Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Quantitation of Endothelial Cell Adhesiveness In Vitro
Published on: June 18, 2015
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Trace Element Levels and Cellular Adhesion Molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) in
Duygu Felek1, Mustafa Fatih Erkoc2, Kubra Kurul3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat 66100, Turkey.
Insights
This study found higher manganese levels and altered trace element profiles in hemodialysis patients, linked to elevated cellular adhesion molecules. Regular monitoring of trace elements and adhesion markers is crucial for managing CKD patients undergoing dialysis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Trace Element Analysis
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis disrupt mineral homeostasis, potentially causing cellular pathologies.
- Trace element imbalances are common in CKD patients, impacting cellular functions.
- Understanding these imbalances is key to managing complications in dialysis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trace element levels (Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo, V, Sb, Cr) in hemodialysis patients.
- To evaluate the impact of these trace elements on cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1).
- To clarify the clinical significance of trace element imbalances in hemodialysis.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 84 hemodialysis patients and 42 healthy controls were analyzed.
- Trace elements were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Cellular adhesion markers ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were measured by ELISA.
Main Results:
- Hemodialysis patients showed significantly higher manganese (Mn) levels.
- Lower levels of Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), Vanadium (V), Antimony (Sb), and Chromium (Cr) were observed in hemodialysis patients compared to controls.
- Elevated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels were found in dialysis patients, with associations noted for Mn and Zn.
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis patients exhibit distinct trace element profiles, with high Mn potentially indicating accumulation risk.
- Low levels of Cu, Mo, V, Sb, and Cr may necessitate monitoring for deficiency.
- Elevated adhesion molecules in dialysis patients are linked to certain trace elements, warranting further investigation and regular patient monitoring.
Abstract:
Background: Both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the haemodialysis procedure can contribute to disturbances in mineral homeostasis, which can potentially result in cellular pathologies. Our study aims to investigate trace element levels in haemodialysis patients and evaluate their potential impact on cellular adhesion molecules. This will clarify the clinical significance of trace element imbalances in this population. Methods: The study included 84 haemodialysis patients and 42 healthy controls. Trace element levels in blood (Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo, V, Sb and Cr) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and cellular adhesion markers ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were analysed by ELISA. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 20.00, with significance set at p < 0.005. Results: Manganese (Mn) levels were significantly higher in haemodialysis patients (p = 0.019). Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), Vanadium (V), Antimony (Sb) and Chromium (Cr) levels were higher in the control group. Zinc (Zn) and Cr levels differed significantly between the control group (p = 0.018; p = 0.007). Cu levels were lower in hypertensive patients (p = 0.011), while Zn and Mn levels were higher in diabetic patients (p = 0.048 and p = 0.004, respectively). Dialysis duration, however, correlated with Sb (r = 0.295; p = 0.01), and Kt/V correlated with Mn, Sb and Cr (r = 0.256, r = 0.272 and r = 0.259, respectively; p = 0.05). Mo levels showed a positive correlation with both pre-dialysis (r = 0.230) and post-dialysis (r = 0.281) creatinine levels, and a negative correlation with post-dialysis GFR (r = -0.294). ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in dialysis patients (p = 0.001 for both); however, it was not found to be related to variables in the vascular access route. Conclusions: The levels of trace elements and adhesion molecules were examined in haemodialysis patients. High Mn levels indicate a risk of accumulation, while low Cu, Mo, V, Sb and Cr levels may require monitoring for deficiency. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels in haemodialysis patients are associated with some trace elements (Mn and Zn); however, this relationship requires further evidence. In conclusion, the levels of trace elements and adhesion molecules in haemodialysis patients indicate the need for regular monitoring and show that the relationships between creatinine and GFR can be applied to larger patient groups.
