Is there a link between CD146, a novel adhesion molecule and other markers of endothelial dysfunction in nephrotic...

CD146 is a novel cell adhesion molecule localized at the endothelial junction. Its increased plasma levels in chronic renal failure are linked to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction and hemostatic disturbances, a common feature of nephrotic syndrome (NS), mimics a state of protein loosing by peritoneal membrane in patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialyses (CAPD). The aim of the study was to assess CD146 in relation to other markers of endothelial cell injury in patients with NS in comparison to patients on CAPD.

We studied 45 CAPD patients, 43 patients with nephrotic syndrome and 25 healthy volunteers. Markers of endothelial cell injury: TFPI total, full length, truncated, von Willebrand factor, trombomodulin, P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM, VCAM and CD146 were assessed using commercially available kits.

All these markers studied except selectins were significantly elevated in patients with NS and CAPD when compared to the healthy volunteers. In CAPD, VCAM, thrombomodulin and CD146 were significantly elevated over NS patients. CD146 correlated significantly with ICAM as well as total and truncated TFPI in CAPD patients. Moreover, total TFPI was positively related to VCAM. CD146 correlated with ICAM in NS, whereas in healthy volunteers CD146 correlated only with TFPI concentration.

Our studies indicate that in nephrotic patients, as well as in CAPD, there is an evidence of endothelial cell injury. Correlations between CD146 and adhesion molecules and TFPI might further support its use as a endothelial cell function marker.