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Circulating endothelial cell/leukocyte adhesion molecules in atherosclerosis

A D Blann1, C N McCollum

  • 1Department of Surgery, University Hospital of South Manchester, Didsbury, UK.

Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|July 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) is elevated in peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients, suggesting it may indicate endothelial cell activation in atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biomarkers
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Endothelial cell activation plays a key role in atherosclerosis.
  • Soluble adhesion molecules are potential indicators of endothelial dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate levels of soluble adhesion molecules and von Willebrand factor (vWf) in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD).
  • To assess the utility of these markers as indicators of endothelial cell activation in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Measured soluble E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM), and vWf in 40 PVD patients, 43 IHD patients, and age/sex-matched controls.
  • Compared marker levels between patient groups and controls.

Main Results:

  • Increased vWf was observed in both IHD and PVD patients compared to controls.
  • Significantly higher sICAM levels were found in both PVD and IHD patients versus controls.
  • sICAM levels were higher in PVD patients than in IHD patients.
  • No significant differences were found for soluble E-selectin and sVCAM levels.
  • No correlation was found between vWf and sICAM in the overall study population.

Conclusions:

  • Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) may serve as a valuable biomarker for endothelial cell activation in clinical atherosclerosis.
  • vWf is elevated in both IHD and PVD, indicating widespread endothelial activation.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the specific roles of these markers in cardiovascular disease progression.

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