系统性红斑狼疮患者皮损及血清粘附分子的检测

目的：探讨血管内皮细胞间黏附分子-1（ICAM-1）、细胞黏附分子-1（VCAM-1）、sE-选择素水平在皮损表达及血清水平与系统性红斑狼疮（SLE）活动性的关系。方法：用ELISA试剂盒测定血清细胞黏附分子,应用SABC免疫组化技术检测细胞黏附分子的表达。结果：实验组血清可溶性ICAM-1（sICAM-1）和可溶性VCAM—1（sVCAM-1）的水平均较高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（均P〈0．01）;实验组活动期ICAM-1水平较非活动期升高（P〈0．01）。SLE患者活动期皮损血管内皮细胞ICAM-1、VCAM-1、E-选择素的表达高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。SLE血管内皮细胞各黏附分子表达的水平依次为VCAM-1〉ICAM-1〉E-选择素。结论：VCAM-1、ICAM-1、E-选择素等粘附分子可能在SLE的发生、发展中起重要的组织损伤作用。     

蘘荷氯仿提取物对人真皮微血管内皮细胞表面黏附分子的表达及淋巴细胞黏附作用的影响

【摘要】 目的 探讨蘘荷对人真皮微血管内皮细胞（HDMEC）表面黏附分子的表达及淋巴细胞黏附作用的影响。方法 用蘘荷氯仿提取物（CFMG）与肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α/白介素（IL）-1α分别诱导或按不同顺序联合诱导HDMEC不同时间,用酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测细胞间黏附分子-1（ICAM-1）、血管细胞间黏附分子-1（VCAM-1）和E选择素表达水平。使用γ计数器测定HDMEC对T淋巴细胞和Ramos细胞的黏附能力。用Sigma Plot 12软件包对数据进行配对t检验。 结果 与0.2%二甲基亚砜相比,CFMG轻度下调HDMEC表面ICAM-1、VCAM-1和E选择素表达水平（均P > 0.05）;与细胞培养液相比,TNF-α显著上调ICAM-1、VCAM-1、E选择素的表达水平（均P < 0.01）,IL-1α上调ICAM-1和E选择素的表达水平（均P < 0.01）,对VCAM-1轻度上调（P > 0.05）。CFMG预处理可显著抑制TNF-α和IL-1α对黏附分子表达水平的上调作用（均P < 0.01）,但是CFMG后处理对经TNF-α和IL-1α刺激后升高的黏附分子表达水平影响不大（均P > 0.05）。与0.2% DMSO相比,CFMG轻度降低HDMEC对T淋巴细胞和Ramos细胞黏附率（均P > 0.05）,而与细胞培养液相比,TNF-α和IL-1α显著提高其黏附率（均P < 0.01）。 结论 蘘荷脂溶性粗提物可能通过阻遏前炎症细胞因子TNF-α和IL-1α对HDMEC表面黏附分子的上调作用,抑制组织中炎细胞浸润从而起到抗炎作用。 【关键词】 蘘荷; 内皮细胞; 细胞黏附分子; 细胞因子     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

SLE患者外周血单一核细胞介导T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞黏附的实验研究

目的 探讨活动期SLE患者外周血单一核细胞(PBMC)是否介导了T淋巴细胞对血管内皮细胞的黏附.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液预刺激48 h,通过RT-PCR检测PBMC培养上清液诱导HUVEC黏附分子的表达;划痕实验检测PBMC培养上清液诱导内皮细胞运动迁移能力的改变;HUVEC与T细胞共培养,研究PBMC培养上清液预刺激是否影响T细胞对HUVEC的黏附.结果 HUVEC经过活动期SLE PBMC培养上清刺激后,内皮细胞黏附分子ICAM-1mRNA,VCAM-1 mRNA和E-钙黏蛋白mRNA表达明显增加,而IL-17抗体能明显抑制黏附分子的表达.黏附分子表达增加介导了内皮细胞运动能力增加,介导T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附,而IL-17中和抗体能抑制T细胞对内皮细胞的黏附和抑制内皮细胞的运动迁移.结论 活动期SLE PBMC培养上清液可以通过诱导血管内皮细胞黏附分子表达,黏附T细胞,介导狼疮血管炎的发生.     

Soluble E-selectin, other markers of inflammation and disease severity in children with atopic dermatitis

E-selectin, P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are membrane-bound adhesion molecules which mediate the attachment of leucocytes to endothelial cells. These molecules are preferentially expressed on activated endothelium. The soluble forms of these molecules (sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1) are present in the circulation as a result of shedding. Some of the soluble adhesion molecules have been thought to reflect disease activity in atopic dermatitis (AD). To evaluate their potential to reflect disease activity in AD, we correlated their plasma concentration with clinical severity measured by objective SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis). Furthermore, levels of total IgE, specific IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were determined. SCORAD and sE-selectin levels were significantly increased in children with specific IgE for both food and inhalation allergens ( P  < 0.05). ECP consistently showed an increase with the scores of SCORAD, but no statistical significance was reached. Disease activity was significantly correlated with the plasma levels of sE-selectin ( r _s = 0.6, P  < 0.0005) but not with sP-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. This agrees with recent studies performed in adults with AD, and supports the potential of sE-selectin as a parameter for monitoring disease activity in young children with AD.     

sICAM-1, sE-selectin and sVCAM-1 are constitutively present in human skin lymph and increased in allergic contact dermatitis

The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin is important for the regulation of the leucocyte traffic into and in inflammatory dermatoses. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin were initially identified as cell-surface proteins, but recent evidence suggests that they also exist in a soluble form. The collection of human afferent lymph exclusively deriving from a selected skin area allows insight into local pathomechanisms as well as signal transmission in skin disorders. In the present study we measured the concentrations of the soluble adhesion molecules (sAM) sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in human skin lymph derived from normal untreated skin, irritant contact dermatitis (CD) and the induction and elicitation phases of allergic CD. The strong elicitation reactions of allergic CD produced an increase in sAM output to about three times the baseline values but in the weaker irritant CD we observed no increase at all. In the induction phase of allergic CD the concentrations during the first 9 days of the experiment remained unchanged, as in the lymph derived from normal untreated skin, but were slightly increased thereafter. To our knowledge, no in vivo data exist on the local involvement of sAM in irritant and allergic CD in humans. Our results provide evidence of increased concentrations of sAM mainly in strong allergic CD. Received: 12 June 1996     

Evaluation of Soluble Cell Adhesion Molecules in Atopic Dermatitis

Recent studies have indicated the importance of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) between the vascular endothelium and activated leukocytes in various inflammatory skin diseases. Soluble forms of CAMs (sCAMs) have also been detected in sera from such diseases. In order to elucidate the role of the soluble forms in skin inflammation, we determined the serum levels of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we quantified sCAMs levels in 21 patients with atopic dermatitis and in 16 healthy controls. In severe AD patients, levels of these three types of sCAMs were markedly elevated. sE-selectin was significantly elevated in severe AD over the levels in mild AD. A positive correlation with individual clinical activity was found for changes in the sE-selectin and sVCAM-1 levels. sE-selectin levels were correlated with the serum IgE levels and the number of eosinophils. The sVCAM-1 level was also significantly correlated with the number of monocytes. Among these three molecules, sE-selectin appeared to be the most sensitive clinical parameter in monitoring the clinical course of AD patients.     

血清可溶性黏附分子与系统性红斑狼疮患者活动性的关系

目的 探讨血清黏附分子中可溶性血管细胞黏附分子-1(sVCAM-1)和可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)水平与系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)活动性的关系。方法 sVCAM-1和sICAM-1检测采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)。结果 ①SLE患者血清sVCAM-1平均水平为2342.45ng/mL,显著高于正常对照组1239.68ng/mL(P<0.001);SLE患者血清sICAM-1平均水平为802.34ng/mL,显著高于正常对照组626.15ng/mL(P<0.001)。②SLE患者血清sVCAM-1水平和sICAM-1水平活动期均高于非活动期(P均<0.001),肾损组均高于非肾损组(P均<0.001)。③SLE组血清sVCAM-1和sICAM-1水平与SLE疾病活动指数(SLEDAI)、抗dsDNA抗体阳性呈正相关,与血清补体C3水平呈负相关。④糖皮质激素治疗后患者sVCAM-1水平和sICAM-1水平均低于治疗前(P均<0.001)。结论 sVCAM-1、sICAM-1可能参与SLE的发病,与SLE活动性相关。     

Systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon: effects of iloprost infusion therapy on serum cytokine, growth factor and soluble adhesion molecule levels.

Microvascular damage occurs in systemic sclerosis and is associated with increased serum levels of endothelial adhesion molecules and endothelium-associated cytokines, including vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, endothelin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue, induces clinical benefit in patients suffering from scleroderma-related Raynaud's phenomenon. This study was performed to investigate the effect of iloprost infusions on endothelium activation. Serum samples from 12 patients with systemic sclerosis were examined using specific enzyme-linked immunoassays. The serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and soluble E-selectin were initially elevated and significantly reduced after iloprost infusions. The serum concentrations of VEGF and endothelin-1 revealed decreased levels after therapy too. These results indicate that the well-known clinical benefit of iloprost infusions on Raynaud's phenomenon is serologically detectable by a reduction of serum levels of endothelium-associated adhesion molecules, cytokines and growth factors reflecting an improvement in endothelial function.     

Circulating levels of soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in bullous pemphigoid during low-dose methotrexate therapy. A prospective study

Soluble iso-forms of cellular adhesion molecules (sCAMs) have been described and reported to be elevated in various inflammatory diseases. Elevated levels of sE-selectin have recently been detected and found to correlate with the number of blisters in bullous pemphigoid (BP) during oral corticosteroid therapy. In this prospective study we analysed levels of sCAMs in 10 elderly BP patients during low-dose oral pulse methotrexate monotherapy. We used standardised ELISA kits for soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and sE-selectin on 65 sera from 10 patients and 19 controls. Results were correlated with clinical parameters. Before therapy, we found significant elevation of sE-selectin (P=0.004) and sVCAM-1 (P=0.002) but not of sICAM-1. sE-selectin levels decreased during the efficient therapy and correlated with the number of blisters. Our results further support the proposition that sE-selectin might be a future clinical and predictive tool; but whether the elevation of sVCAM-1 also might reflect the disease activity in BP needs more investigation. The findings also indicate that BP might be more a cellularly mediated disease where interactions of different adhesion molecules play a crucial role.     

银屑病患者血清和皮损中血管内皮细胞粘附分子的对比研究

目的 探讨银屑病患者血清和皮损中4种血管内皮粘附分子表达与银屑病疾病活动性之间的关系。方法 采用ELISA法检测36例银屑病患者治疗前后和36例健康人的血清中可溶性粘附分子（sICAM-1、sICAM-3、sVCAM-1、sELAM）的浓度。同时用ABC免疫组化染色技术检测了36例银屑病患者皮损和临床治愈处皮肤粘附分子（ICAM－1、ICAM－3、VCAM－1、ELAM）的表达情况。结果 与正常人相比，银屑病患者皮损部位4种粘附分子的原位表达呈明显上调（P＜0.005），同时患者血清中4种可溶性粘附分子浓度也明显升高（P＜0.001）。经治疗后银屑病患者皮损部位4种粘附分子的原位表达明显下调（P＜0.05），同时血清中4种可溶性粘附分子浓度比前也下降（P＜0.05）；血清中4种可溶性粘附分子的浓度与银屑病疾病活动严重指数（PASI）均呈正相关，但治疗前后sVCAM-1的水平上升和下降的幅度最大，且与PASI的相关性最好。结论 血管内皮细胞粘附分子参与银屑病的发病机制；患者血清中可溶性粘附分子浓度的升高可能与皮损部位血管内皮细胞上相应的粘附分子高表达有关；血清VCAM－1的水平可以作为反映银屑病疾病活动的一个新的敏感指标。     

VCAM-1 expression on endothelium in lesions from cutaneous lupus erythematosus is increased compared with systemic and localized scleroderma

Summary The cutaneous lesions in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and lupus erythematosus (LE) are pathologically distinct and may display separate cell adhesion receptors. We have scored lesional skin for the presence of cell adhesion molecules that may influence inflammatory and fibrotic processes in five patients with LE, six patients with diffuse scleroderma and four patients with morphoea. The immunohistological distribution, and the number and intensity of cells staining, were recorded for VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, α2 to α6 and β2 integrins and HLA-DR, VCAM-1 staining intensity was increased on endothelium from lesions in LE compared with SSc (P=0.05). Low-level VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression was present on endothelium from uninvolved skin including that from patients with morphoea. HLA-DR expression was increased on infiltrating mononuclear cells (P < 0.05) and keratinocytes in LE (P < 0.05) and the number of fibroblasts staining for ICAM-1 was increased in lesions from patients with SSc, although this did not reach statistical significance. Overall, with respect to endothelial adhesion events, our findings support an important role for VCAM-1 in sustaining chronic inflammation in cutaneous LE.     

Soluble E-selectin as a marker of disease activity in pustulosis palmaris et plantaris

In this study, we investigated a possible correlation between adhesion molecules and activity of pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP). Serum levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (sICAM-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in 30 untreated PPP patients were examined, and compared with those in 20 healthy subjects. Values in 10 PPP patients were re-examined after treatment. Serum levels of sE-selectin and TNF-alpha in untreated PPP patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. There was a statistically significant correlation between the disease activity and serum levels of sE-selectin in untreated PPP patients. Furthermore, disease activity of PPP was higher in patients who smoked and during the summer, with elevation of serum sE-selectin levels. Serum levels of sE-selectin were downregulated with the recovery from PPP. These results suggest that sE-selectin may play a role in the pathogenesis of PPP and could be a reliable marker of its disease activity.     

Increased serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble E-selectin in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) have previously been reported in patients with various inflammatory diseases, but not in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). OBJECTIVES: To determine serum levels and significance of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in patients with PM/DM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum samples from 36 PM/DM patients, 30 patients with systemic sclerosis and 25 healthy control subjects were examined using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay systems. RESULTS: The serum levels of sVCAM-1 in the PM/DM patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. The elevated serum sVCAM-1 levels were correlated with the values of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and elevated serum hyaluronate levels in the PM/DM patients. The serum sE-selectin levels in the PM/DM patients were also significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. The elevated serum sE-selectin levels were correlated with the incidence of elevated creatine kinase activities. The concentrations of serum sE-selectin were correlated with the serum tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 concentrations in the PM/DM patients (r = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that serum sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin levels might be useful for detecting disease activity in patients with PM/DM.