[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.