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Plasma levels of ICAM-1 and circulating endothelial cells are elevated in unstable types 1 and 2 diabetes

M El Amine1, S Sohawon, L Lagneau

  • 1Department of Critical Care, Brugmann University Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.

Endocrine Regulations
|February 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic patients show increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and circulating endothelial cells (CEC) as their condition worsens. Unstable diabetics exhibit a relationship where higher CEC correlates with lower circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPC).

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in diabetes complications.
  • Adhesion molecules and circulating endothelial cells serve as potential biomarkers for endothelial health.
  • Understanding these markers can aid in managing diabetic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell-adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM)-1, von Willebrand factor (vWF), circulating endothelial cells (CEC), and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPC) as indicators of endothelial dysfunction.
  • To compare these markers in uncontrolled diabetics, well-controlled diabetics, and non-diabetic individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Observational cross-sectional study involving 49 patients stratified into three groups: uncontrolled diabetics (n=16), well-controlled diabetics (n=13), and non-diabetics (n=20).
  • Soluble adhesion molecules were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
  • Circulating cells (CEC and CEPC) were detected via flow cytometry.

Main Results:

  • Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels were significantly elevated in uncontrolled diabetic patients compared to well-controlled and non-diabetic groups (p=0.016).
  • Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) showed a trend towards being higher in unstable diabetic patients compared to well-controlled ones (p=0.386).
  • Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPC) tended to be lower in unstable diabetic patients (p=0.068).

Conclusions:

  • A progressive increase in ICAM-1 and CEC levels is observed as diabetic patients move from stable, well-controlled states towards decompensation.
  • In unstable diabetes, an inverse relationship exists between the levels of CEC and CEPC ([CEC] proportional to 1/[CEPC]).
  • These findings highlight ICAM-1 and CEC as valuable markers for monitoring endothelial health in diabetes progression.
Abstract

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