Association of circulating adhesion molecules with lung function. The CARDIA study.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Risk Research

Background:

• Systemic inflammation is linked to diminished lung function.
• Adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin, play a key role in initiating inflammatory responses.
• The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study investigated these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin concentrations and lung function.
• To determine if adhesion molecule levels predict future lung function.
• To assess if baseline lung function predicts future adhesion molecule levels.

Main Methods:

• Spirometry was performed at study years 5, 10, and 20.
• Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin levels were measured at year 15.
• Statistical analyses controlled for multiple covariates including demographics, lifestyle factors, and asthma status.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) concentrations predicted lower forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) at year 20.
• Lower baseline FVC and FEV1 were associated with higher year-15 ICAM-1 concentrations.
• Increased loss of FVC and FEV1 between years 5 and 10 correlated with higher year-15 ICAM-1 levels.
• P-selectin showed similar, though weaker, associations with lung function.

Conclusions:

• Circulating adhesion molecules like ICAM-1 and P-selectin exhibit a bidirectional relationship with lung function.
• These findings suggest a dynamic interplay between inflammation and lung health over time.
• Adhesion molecules may serve as potential biomarkers for lung function decline.