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

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

Evaluation of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble adhesion molecules as reliable predictors of native arteriovenous fistula thrombosis in chronic hemodialysis patients

ObjectivesWe evaluated the possibility of using circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble adhesion molecules as reliable predictors of native arteriovenous (AV) fistula thrombosis in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients.Design and methodsThis study included 62 HD patients (34 with thrombosed and 28 with non-thrombosed AV fistulas) and 21 healthy volunteers. Serum VEGF, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) were measured using ELISA technique.ResultsVEGF, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin median levels were higher in HD patients compared to controls (p = 0.000 for all parameters). Increased median levels of VEGF and sVCAM-1 were demonstrated in HD patients with thrombosed AV fistulas compared to HD patients with non-thrombosed AV fistulas (p = 0.003 and 0.000, respectively). A significant positive correlation has been found between VEGF and sVCAM-1 in HD patients with thombosed AV fistulas (r = 0.525, p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe assessment of serum VEGF and sVCAM-1 might be useful for the identification of the chronic HD patients at an increased risk for native AV fistulas thrombosis. The clinical relevance of these observations warrants further investigations.     

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.     

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.     

细胞间粘附分子和嗜酸细胞趋化因子在哮喘患儿血清中的表达及意义

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

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

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

不稳定型心绞痛患者血清内脏脂肪素水平的变化及与血管内皮细胞黏附分子的相关性

目的观察和分析不稳定型心绞痛(UA)患者血清内脏脂肪素(Visfatin)水平的变化及与血管内皮细胞黏附分子的相关性。方法选取100例UA患者、100例稳定型心绞痛(SA)患者及50名健康志愿者作为研究对象,分别设为UA组、SA组及对照组。对3组研究对象的血清Visfatin、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)水平进行检测和比较。结果 UA组患者的血清Visfatin、sVCAM-1、sICAM-1水平均显著高于SA组或对照组(P0.05)。直线相关分析结果显示,UA组患者的血清Visfatin水平与体质量指数(BMI)、腰围、甘油三酯(TG)水平、sVCAM-1、sICAM-1水平均具有相关性(P0.05)。多元线性回归结果显示,UA组患者血清Visfatin水平与腰围、sVCAM-1、sICAM-1水平具有相关性(P0.05)。结论 UA患者表现为血清Visfatin水平的显著上升,其水平与血清sVCAM-1、sICAM-1水平具有相关性。     

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.     

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.     

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

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

C-反应蛋白细胞黏附分子与急性冠脉综合征相关性的临床研究

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

2型糖尿病病人血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1与颈动脉粥样硬化的相关性研究

目的探讨2型糖尿病（T2DM）病人血清细胞间黏附分子1（sICAM-1）和血管细胞黏附分子1（sVCAM-1）与颈动脉粥样硬化的关系。方法酶联免疫吸附（ELISA）法检测120例T2DM病人（T2DM组）,根据超声颈动脉内中膜厚度（IMT）检查结果将120例T2DM病人分为3个亚组：IMT正常组40例、IMT增厚组30例、IMT斑块组50例（又根据超声IMT检查结果分为2小亚组：稳定斑块组36例、不稳定斑块组14例）与58例健康体检者（对照组）血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平,并进行生化指标检测。结果糖尿病组血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平均显著高于对照组（均P〈0．05）。IMT增厚组、IMT斑块组血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平均显著高于IMT正常组（均P〈0．05）,不稳定斑块组显著高于稳定斑块组（P〈0．05）。糖尿病组血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平与三酰甘油（TG）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）、糖化血红蛋白（HbAlc）、高敏C反应蛋白（Hs—CRP）均呈正相关（r=0．670、0．665、0．666、0．702、0．678、0．675、0．686、0．704,均P〈0．01）。结论T2DM病人血清sICAM—1、sVCAM-1水平与颈动脉粥样硬化程度及斑块稳定性有关,其升高与慢性高血糖、脂代谢紊乱及炎症反应相关。     

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

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

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

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

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.     

苦参对急性白血病患者sICAM-1和sVCAM-1水平的影响

目的探讨苦参对急性白血病患者可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)和可溶性血管细胞黏附分子-1(sVCAM-1)水平的影响。方法选取2013年3月至2015年3月该院收治的急性白血病患者60例,按照治疗方式的不同将患者分为常规化疗组和苦参治疗组,每组各30例。常规化疗组患者给予常规化疗方案实施治疗,苦参治疗组患者在常规化疗基础上加用苦参治疗。另选取同期该院健康体检者60例作为健康对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)分析急性白血病患者治疗前后和健康体检者血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平。结果急性白血病患者血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平在治疗前及治疗后均明显高于健康对照组,两者比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。常规化疗组及苦参治疗组,治疗后患者血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平均有下降,苦参治疗组sICAM-1、sVCAM-1的水平下降程度较常规化疗组更明显,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。苦参治疗组治疗有效率为90.00%,高于常规化疗组的67.67%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论苦参可明显降低急性白血病患者血清sICAM-1、sVCAM-1水平,改善常规化疗药物疗效,促进患者康复。     

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.     

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

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

运动训练对慢性心力衰竭患者内皮炎性相关因子的影响

目的探讨运动训练对老年慢性心力衰竭患者血管内皮功能炎性标志物的影响,具体包括粒细胞吞噬细胞克隆刺激因子(GMCSF)、吞噬细胞吸附蛋白(MCP1)、可溶性细胞内吸附分子1(sICAM1)及可溶性血管吸附分子1(sVCAM1)等在治疗前、后的变化情况。方法共选取48例心功能稳定的慢性心力衰竭患者,将其随机分为2组训练组(n=24)及休息组(n=24),2组患者均给予内科常规治疗,训练组患者在此基础上同时进行运动训练;并分别在治疗前及治疗12周后对2组患者进行GMCSF、MCP1、sICAM1、sVCAM1及6min步行试验等检查。结果运动训练可以显著降低训练组患者外周炎性标志物的浓度(均P<0.05),增加6min步行距离(P<0.05);休息组患者治疗12周后与入院时比较,上述各指标间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论运动训练可以显著减轻慢性心力衰竭患者的炎性反应,并改善其运动功能。     

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increases soluble vascular endothelial adhesion molecules and neutrophil elastase associated with endothelial injury

Objectives: To investigate the inflammatory responses in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we examined the changes in markers of endothelial activation, neutrophil activation, and endothelial injury.¶Design: Prospective, cohort study.¶Setting: General intensive care unit of a tertiary care center.¶Patients and participants: Forty-four out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were classified into two groups, those who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (n = 23) and those without ROSC (n = 21). Eight normal healthy volunteers served as control subjects.¶Measurements and results: Serial levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) as markers of endothelial activation, neutrophil elastase as a marker of neutrophil activation, and soluble thrombomodulin as a marker of endothelial injury were measured during and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In patients with ROSC, cardiac arrest and CPR led to increases in the levels of three vascular endothelial adhesion molecules, neutrophil elastase, and soluble thrombomodulin that peaked 6 h or 24 h after arrival at the emergency department. In patients without ROSC, only neutrophil elastase showed moderate elevation during CPR. We could not find significant differences in all measured parameters between the two groups.¶Conclusions: As evidence of inflammatory responses in whole-body ischemia and reperfusion, our study demonstrates neutrophil-endothelium interaction with signs of endothelial injury in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. These inflammatory changes may have an important role in post-resuscitation syndrome after human cardiac arrest.