Circulating adhesion molecules are correlated with ultrasonic assessment of carotid plaques

The relationship between levels of circulating intercellular cell-adhesion molecule-1 (cICAM-1) or P-selectin (cP-selectin) and the severity of carotid atherosclerosis was examined in 301 outpatients undergoing duplex ultrasonographic examination. Carotid plaque was defined as an intima-media thickness greater than 1.0 mm, and a plaque score (PS) was calculated from the plaque thickness in both carotid arteries. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between cICAM-1 and the number of plaques [beta = 0.11; confidence interval (CI), 0.007-0.213], maximum intima-media thickness (beta = 0.11; CI, 0.01-0.219), and PS (beta = 0.10; CI, 0.001-0.205). In contrast, no significant association was found for cP-selectin. cP-selectin did not increase until atherosclerosis was advanced (PS > 10), showing a marked increase in patients with >/= 50% stenosis. The circulating levels of both proteins are related to real measurements of plaque formation in the carotid arteries independently of classical risk factors. Marked elevation of cP-selectin occurs in advanced carotid atherosclerosis after gradual elevation of cICAM-1.