1, could be useful as clinical markers for disease activity.     

Inflammatory reactions in placental blood of Plasmodium falciparum-infected women and high concentrations of soluble E-selectin and a circulating P. falciparum protein in the cord sera.

To better understand reasons for increased susceptibility to malaria in pregnancy; and the interrelationships between maternal malaria, local immune reactions and the development of the fetus, concentrations of soluble interleukin-10 (IL-10), cytokine receptors, adhesion molecules, a Plasmodium falciparum protein, glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) and antibodies to P. falciparum rhoptry-associated protein-1 were measured among 105 Gambian women and their neonates. Peripheral blood concentrations of IL-10, soluble cytokine receptors and soluble adhesion molecules were found to be different from those concentrations measured in the placenta. Markers of inflammatory reactions: IL-10, sIL-2R, sIL-4R, and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF-RI) were found in high concentrations in the placenta, indicating that inflammatory reactions take place in the placenta which has been regarded as an immunoprivileged site. Concentrations of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), potential adhesion receptors for malaria parasites, were associated with an active P. falciparum infection in the placenta although the associations did not reach significance. P. falciparum exoantigen, GLURP, was detected in cord blood indicating transplacental passage of malarial antigens. Concentrations of E-selectin were higher in cord blood samples compared with peripheral blood samples. This appeared to be associated with development of cord endothelial cells and not with P. falciparum infection.     

Examination of soluble cell adhesion molecules in pregnancy induced hypertension]

This study was performed to determine whether or not the soluble-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (sELAM-1) are sensitive markers of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). sICAM-1 concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the mild PIH compared to non-pregnant women and normal pregnant groups. sVCAM-1 concentrations in the mild PIH group and the severe PIH group were significantly higher than the non-pregnant women group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, respectively) and the normal pregnant group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0005, respectively). The concentrations of sELAM-1 in the mild PIH group were also significantly higher compared to normal pregnant group (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that soluble cell adhesion molecules may be useful markers detecting endothelial damage and dysfunction in patients with PIH.     

Levels of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in children with Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP) is a small vessel vasculitis. Soluble adhesion molecules play a very important role in the immuno-inflammatory reaction of damaged vascular tissues. This study investigated the prognostic and diagnostic potential of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in HSP. METHODS: Serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were studied in 26 children with HSP. Paired blood samples (during acute and convalescent stages) were collected from 17 of the children and assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlations with clinical manifestations were examined. Seventeen healthy children served as controls. RESULTS: Both sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were significantly elevated at the acute stage compared with the remission stage of HSP patients versus controls (p=0.006 and p=0.0173, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although the levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were not correlated with the severity of clinical manifestations in HSP, these soluble adhesion molecules may serve as diagnostic markers.     

Smoking and disease severity are independent determinants of serum adhesion molecule levels in Graves' ophthalmopathy

Adhesion molecules play a key role in autoimmune disorders, and serum concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules are increased in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Whether this is due to the strong association with smoking is unknown. It is also not known if the severity or activity of GO determine the serum levels of adhesion molecules. We measured serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sELAM-1 in 62 euthyroid Graves' patients with untreated GO, in 62 healthy controls matched for sex, age and smoking habits, and in 26 euthyroid Graves' patients without GO. GO severity was assessed by the Total Eye Score and the activity by the Clinical Activity Score. Adhesion molecules were measured by highly sensitive ELISAs. GO patients had higher levels than controls (median values in ng/ml with range): sICAM-1 300 [171--575] versus 244 [119--674], P < 0.001; sVCAM-1 457 [317--1060] versus 410 [238--562], P < 0.001; and sELAM-1 61 [19--174] versus 53 [23--118], P = 0.021. Euthyroid Graves' disease patients without GO had levels similar to controls: sICAM-1 273 138--453), sVCAM-1 386 [260--1041] and sELAM-1 46 [22--118]. Smoking had an independent effect and was associated with higher levels of sICAM-1 and lower levels of sVCAM-1 in both GO patients and controls; sELAM-1 levels were comparable. In the 62 GO patients, sICAM-1 correlated significantly with severity of eye disease (r = 0.40, P = 0.002). No correlation was found with the duration of GO, the Clinical Activity Score or TBII levels. Multivariate analysis of all 150 subjects showed that the presence of GO and smoking are independent determinants of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 concentrations. In GO patients, the Total Eye Score was a stronger determinant than smoking. It is concluded that (i) smoking is associated with increased sICAM-1 and decreased sVCAM-1 levels; (ii) independent from smoking, euthyroid GO patients have higher levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sELAM-1 than patients with euthyroid Graves' disease or healthy controls; (iii) the major determinant of sICAM-1 in GO patients is the severity of their eye disease.     

Levels of soluble VCAM-1, soluble ICAM-1, and soluble E-selectin during disease exacerbations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); a long term prospective study.

Active SLE is characterized by immune deposits and subsequent vascular inflammation in many organs. Expression and up-regulation of adhesion molecules is basic to migration of inflammatory cells into the tissues. Recently, soluble isoforms of these molecules have been described which might be an expression of their up-regulation in the tissues and, as such, of disease activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether changes in levels of soluble adhesion molecules reflect disease activity. We analysed serial sera in a 6-month period preceding 22 consecutive exacerbations of SLE for levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and sE-selectin. Levels were related to clinical disease activity (SLEDAI), and levels of anti-dsDNA and complement. At the time of maximal disease activity, levels of sVCAM-1 in patients with SLE were higher than those in controls (P < 0.0001), levels in patients with renal involvement being higher than in those without (P < 0.02). Levels of sVCAM-1 correlated with SLEDAI scores (P < 0.05) and, inversely, with levels of C3 (P = 0.01). In addition, in the presence of anti-dsDNA, levels of sVCAM-1 tended to correlate with levels of these autoantibodies (P < 0.1). Levels of sICAM-1 were normal and sE-selectin levels even decreased compared with controls. Levels of sVCAM-1 were higher at the moment of relapse (P = 0.001) than at 6 months before this time point. This rise correlated with the rise in SLEDAI score (P < 0.02). Levels of sICAM-1 and sE-selectin did not rise, and remained in the normal range in all exacerbations studied. In conclusion, in contrast to sICAM-1 and sE-selectin, levels of sVCAM-1 are increased, rise parallel to disease activity during exacerbations in SLE, and are associated with decreasing levels of complement factors. This favours the hypothesis of immune deposit formation, activation of the complement cascade and activation of endothelial cells. Concurrent up-regulation of vascular adhesion molecules may thus result in transmigration of activated inflammatory cells inducing tissue damage.     

Systemic endothelial activation occurs in both mild and severe malaria. Correlating dermal microvascular endothelial cell phenotype and soluble cell adhesion molecules with disease severity.

Fatal Plasmodium falciparum malaria is accompanied by systemic endothelial activation. To study endothelial activation directly during malaria and sepsis in vivo, the expression of cell adhesion molecules on dermal microvascular endothelium was examined in skin biopsies and correlated with plasma levels of soluble (circulating) ICAM-1, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 and the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Skin biopsies were obtained from 61 cases of severe malaria, 42 cases of uncomplicated malaria, 10 cases of severe systemic sepsis, and 17 uninfected controls. Systemic endothelial activation, represented by the up-regulation of inducible cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on endothelium and increased levels of soluble CAMs (sCAMs), were seen in both severe and uncomplicated malaria and sepsis when compared with uninfected controls. Plasma levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin correlated positively with the severity of malaria whereas TNF-alpha was raised nonspecifically in malaria and sepsis. Immunohistochemical evidence of endothelial activation in skin biopsies did not correlate with sCAM levels or disease severity. This indicates a background of systemic endothelial activation, which occurs in both mild and severe malaria and sepsis. The levels of sCAMs in malaria are thus not an accurate reflection of endothelial cell expression of CAMs in a particular vascular bed, and other factors must influence their levels during disease.     

Differential up-regulation of circulating soluble selectins and endothelial adhesion molecules in Sicilian patients with Boutonneuse fever.

In 150 patients with Boutonneuse fever (BF), caused by Rickettsia conorii, we studied the plasma levels of soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and E-selectin (sE-selectin) in various phases of disease to clarify their role in disease evolution. Results indicate that during the acute phase of BF there is a significant increase in the serum levels of sL-selectin, sE-selectin, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1. sL-selectin and sVCAM-1 returned to normal levels in the third week of disease, whereas sE-selectin and sICAM-1 persisted at significantly high levels even after the third week. The secretion of these soluble CAMs in BF is mainly the result of leucocyte expression and endothelial cell activation, but secretion also appears to mediate anti-inflammatory activities, moderating leucocyte adhesion and reducing in particular lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration. Only sL-selectin serum levels were found to correlate with the acute phase of infection characterized by fever.     

Soluble cell adhesion molecules and von Willebrand factor in children with Kawasaki disease.

Fifty-nine children with acute Kawasaki disease (KD), a childhood vasculitis, were compared with 35 children with fever due to infection and 48 healthy children. Levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in the healthy children were double those found in adults. All three soluble cell adhesion molecules and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were higher in the children with KD than in the healthy children, but only sE-selectin, a marker for activated endothelial cells, and sICAM-1 were higher than in the febrile children. The high levels of vWF in KD appear to reflect the prominent acute-phase reaction. This information can help us to understand further the complex interactions between cytokines, circulating inflammatory cells and the vascular endothelium, and may lead to new therapeutic avenues in KD and other inflammatory diseases and vasculitides.     

Evaluation of the association of serum levels of hyaluronic acid,sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and VEGF-A with mortality and prognosis in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

BackgroundCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease. Pathogenesis of the disease has not been well described yet. A well-known pathogenic feature of CCHF virus is its capability to damage endothelium. Increased hyaluronic acid (HA) levels indicate liver sinusoidal endothelial damage. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) play a role in the inflammatory process, vascular damage and plasma leakage.ObjectivesTo investigate whether or not there is a relationship between HA, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and VEGF-A serum levels and fatality in CCHF.Study designSixty-one patients who were confirmed by RT-PCR and serological tests for CCHF, included in the current study. HA, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, VEGF-A levels in serum samples were analyzed by ELISA.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between fatal and non-fatal CCHF patients in terms of HA, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and VEGF-A levels. In addition, AST and ALT levels were positively correlated with HA, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and VEGF-A levels.ConclusionHA, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and VEGF-A levels of the patients that died during hospitalization were statistically significantly higher than the patients that survived, and this finding suggests that the level of these molecules could be used as a prognostic marker in CCHF.     

Indices of low-grade chronic inflammation in polycystic ovary syndrome and the beneficial effect of metformin

BACKGROUND: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) and related disorders. Elevated serum levels of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) reflect low-grade chronic inflammation and have been associated with several insulin-resistant states. The objective of this study is to investigate whether soluble inflammatory markers [soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (sE-selectin), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP)] are altered in PCOS and to further elucidate the effect of metformin treatment on their levels. METHODS: Two young populations were studied [62 women with PCOS and 45 normal women of similar age, BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)]. Plasma levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) were measured in both groups. Additionally, the effect of metformin on these molecules was investigated in 22 women with PCOS who accepted to metformin protocol (1700 mg daily for a 6-month period). RESULTS: In the total population studied, plasma levels of hsCRP (mg/l), sICAM-1 (ng/ml) and sE-selectin (ng/ml) were higher in the PCOS group compared with those in controls (hsCRP 1.31 +/- 0.22 versus 0.92 +/- 0.27, P = 0.014, sICAM-1 301.21 +/- 24.80 versus 209.86 +/- 17.05, P = 0.025, sE-selectin 57.37 +/- 4.08 versus 45.67 +/- 4.62, P = 0.045, respectively). sVCAM-1 (ng/ml) did not differ statistically among the two groups (P = 0.896). A significant reduction in hsCRP and sVCAM-1 was achieved after 6 months of metformin administration: PCOS pretreatment hsCRP 1.92 +/- 0.60 versus PCOS post-treatment hsCRP 0.52 +/- 0.26, P = 0.005; PCOS pretreatment sVCAM-1 668.09 +/- 98.38 versus PCOS post-treatment sVCAM-1 365.82 +/- 99.77, P = 0.039. CONCLUSION: These findings imply the presence of chronic inflammation in women with PCOS. Metformin decreases the levels of plasma inflammatory indices. Further investigation is required to determine whether these findings may prove to be of clinical significance for PCOS patients.     

Soluble ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 as markers of endothelial activation

Activated endothelium releases the soluble adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1). Measurement of fluid-phase adhesion molecules is therefore used to quantify endothelial activation, but it is unclear which is the better marker. The aims of the study were to compare the relationships between mRNA, surface and total expression and released VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in endothelial cell cultures during activation, and to compare human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with the microvascular cell line HMEC-1. sVCAM-1 better represented mRNA and surface expression changes in HUVEC undergoing endotoxin stimulation than did sICAM-1. Very little VCAM-1 was released from endotoxin-stimulated HMEC-1, and sICAM-1 seemed a better activation marker for these cells. During incubation of HUVEC in media with glucose concentrations of 5.6, 10.6 or 20.6 m m , VCAM-1 was released to the media in a dose-dependent way without changes in surface expression. ICAM-1 was not influenced by the glucose concentration. There are situations when VCAM-1 concentrations in the media do not mirror the surface expression on HUVEC in culture, indicating that measurements of soluble adhesion molecules may not necessarily be representative of the conditions on the cell surface. Endothelium from different locations showed varying responses with respect to VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 liberation upon endotoxin stimulation. Thus, both sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 should be quantified in clinical studies of endothelial activation until their characteristics are better clarified.     

Changes in circulating levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules following highly active antiretroviral treatment of HIV-1-infected patients

Increased levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAM) have been reported in HIV-1 infection and may possibly contribute to altering the adhesion mechanisms of phagocytic cells. We evaluated the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on plasma levels of sL-selectin, sE-selectin, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), sICAM-3, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). Study participants included 22 HIV-1-infected patients with a CD4+ T-cell count/microl below 500 who were started on a HAART regimen and followed up for 9 months. After the initiation of therapy, plasma sL-selectin concentrations progressively decreased to normal ranges in the majority of our patients (P < 0.001), while no changes in sE-selectin were found. In all patients sICAM-1 remained relatively constant at significantly elevated concentrations during the 9 months of therapy. A significant reduction in plasma concentrations of both sICAM-3 and sVCAM-1 was found; however, the levels of these sCAM were not normalized by HAART and remained significantly elevated throughout the study (P < 0.001). The reduced release of sL-selectin could improve the ability of phagocitic cells to migrate in response to chemotactic stimuli after starting HAART. On the other hand, the persistent elevation of sICAM-1, sICAM-3, and sVCAM-1 could reflect continuous HIV-1-mediated immune activation, despite adequate control of plasma HIV-1 replication by therapy.     

Blood serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) and endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) in diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND: Interaction between cells via intimate cell-cell contact is facilitated by a cell surface molecules, termed adhesion molecules. The aim of the study was to evaluate the blood serum concentration of soluble forms of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus without and with diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in 75 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 35 without retinopathy (group 1) and 40 with retinopathy (group 2). Soluble forms of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and ELAM-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The serum concentration of sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 were significantly elevated and the concentration sVCAM-1 was elevated but not significantly in diabetic patients when compared with control subjects. There was a significant difference in VCAM-1 concentrations between the control group and group 2 (965.9 +/- 229.0 vs. 1283.7 +/- 387.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05) and between group 1 and group 2 (1115.0 +/- 285.5 vs. 1283.7 +/- 387.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05). There were significant differences in sICAM-1 concentrations between the control group and group 1 (p < 0.05) and between the control group and group 2 (p < 0.05). Where was no significant difference in sICAM-1 concentration between group 1 and 2 (405.2 +/- 135.9 vs. 443.1 +/- 112.7 ng/ml, p = 0.08). ELAM-1 concentration was significantly elevated in group 2 (120.5 +/- 49.3 ng/ml) when compared with the control group (51.7 +/- 18.1 ng/ml, p < 0.005) and with group 1 (81.2 +/- 27.7 ng/ml, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The correlations found between sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 and the presence of retinopathy suggest that cellular adhesion and neovascularization may be linked processes.     

妊娠期高血压病患者血管活性因子水平的变化

目的：探讨妊娠期高血压病患者血浆神经肽Y（NPY）、降钙素基因相关肽（CGRP）、可溶性血管细胞黏附分子-1（sVCAM-1）及可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1（sICAM-1）水平的变化与患者发病的关系。方法：：32例非孕妇女、30例正常孕妇（对照组）及30例妊娠期高血压病患者的血浆NPY、CGRP含量均采用放射免疫分析;血浆sVCAM-1和sICAM-1采用酶联免疫分析法测定。结果：本文结果显示,对照组CGRP水平较非孕妇女组升高显著（P〈0.05）;妊娠期高血压病治疗前组CGRP水平较对照组降低非常显著（P均〈0.01）;经治疗水平明显升高,但与对照组比较仍存在显著差异（P〈0.05）。NPY水平对照组较非孕妇女组升高无显著性（P〉0.05）;治疗前组NPY水平较对照组升高非常显著（P〈0.01）;经治疗水平已明显下降,与对照组比较差异无显著性（P〉0.05）。sVCAM-1水平对照组与非孕妇女组比较无显著性差异（P〉0.05）;治疗前组水平较对照组升高显著（P〈0.05）;经治疗水平明显下降,较对照组略高,但已无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。sICAM-1水平显示对照组及非孕妇女组略升高,但无显著性差异（P〉0.05）;治疗前组较对照组略高,但也无显著性差异（P〉0.05）;经治疗sICAM-1水平与对照组比较亦无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。相关分析结果显示,CGRP含量血浆浓度与其平均动脉压呈显著负相关（r=-0.5812,P〈0.01）,而NPY含量则显著高于对照组妇女,并随病情的加重而上升,与其平均动脉压呈显著正相关（r=0.6097,P〈0.01）。结论：妊娠期高血压病患者血浆NPY、CGRP及sVCAM-1三项指标的测定对于了解和认识其发病机理及预估病情有帮助。     

Maternal serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin in preeclampsia

Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be a central pathogenic feature in preeclampsia on the basis of elevated adhesion molecules. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and E-selectin (sE-selectin) in sera of normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. We studied the serum levels of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin in normal pregnant women (n=63), mild preeclampsia (n=33) and severe preeclampsia (n=82). Concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules were determined with enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Serum concentrations of sVCAM-1 were significantly higher in both mild (p=0.004) and severe preeclampsia (p=0.000) than normal pregnancy. There were also significant differences in sVCAM- 1 levels between mild and severe preeclampsia (p=0.002). sICAM-1 levels of severe preeclampsia were statistically different from those of normal pregnancy (p=0.038). Levels of sE-selectin were elevated in both mild (p=0.011) and severe preeclampsia (p=0.000) compared to normal pregnancy, but no statistical difference between the mild and severe preeclampsia (p=0.345). These results suggest that all three soluble adhesion molecules are increased in severe preeclampsia, and sVCAM-1 among them may be useful in predicting the severity of preeclampsia.     

Does infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and/or Helicobacter pylori increase the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in humans?

Objective   To investigate if Chlamydia pneumoniae and/or Helicobacter pylori seropositivity is associated with elevated levels of soluble endothelial cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs) as markers of atherosclerotic activity.
Methods   Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG antibodies to the two bacteria, soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and E-selectin were measured in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients ( n  = 193) and age- and sex-matched controls ( n  = 193). Two different serological methods were used for the detection of Chlamydia antibodies: Labsystems microimmunofluorescence to detect species-specific C. pneumoniae antibodies and Medac's recombinant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect genus-specific lipopolysaccharide antibodies.
Results   The concentrations of sICAM-1 and E-selectin were higher in CHD patients with positive vs. negative Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide IgA ( P  = 0.044 for both). H. pylori antibodies alone did not predict raised levels of sCAMs, but in CHD patients sICAM-1 was increased with IgA seropositivity to both bacteria compared to double seronegativity ( P  = 0.034). Concentrations of sVCAM-1 were elevated in CHD patients with double IgA seropositivity compared to those with Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide IgA seropositivity alone ( P  = 0.018).
Conclusion   Our results may indicate that C. pneumoniae contributes to increased inflammation in CHD, and that this contribution is even more pronounced when present in combination with H. pylori IgA antibodies.     

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor is a thyroid hormone-dependent early-response marker in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Thyrotoxic patients exhibit increased levels of immune activation molecules (soluble interleukin-2 receptor [sIL-2R], intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 [ELAM-1]) in serum, although the clinical significance of these measurements remains unclear. In a randomized 4-week study, we have recently shown that in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, the combination of cholestyramine and methimazole (MMI) resulted in faster lowering of serum thyroid-hormone levels than did MMI alone. Stored serial serum samples from patients participating in this randomized treatment trial were analyzed for sIL-2R, soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble ELAM-1 (sELAM-1). The levels of all three molecules were elevated in patients with hyperthyroidism. Although the levels of sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 remained elevated through the 4-week follow-up period in both groups of patients, the sIL-2R levels (normal levels, 1.0 to 4.2 ng/ml) decreased significantly in the 10 patients who received cholestyramine in addition to MMI (week 0, 14.2 +/- 1.5 ng/ml; week 2, 10.8 +/- 1.2 ng/ml; week 4, 8.9 +/- 1.5 ng/ml). In eight patients who received MMI alone, sIL-2R decreased less rapidly (week 0, 12.3 +/- 1.4 ng/ml; week 2, 12.3 +/- 1.3 ng/ml; week 4, 10.9 +/- 1.3 ng/ml). sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 were elevated at baseline but did not decrease during therapy. In the former group, free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine decreased faster. These data show that levels of sIL-2R in serum, but not those of sICAM-1 and sELAM-1, may be of clinical use in the early follow-up evaluation of medically treated patients.     

急性心肌梗塞病人细胞粘附分子与补体激活成分的动态变化

目的:探讨急性心肌梗塞(AMI)病人血浆细胞粘附分子和补体活化成分的变化。方法:采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA),检测了67例AMI病人发病第1、4、7d时和38例健康人,42例陈旧性心肌梗塞(OMI)病人白细胞CD18表达、血浆可溶性细胞间粘附分子-1(sICAM-1)、可溶性血管细胞间粘附分子-1(sVCAM-1)和血浆补体活化片段(sC5b-9)浓度的变化。结果:AMI病人白细胞CD18表达、sICAM-1、sVCAM-1和sC5b-9浓度非常显著高于对照组和OMI病人(P＜0.01)。发病第1-7d,白细胞CD18表达、sICAM-1、sVCAM-1和sC5b-9浓度逐渐降低。死亡者和伴有室性心律失常者各指标增高较存活者和无室性心律失常者更明显(P＜0.01)。AMI病人白细胞CD18表达、sICAM-1、sVCAM-1浓度与sC5b-9浓度呈正相关(r=0.648,0.652,0.668,0.698,0.914,0.725,0.737,0.752,0.792,P＜0.01),白细胞CD18表达与sICAM-1、sVCAM-1浓度呈正相关(r=0.662,0.683,0.695,0.738,0.744,0.745,P＜0.01)。结论:细胞粘附分子和补体激活成分的相互作用参与了AMI的发生和发展,且与病情严重程度和预后有密切关系。     

Do Soluble Cell Adhesion Molecules Play a Role in Endometriosis?

PROBLEM: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with diverse immunologic disturbances. Cell adhesion molecules are essential for the development of immune and inflammatory reactions. This study was conducted to investigate whether or not serum and peritoneal levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules are altered in women with endometriosis. METHOD OF STUDY: The study group comprised five women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis. Eight healthy women with a normal diagnostic laparoscopy served as controls. Serum and peritoneal fluid samples from both groups were analyzed for the soluble isoform of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1). vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), endothelial selectin (sES), and platelet selectin (sPS). RESULTS: Serum levels of sICAM-1 were significantly increased in women with endometriosis (median levels: 410.4 ng/mL; range: 233.9 ng/mL 598.4 ng/mL vs. 235.7 ng/mL; range: 187.4 ng/mL -323.7 ng/mL; P = 0.02). Although the levels of sVCAM-1, sES, and sPS in both samples were higher in the study group, the differences did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a role of ICAM-1 in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. However. the role of other investigated cell adhesion molecules should be confirmed by further studies.