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.     

Increased plasma concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sELAM-1 in patients with Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax malaria and association with disease severity.

Increased serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (sELAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were detected in Danish malaria patients infected with sequestering Plasmodium falciparum or non-sequestering P. vivax parasites, as well as in patients with sepsis or meningitis. Levels of soluble adhesion molecules remained elevated in the P. falciparum patients for several weeks after initiation of treatment. Plasma concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sELAM-1 were higher in Gambian children with severe P. falciparum malaria than in children with mild malaria. Plasma levels of sVCAM-1 and sELAM-1 were significantly correlated. Plasma levels of sELAM-1 and sVCAM-1 may reflect endothelial inflammatory reactions and these reactions may be harmful for humans infected with malaria parasites.     

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.     

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.     

Soluble adhesion molecules in serum throughout the menstrual cycle

BACKGROUND: The female reproductive and immune systems are integrally linked with respect to shared cellular and molecular mediators. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) involved in leukocyte-endothelial interactions, e.g. intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin, are regulated by sex steroids when expressed by cultured endothelium, while uterine and ovarian CAM expression appears to be cyclically or gonadotrophin-regulated. METHODS AND RESULTS: To determine if these effects translate into changes in soluble CAMs (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin) levels in peripheral blood, normally cycling women received regular venous sampling throughout a complete menstrual cycle. Soluble ICAM-1 levels were maximal in the early and mid-follicular stages, progressively decreased throughout the remainder of the cycle and were significantly reduced in the late luteal stage (P < 0.001). Levels of sVCAM-1 fluctuated during the follicular phase and mid-cycle, but also declined in the late luteal phase (P < 0.01), whereas sE-selectin concentration did not vary markedly across the menstrual cycle. Plasma hormone and urinary hormone metabolite levels confirmed precise cycle tracking and revealed an inverse relationship between sICAM-1 and estradiol (r = -0.38, P < 0.005). A negative correlation was also apparent between sVCAM-1 and circulating monocyte cell numbers (r = -0.47, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The normal cyclic variation in peripheral sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels reported here may reflect uterine and/or ovarian tissue remodelling events, and is of particular importance if soluble CAM levels are utilized as biological markers of certain disease states in women of reproductive age.     

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.     

多发性骨髓瘤患者血清IL-18和sVCAM-1的水平及临床意义

目的探讨多发性骨髓瘤患者血清白细胞介素18（IL-18）和可溶性血管细胞黏附分子-1（sVCAM-1）的水平及临床意义。方法应用ELISA法检查15例多发性骨髓瘤患者治疗前的血清IL-18和sVCAM-1的水平,并与正常对照进行比较。结果多发性骨髓瘤患者血清IL-18和sVCAM-1的水平[（1154.6±299）pg/ml和（1704.5±405.86）ng/ml]明显高于正常对照组[（256.39±59）pg/ml和（538.16±91.21）ng/ml]。结论多发性骨髓瘤患者血清IL-18、sVCAM-1含量明显增高,可能与多发性骨髓瘤的发病机制有关。     

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.     

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.     

Elevation of serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels in bronchial asthma.

We have previously shown the elevation of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) in patients with bronchial asthma during asthma attacks. In the present study, we extended our earlier study by measuring serum sVCAM-1 levels by ELISA in 45 patients with bronchial asthma (23 atopic and 22 non-atopic) during asthma attacks and in stable conditions in order to assess further the state of adhesion molecules in allergic inflammation of bronchial asthma. The levels of sVCAM-1 in sera obtained during bronchial asthma attacks were higher than those in sera obtained in stable conditions. These findings were observed regardless of atopic status. To examine the regulatory mechanism in the elevation of serum sVCAM-1 levels, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were measured by ELISA. TNF-alpha levels in sera obtained during bronchial asthma attacks were higher than those in sera obtained in stable conditions. The nature of change in serum TNF-alpha levels correlated with the nature of change in serum sVCAM-1 levels, but serum TNF-alpha levels did not correlate with serum sVCAM-1 levels. These results suggest that higher levels of sVCAM-1 during asthma attacks may reflect the up-regulation of VCAM-1 expression in allergic inflammation, and that a soluble form of VCAM-1 molecules may be useful markers for the presence of allergic inflammation. TNF-alpha is shown to enhance the expression and release of VCAM-1 in vitro, however; the regulatory mechanism in the elevation of serum sVCAM-1 levels remains to be clarified.     

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。     

三种血管内皮损伤指标血清水平与冠心病病变范围的关系

目的:探讨血清可溶性血管细胞黏附分子-1(sVCAM-1)、可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)、血管性血友病因子(vWF)水平与冠心病(CHD)病变范围的相关性。方法:根据冠脉造影结果将87例患者分为CHD组(63例)和对照组(24例)。采用ELISA平行检测两组血清sVCAM-1、sICAM-1和vWF水平,酶法测定血脂水平,比较两组患者sVCAM-1、sICAM-1、vWF及血脂水平的差异,并进行相关性分析;以冠脉狭窄支数作为判断CHD病变范围的依据,探讨不同病变范围患者血清sVCAM-1、sICAM-1和vWF的水平变化。结果:CHD组血清sVCAM-1、sI-CAM-1、vWF水平显著高于对照组(P<0.01);血清sVCAM-1、sICAM-1和vWF水平与血脂水平之间无明显相关性(P>0.05);单支冠脉狭窄组血清sVCAM-1、sICAM-1水平显著低于多支冠脉狭窄组(P<0.05)。结论:CHD患者血清sV-CAM-1、sICAM-1和vWF水平升高,sVCAM-1、sICAM-1水平与CHD病变范围有关。     

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in normal, failed, and ectopic pregnancy

PROBLEM: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is involved in early pregnancy establishment. This study sought to determine whether soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) serum levels differ among normal, failed, and ectopic pregnancy, its capacity to serve as a marker for pregnancy viability or ectopic pregnancy, and its correlation with serum progesterone and beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (PHCG) levels. METHOD OF STUDY: Maternal serum samples were obtained from 20 women with ectopic, 10 with normal, and 10 with failed intra-uterine pregnancy, all of comparable gestational age. Samples were assayed for sVCAM-1, progesterone, and betaHCG by specific assays. RESULTS: The median serum level of sVCAM-1 was comparable between the three pregnancy types (normal: 578.3 ng/mL, range 434.4-699.5 ng/mL; failed: 567.8 ng/mL, range 401.9 669.5 ng/mL; and ectopic: 470.7ng/mL range, 328.2-1151.1 ng/mL). Serum levels sVCAM-1 were not significantly correlated with betaHCG or progesterone levels. CONCLUSION: sVCAM-1 is not appropriate to serve as a marker for pregnancy viability or ectopic pregnancy.     

Microplate ELISAs for soluble VCAM-1 and ICAM-1

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) are adhesion molecules that are detectable in the serum of patients with cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and type 2 diabetes. This report describes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) on microplates for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1. The ELISAs have the sandwich test format; polyclonal antibodies are coated on microwells and a one-step procedure is used in which the serum specimen and detecting antibody are added simultaneously to an antibody-coated well. These assays both use HRP-conjugated sheep anti-mouse-IgG to generate the color for quantification. Sensitivities for detecting sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 are 49 and 40 ng/ml, respectively. Coefficients of variation for within-day and day-to-day replicate analyses are <10%. Results by these in-house ELISAs for serum sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 compared well with those obtained with commercial kits from R&D Systems, Inc. (correlation coefficients = 0.98 and 0.99 for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1, respectively). Reference values for serum sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels were measured in 369 apparently healthy Chinese adults, age 30 to 79 yr. There was no significant effect of gender on the reference values for sVCAM-1 or sICAM-1. Serum sVCAM-1 levels (mean +/- SD) were higher in subjects 60 yr old (625 +/- 126 ng/ml), compared to those <60 yr old (525 +/- 110 ng/ml) (p <0.001). Age did not significantly affect the reference values for serum sICAM-1 levels (mean +/- SD, 249 +/- 86 ng/ml). The authors believe that these simple, inexpensive ELISAs will be useful for assessing the risks for development of cancer, CVD, and type 2 diabetes.     

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.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者细胞粘附分子水平的研究

目的探讨细胞粘附分子在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合症(OS-AHS)发病中的作用。方法应用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测30例老年OSAHS患者及30例老年健康对照者血清可溶性细胞间粘附分子-1(ICAM-1)、血管细胞粘附分子-1(VCAM-1)和E-选择素的含量。结果OSAHS组血清ICAM-1、VCAM-1、E-选择素含量分别为245.22±71.19ng/ml、24.01±4.79ng/ml、和86.58±48.02ng/ml,均明显高于健康对照组(P<0.01),且随OSAHS程度的加重而明显升高。ICAM-1、E-选择素水平与睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)呈明显正相关(P<0.01);I-CAM-1水平与最低血氧饱和度(SaO2min)呈明显负相关(P<0.01)。结论OSAHS患者血清中可溶性粘附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1和E-选择素水平可作为反映OSAHS严重程度的敏感指标。     

Thrombolytic therapy with urokinase reduces increased circulating endothelial adhesion molecules in acute myocardial infarction

The aim was to investigate circulating E-selectin and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in acute myocardial infarction. Our study was carried out in 80 patients, 40 hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 20 suffering from chronic stable angina and 20 healthy control subjects. Samples of venous blood were taken from all patients at the moment of hospitalization and after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours from the thrombolytic treatment (AMI+urokinase) or conventional therapy (AMI+nitroglycerin), for the dosage of creatinine kinase (CK) and adhesion molecules. The CK was determined by means of a Hitachi 901 automatic analyser using an enzymatic method (reagents Boheringer-Biochemia, Germany). Soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) were measured in the serum using a specific immunoassay (British Biotechnology Products). The serum levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-) were evaluated using an immunoenzymatic assay to quantitate the serum levels of the cytokine British Biotechnology Products). Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) had increased serum levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin; AMI+urokinase= 312±20 ng/ml; AMI+nitroglycerin=334±15 ng/ml) and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1; AMI+urokinase= 629±30ng/ml; AMI+nitroglycerin=655±25 ng/ml) compared to both patients with chronic angina (sE-selectin =67±10 ng/ml; sICAM-1=230±20 ng/ml) and healthy control subjects (sE-selectin=53±15 ng/ml; sICAM-1 200±16 ng/ml). Furthermore patients with acute myocardial infarction also had increased serum levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-=309±10 pg/ml; control subjects=13±5 pg/ml). Thrombolytic therapy with urokinase (1,000,000 IU as an intravenous bolus for 5 minutes, followed by an infusion of an additional 1,000,000 IU for the following two hours) succeeded in producing reperfusion and reduced the serum levels of sE-selectin (52±13 ng/ml) and sICAM-1 (202±31 ng/ml). In contrast patients not eligible for thrombolytic therapy and therefore treated with conventional therapy (a continuous i.v. infusion of nitroglycerin at the dose of 50 mg/die) did not show any significant reduction in both sE-selectin and sICAM-1 throughout the study. Our results confirm previous experimental data and indicate that adhesion mechanisms supporting leukocyte-endothelium interaction may also be operative in human acute myocardial infarction.accepted by I. Ahnfelt-Rønne     

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.     

2型糖尿病视网膜病变患者血清sVCAM-1水平的变化和意义

研究糖尿病视网膜病变不同时期血清可溶性血管内皮细胞粘附分子-1(sVCAM-1)与视网膜病变严重程度、诊断病程、血清胰岛素和血糖的相关性.采用ELISA法检测85例2型糖尿病视网膜病变患者血清sVCAM-1含量, 由同一眼科医师通过眼底镜或荧光造影检查, 将患者分为无视网膜病变组(NDR)、背景期视网膜病变组(BDR)和增殖期视网膜病变组(PDR).结果显示, 三组糖尿病患者血清sVCAM-1水平均高于对照组, 其中PDR组、BDR组血清sVCAM-1水平与对照组和NDR组比较, 均有显著性差异(P＜0.01), NDR组与对照组比较也存在显著性差异(P＜0.01).糖尿病患者血清sVCAM-1水平与血糖、血清胰岛素、诊断病程均无相关性(P＞0.05).研究表明, 糖尿病视网膜病变不同时期血清sVCAM-1水平的变化可作为判断视网膜病变发展和严重程度的指标, 为临床早期发现和治疗糖尿病视网膜病变提供较好的依据.     

Increased expression of soluble form of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 aggravates autoimmune arthritis in MRL-Fas(lpr) mice

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1, CD106) is important in leukocyte trafficking and its increased expression is associated with a number of chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A soluble form of VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) is generated by shedding of the membrane-bound molecule. The concentration of sVCAM-1 is increased in the sera of RA patients, but its pathological role has not been elucidated. The effect of sVCAM-1 relative to protection or aggravation of disease on the development of spontaneous arthritis was examined in an animal model of RA, namely MRL-Fas(lpr) mice (which display a disease resembling human RA), by generation of sVCAM-1 transgenic MRL-Fas(lpr) mice. Transgenic MRL-Fas(lpr) mice that expressed sVCAM-1 had higher incidence and increased severity of arthritis associated with higher levels of serum IgG rheumatoid factor compared with non-transgenic MRL-Fas(lpr) mice. These results suggest that sVCAM-1 plays an arthritogenic role in the development of inflammatory arthritis in MRL-Fas(lpr) mice and may present an important target for therapeutic strategy of RA.