Soluble adhesion molecules in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory adhesion molecules play a key role in the development of ischemic lesions. Elevated plasma concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules are reported in stroke patients, but data are still controversial. Our aim was to explore the potential association of plasma levels of soluble (s) intercellular and vascular cellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1), sE-selectin and sL-selectin with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: At our university hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, we prospectively enrolled 67 subjects with acute ischemic stroke, as well as 76 consecutive healthy individuals as controls who were visiting the centre for reasons unrelated to stroke. Serum concentrations of the molecules of interest were determined by means of quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Mean levels of sICAM-1 (p < 0.001), sVCAM-1 (p < 0.034) and sE-selectin (p < 0.002) were higher in patients than in controls, whereas sL-selectin was lower in patients (p = 0.043). In patients, levels of soluble adhesion molecules were independent of age and sex except for sL-selectin, which was inversely correlated with age (r = -0.260, p = 0.034) and higher in women (p = 0.006) and diabetics (n = 14; p = 0.004). Serum levels did not differ significantly with respect to carotid atherosclerotic disease, smoking status, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. As well as correlating with each other, concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules in patients correlated with traditional biochemical markers of inflammation: total leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein level. Concentrations of sICAM-1 and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and ESR were identified as significant independent predictors/indicators of acute ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Acute ischemic stroke is associated with elevated plasma levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin, independent of age, sex and other recognized risk factors for stroke. Decreased levels of sL-selectin are associated with acute stroke. The observed changes in serum concentrations of adhesion molecules indicate inflammatory process occurring during acute cerebral ischemia.     

Metabolic syndrome aggravates the increased endothelial activation and low-grade inflammation in subjects with familial low HDL

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of cytokine-induced expression of adhesion molecules is one of the atheroprotective mechanisms of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). AIM: We investigated whether increased endothelial activation and low-grade inflammation are present in Finnish subjects with familial low HDL, and which factors contribute to the inflammatory parameters. METHOD: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and sE-selectin were measured in 91 subjects with low HDL-cholesterol from 41 low-HDL families and in 112 normolipidemic controls with comparable age- and gender distribution. Presence of the features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) was recorded. RESULTS: sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin, and hsCRP were significantly higher in low-HDL subjects than in the controls (sVCAM-1: 560+/-147 ng/mL versus 496+/-95 ng/mL, P = 0.001; sICAM-1: 247+/-60 ng/mL versus 215+/-47 ng/mL, P<0.001; sE-selectin: 52+/-20 ng/mL versus 44+/-16 ng/mL, P = 0.022; and hsCRP: 1.73+/-2.05 mg/L versus 0.85+/-1.10 mg/L, P<0.001). Low-HDL subjects had increased body mass index (BMI) and waist, and elevated insulin and triglyceride levels. Adhesion molecules and hsCRP increased according to the number of the features of the MetS. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the MetS in subjects with familial low HDL-cholesterol aggravates the low-grade inflammation and endothelial activation, and ultimately may add to the higher susceptibility for atherosclerotic disease in these individuals.     

Effect of narrow-band UVB phototherapy on soluble cell adhesion molecules in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

This study investigated the effect of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy on serum levels of the soluble cell adhesion molecules sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sL-selectin and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in 58 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores significantly decreased after treatment, confirming the efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy. Serum levels of sE-selectin also decreased significantly after treatment, and levels of sICAM-1 showed a significant correlation with PASI score and with levels of sE-selectin. The efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy in improving psoriatic lesions may be a function of decreased serum levels of E-selectin. These findings emphasize the complex roles of soluble cell adhesion molecules in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis.     

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 alpha (TNFalpha). 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). TNFalpha significantly predicted sICAM-1 and E-selectin levels, while IL-6 predicted CRP but none of the sCAMs measured. This might indicate that TNFalpha, but not IL-6, plays a major role in the regulation of sCAM levels in vivo.     

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 .     

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.     

恶性淋巴增殖性疾病患者血清可溶性细胞间粘附分子—1的检

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) with clinical situation and treatment outcome in lymphoproliferative disorders. METHODS: Serum sICAM-1 levels were measured by immunoenzymatic assay. RESULTS: Pre-treatment serum sICAM-1 levels were above normal in 41% (9/22) of multiple myeloma (MM), 53% (17/32) of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and 63% (12/19) of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients. Serum sICAM-1 levels in MM were positively correlated with Bataille stages, but were not related to Durie stage. Meanwhile, sICAM-1 levels in NHL were associated with the category of pathology, Ann Arbor stage and B symptom, but were not related to serum LDH levels. sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in ALL patients complicated with central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) than in those without CNSL. Patients with elevated serum sICAM-1 levels had poorer treatment outcomes. Serum sICAM-1 levels were returned to normal at remission. CONCLUSION: Measurement of serum sICAM-1 levels in lymphoproliferative disorders patients is helpful for judging the clinical status and treatment outcome.     

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.     

Cell adhesion molecules as a marker reflecting the reduction of endothelial activation induced by glucocorticoids

In vitro, steroids down-regulate the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Low-dose hydrocortisone is a new treatment of patients with septic shock, a state that is characterized by an endothelial injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the plasma levels of soluble CAMs, reflecting in vivo endothelial activation, could be modulated in patients with septic shock treated by hydrocortisone. This was a prospective and observational study conducted in the intensive care unit at a university hospital. The subjects included 40 patients with septic shock (American College of Chest Physicians Consensus Conference/Society of Critical Care Medicine definition); 45 healthy blood donors served as controls. The patients receiving the standard care ("reference group") during the first 6 months were compared with the patients receiving the hydrocortisone therapy ("hydrocortisone group") for the next 6 months. Measurements of sCAMs were performed on days 1 and 3 of the disease. On day 1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sVCAM-1, and sICAM-1 were significantly elevated in patients with septic shock compared with healthy donors. sE-selectin levels significantly decreased between days 1 and 3 in the "hydrocortisone group," whereas there was no significant change in the "reference group". Surprisingly, sICAM-1 levels significantly increased between days 1 and 3 only in patients treated by hydrocortisone. No significant changes were observed for sP-selectin and sVCAM-1 levels in the two groups. In patients with septic shock, glucocorticoids differently affected the pattern of evolution of sCAMs, with sE-selectin being decreased and sICAM-1 being increased. Expression of sP-selectin and sVCAM-1 was not affected.     

多发性骨髓瘤骨髓象分析及Hb、hsCRP和IL-6检测的临床意义

目的探讨血红蛋白（Hb）、血清超敏C反应蛋白（hsCRP）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）检测在多发性骨髓瘤诊断中的应用价值以及骨髓细胞形态学在MM诊断中的作用。方法对30例入院初诊为多发性骨髓瘤患者和50例健康体检者（对照组）进行血细胞分析,采用免疫散射比浊法检测血清超敏C反应蛋白（hsCRP）、采用酶免法检测白细胞介素6（IL-6）,并对30例MM患者进行骨髓细胞形态分析。结果30例MM患者Hb明显低于健康对照者（P〈0．05）,hsCRP及IL-6明显高于健康对照者（P〈0．05）,30例MM患者中骨髓瘤细胞比例在15％-80％28例,2例低于10％。结论血红蛋白（Hb）及血清超敏C反应蛋白（hscRP）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）检测对MM的诊断有重要意义,骨髓检查对MM具有特异的诊断价值。     

多发性骨髓瘤患者骨髓细胞IL-6分泌机制的研究

目的：探讨多发性骨髓瘤（ＭＭ）患者骨髓细胞中白细胞介素６（ＩＬ－６）分泌机制。方法：应用双标记免疫荧光技术检测了１６例ＭＭ患者和１９例对照者新鲜分离的骨髓单个核细胞中ＩＬ－６表达情况。结果：ＭＭ患者骨髓单个核细胞ＩＬ－６表达阳性率为１５．４％±６．５％，骨髓瘤细胞ＩＬ－６表达阳性率达７．９％±２．９％，基质细胞ＩＬ－６表达阳性率达４．５％±１．２％；对照组骨髓单个核细胞ＩＬ－６表达阳性率为４．６％±２．３％，基质细胞ＩＬ－６表达阳性率为２．６％±１．１％，浆细胞ＩＬ－６表达阳性率为０．７％±０．１％。ＭＭ患者均较对照组显著升高（Ｐ均＜０．００１）。另外ＭＭ组骨髓单个核细胞中基质细胞所占比率为６．９％±１．４％，也较对照组的４．７％±１．８％明显升高（Ｐ＜０．００１）。结论：ＭＭ患者升高的ＩＬ－６既可由瘤细胞分泌，又可由基质细胞分泌，自分泌和旁分泌机制可能都参与了ＭＭ的发病。     

IL-6、IL-6R及MCL-1在多发性骨髓瘤患者中的表达及临床意义

目的:分析白细胞介素-6(IL-6)及其受体(IL-6R)、髓样细胞白血病蛋白-1(MCL-1)在多发性骨髓瘤(MM)患者中表达水平的变化及其临床意义。方法:选取2014年1月-2019年1月期间唐山市工人医院和唐山市人民医院收治的多发性骨髓瘤患者98例,根据DS分期将患者分为3组:Ⅰ期27例,Ⅱ期34例,Ⅲ期37例。比较不同DS分期患者的IL-6、IL-6R及MCL-1的表达水平,并分析患者预后的相关因素。结果:3组患者IL-6及MCL-1表达水平随着DS分期升高而升高,组间差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),3组患者IL-6R表达水平无明显差异(P>0.05)。比较不同IL-6及MCL-1表达水平患者的预后,结果显示,IL-6≥80 pg/ml的患者(41例)的中位生存时间为33.0个月,<80 pg/ml的患者(57例)的中位生存时间为33.5个月,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。MCL-1≥200 pg/ml的患者(45例)的中位生存时间为30.5个月,<200 pg/ml患者(53例)的中位生存时间为37.0个月,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。性别、年龄、β2-MG及Hb与患者预后无明显相关性(P>0.05),而DS分期、IL-6及MCL-1与预后相关(r=0.857,r=0.764,r=0.802)。结论:多发性骨髓瘤患者的IL-6及MCL-1水平与患者的DS分期及预后相关。     

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.     

骨髓瘤细胞和骨髓基质细胞均参与多发性骨髓瘤白细胞介素6过？…

目的：探讨白细胞介素６（ＩＬ－６）在多发性骨髓瘤（ＭＭ）中过度表达的机制。方法：采用多聚甲醛分别固定骨髓瘤细胞ＫＭ３和骨髓基质细胞，再将其置于同一体系中共同培养，用Ｂ９细胞增殖试验测量培养上清中ＩＬ－６活性。结果：骨髓基质细胞及骨髓瘤细胞均能自发分泌ＩＬ－６，两种细胞经固定后几乎均不能分泌ＩＬ－６。固定的骨髓瘤细胞与未经固定的骨髓基质细胞共培养后，可使共培养上清中的ＩＬ－６活性明显增加，同时固定后     

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.     

Influence of age and dietary fish oil on plasma soluble adhesion molecule concentrations

Soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin (termed sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin respectively) are found in the plasma, and are elevated during inflammatory conditions in which there is increased expression of the cellular forms of the molecules on endothelial and other cells. sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin concentrations were measured in the plasma of 140 healthy Caucasian subjects aged between 18 and 75 years (100 males/40 females). sICAM-1 concentrations varied between 59.9 and 299.7 ng/ml (median 150 ng/ml), sVCAM-1 concentrations varied between 222.8 and 1672.9 ng/ml (median 662 ng/ml) and sE-selectin concentrations varied between 12.4 and 90.3 ng/ml (median 45.5 ng/ml). There were significant positive linear correlations between age and the plasma concentrations of sICAM-1 (r=0.580; P<0.001) and sVCAM-1 (r=0.392; P<0.001), which were retained when the effects of gender, body mass index and fasting plasma triacylglycerol and total cholesterol concentrations were controlled for. The significant positive linear correlation between age and the plasma concentration of sE-selectin (r=0.234; P=0.027) was lost when other variables were controlled for. Male subjects <40 years of age had significantly lower plasma concentrations of both sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 than males >55 years of age (both P<0.001), but the difference in plasma sE-selectin concentrations between the age groups did not reach significance (P=0.073). Subgroups of 16 males aged <40 years and 12 elderly subjects (>55 years of age) participated in a doubled-blind, placebo-controlled study of fish oil supplementation over 12 weeks. The level of eicosapentaenoic acid in plasma phospholipids did not change with placebo supplementation, but was significantly increased with fish oil supplementation in both young male and elderly subjects (median increase 200%). sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin concentrations were unaffected by supplementation with placebo in either young male or elderly subjects. sICAM-1 concentrations were unaffected by fish oil supplementation. sE-selectin concentrations were significantly increased by fish oil supplementation in young males (P=0.043; median increase 38%), but fish oil tended to decrease plasma sE-selectin concentrations in the elderly subjects (P=0.075), with a median decrease of 11%. sVCAM-1 concentrations were unaffected by fish oil supplementation in young males. Fish oil supplementation significantly decreased plasma sVCAM-1 concentrations in the elderly subjects (P=0.043), with a median decrease of 20% (range 16-60%). These observations suggest that fish oil decreases endothelial activation in elderly subjects.     

CXCR4在人多发性骨髓瘤细胞的表达及对肿瘤细胞生物学行为的影响

目的　探讨CXCR4在多发性骨髓瘤 (MM)细胞上的表达和CXCR4 SDF 1α相互作用对MM肿瘤细胞生物行为及ICAM 1表达的影响。方法　采用免疫荧光标记和流式细胞仪表型检测分析MM细胞上CXCR4和粘附分子的表达 ;采用体外微孔隔离室实验进行SDF 1诱导的MM细胞迁移实验 ;ELISA方法测定血浆中sICAM 1的水平。结果　①新鲜MM细胞及MM细胞株不同程度地表达功能性CXCR4 [(5 0 .4± 2 7.3) % ],其表达水平与体外对SDF 1α诱导的迁移能力 [(2 3.6± 17.2 ) % ]密切相关 (P <0 .0 1) ;②SDF 1α可上调MM细胞表达粘附分子ICAM 1,ICAM 1的表达和可溶性ICAM 1的产生与CXCR4表达有一定相关性。结论　SDF 1α CXCR4对介导粘附分子的调节效应在MM细胞的生物行为中起重要的作用。     

Effect of profound normovolemic hypotension and moderate hypothermia on circulating cytokines and adhesion molecules

Hypotension caused by hypovolemic, hemorrhagic shock induces disturbances in the immune system that may contribute to an increased susceptibility to sepsis. The effect of chemically induced hypotension on circulating cytokines and adhesion molecules has not been investigated yet. In 21 patients scheduled for resection of malignant choroidal melanoma of the eye the perioperative serum levels of the cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and the adhesion molecules sE-Selectin and sICAM-1 were investigated. Moderate hypothermia of 32 degrees C was induced in all patients. In 14 patients profound hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure 35-40 mmHg, hypotension group) was induced by enalapril and nitroglycerin for a mean duration of 71 min. In 7 patients the tumor was not resectable, and hypotension was not induced (controls). We did not detect significant differences in serum levels of cytokines or sE-Selectin perioperatively in patients with profound hypotension compared with controls. In both groups IL-6 serum levels increased significantly and reached a maximum after rewarming (17 +/- 6 and 16 +/- 5 pg/dL, respectively, P < 0.001). IL-1beta, IL-10, and TNF-alpha did not change perioperatively in both groups. On the first postoperative day sICAM-1 serum levels were significantly increased in both groups (mean increase of 96 and 54 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). We conclude from this study that profound normovolemic arterial hypotension does not seem to have effects on serum levels of circulating IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and sE-Selectin. Perioperative moderate hypothermia may be the reason for the postoperative increase in sICAM-1 levels independent of the blood pressure.     

Effects of selective LDL apheresis on plasma concentrations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and P-selectin in diabetic patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans and receiving maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUND: Arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) is a serious complication in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) caused by diabetic nephropathy. Adsorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been performed to treat ASO. While efficacy of this treatment has been reported in limb ischemia, the mechanism underlying the benefit remains unclear. We investigated how LDL adsorption affected soluble adhesion molecules; P-selectin, an endothelial and platelet activation marker; inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha; and lipids in serum. METHODS: Selective LDL adsorption by dextran sulfate columns (LDL apheresis) was performed weekly for 10 weeks to treat eight hemodialysis patients with ASO, ESRD, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serum was sampled before and immediately after apheresis. RESULTS: LDL apheresis was performed safely. After LDL apheresis lipid concentrations were significantly reduced and clinical findings, such as Fontaine's classification and ankle brachial pressure index values, were improved. Pretreatment concentrations of soluble intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1) and also P-selectin were higher in patients than healthy controls. After apheresis these decreased, especially P-selectin. IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha concentrations before apheresis were similar to those in controls and were unaffected by treatment. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness of LDL apheresis against ASO may involve decreased endothelial cell and platelet activation.     

Comparison of soluble ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin levels in patients with episodic cluster headache and giant cell arteritis

The pathophysiology of cluster headache (CH) is supposed to involve the lower posterior part of the hypothalamus, the trigeminal nerve, autonomic nerves and vessels in the orbital/retro-orbital region. The exact connection of this hypothalamic–trigemino–autonomic–vascular axis is not fully understood. The presence of inflammation in the perivascular tissue of the retro-orbital region has been presented as a possible mechanism behind the pain and the sympatheticoplegia sometimes observed during headache attacks. In a previous study we found neither increased levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein or acute-phase reactants nor clinical signs of a generalized inflammatory disorder. However, these tests may not be sensitive enough to detect a focal inflammatory process in the retro-orbital region. In the present study, we analysed serum levels of three soluble adhesion molecules; soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) in patients with episodic CH and in patients with biopsy-positive giant cell arteritis (GCA), a known vasculitic disorder of large and medium-sized arteries. A control group of healthy volunteers was also included. Within the CH group, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin showed an increasing trend in remission compared with the active CH period, but the difference was statistically significant for sE-selectin only. The mean sICAM-1 value was higher in patients with active GCA than in CH patients during the active cluster period. Compared with the healthy control group, the mean levels of soluble adhesion molecules in CH patients also tended to be higher, but statistically significantly so only for sVCAM-1. We hypothesize that CH is not a vasculitic disorder of the medium-sized arteries, but CH patients may have an immune response that reacts differently from that of healthy volunteers.