[Cell adhesion molecules and their role in pathophysiologic processes]

Cell adhesion molecules are substances with a protein character expressed on the cell surface of all tissues. They participate in the control of basic vital processes, in processes of embryogenesis, cellular growth and differentiation, they ensure the interaction of cells with the environment. At present four main classes of cytoadhesion molecules are known: integrins, the immunoglobulin group of adhesion molecules, cadherins and selectins. Cytoadhesion molecules play an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular, neoplastic, infectious and skin diseases. Some cardiovascular diseases are associated with pathological impairment of the structure and function of endothelial cells-with endothelial dysfunction. In case of damage or inflammatory processes of the blood vessels due to the action of released cytokines increased expression of adhesion molecules of the integrin, selectin and immunoglobulin groups occurs and subsequently increased adhesion and migration of inflammatory cells across the vascular wall. Impaired function of the vascular endothelium is also the first step in the genesis and development of chronic vascular disease--atherosclerosis. In the initial stage of development of atherosclerosis--during rolling, adhesion and migration of leucocytes across the endothelium the cytoadhesion molecules play a crucial role.