Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion
06:54

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion

Published on: June 15, 2019

Soluble adhesion molecules levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome before and after cure

F Ermetici1, A E Malavazos, S Corbetta

  • 1Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|June 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cushing's syndrome patients have persistent cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction markers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) even after cure. These markers did not significantly change post-treatment, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with high cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis.
  • Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) are key markers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in patients with CS before and after successful cure.
  • To assess the relationship between these markers and cardiovascular risk factors in CS.

Main Methods:

  • sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were measured in 28 active CS patients and 12 disease-remitted patients.
  • Baseline measurements included BMI, blood pressure, glucose, lipids, ACTH, cortisol, and urinary free cortisol (UFC).

Main Results:

  • sICAM-1 positively correlated with BMI at baseline; no correlation was found with ACTH, cortisol, or UFC.
  • After cure, ACTH, cortisol, and UFC levels decreased, but sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels remained unchanged.
  • Cardiovascular risk factors like obesity and hypertension persisted post-cure, with some patients showing reduced sICAM-1 alongside remission of these conditions.

Conclusions:

  • sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in active CS are variable and not directly correlated with cortisol levels.
  • Persistence of obesity, hypertension, and impaired glucose metabolism likely contributes to ongoing endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in cured CS patients.
  • Long-term follow-up is crucial for managing cardiovascular risk in patients with a history of Cushing's syndrome.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Dynamic Adhesion Assay for the Functional Analysis of Anti-adhesion Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease08:27

Dynamic Adhesion Assay for the Functional Analysis of Anti-adhesion Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Published on: September 20, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily  involved in a...
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules01:31

Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules

Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...