Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 10, 2026

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues
07:50

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues

Published on: January 7, 2019

Adhesion molecules in nonrheumatic aortic valve disease: endothelial expression, serum levels and effects of valve

N K Ghaisas1, J B Foley, D S O'Briain

  • 1Department of Cardiology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|December 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation plays a role in aortic valve disease. Diseased aortic valves show increased expression of adhesion molecules, like E-selectin, which correlates with blood levels and decreases after valve replacement surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Nonrheumatic aortic valve disease is traditionally viewed as degenerative.
  • Elevated levels of adhesion molecules are associated with inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin on aortic valve endothelium.
  • To assess the correlation between serum levels and endothelial expression of these molecules.
  • To evaluate changes in serum levels following aortic valve replacement surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to study aortic valves from 22 surgical and 6 autopsy cases.
  • Peripheral blood levels of soluble adhesion molecules were measured preoperatively and at 6 and 18 months postoperatively.
  • Comparisons were made with control groups.

Main Results:

  • The majority of surgically removed tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves expressed E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1.
  • Normal postmortem valves showed no expression, while diseased valves did.
  • Endothelial E-selectin expression strongly correlated with serum levels (r = 0.695, p = 0.004).
  • Soluble E-selectin levels were significantly higher in patients than controls (p = 0.017) and decreased significantly by 18 months postoperatively (p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

  • Adhesion molecule expression on diseased aortic valves suggests an inflammatory component in aortic valve disease.
  • Diseased valves may be the primary source of elevated soluble E-selectin.
  • Postoperative reduction in soluble E-selectin levels supports the role of the valve in its production.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat04:30

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

Isolation of Human Primary Valve Cells for In vitro Disease Modeling07:31

Isolation of Human Primary Valve Cells for In vitro Disease Modeling

Published on: April 16, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...