Cellular Adhesion Molecules in Young Adulthood and Cardiac Function in Later Life

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Biomarkers and Diagnostics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Endothelial activation, indicated by E-selectin and ICAM-1, is implicated in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
• The relationship between these biomarkers and early, subclinical cardiac dysfunction remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal associations between E-selectin and ICAM-1 levels and subclinical changes in cardiac function.
• To explore the connection between endothelial activation markers and the development of cardiac dysfunction over time.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Coronary Artery Disease Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.
• Evaluation of E-selectin and ICAM-1 levels at years 7 and 15, and cardiac function at year 30.
• Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for key covariates.

Main Results:

• Higher E-selectin and ICAM-1 levels in young adulthood were associated with worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) in midlife.
• Increased ICAM-1 levels over time were also linked to poorer LV GLS.
• These biomarkers partially mediated the association between higher body mass index, black race, and worse GLS.

Conclusions:

• Circulating E-selectin and ICAM-1, and their increase over time, are associated with impaired LV systolic function in midlife.
• These findings support a link between endothelial activation and subclinical HFpEF development.