Soluble adhesion molecules and marine n-3 fatty acids in patients referred for coronary angiography

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between soluble cellular adhesion molecules (sCAMs) and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable angina pectoris. Methods and results: Two hundred and ninety-one subjects had fasting levels of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), sP-selectin and contents of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in granulocyte membranes and adipose tissue determined before undergoing elective coronary angiography. Levels of soluble VCAM-1 (983 ± 216 versus 893 ± 196 ng/l, p < 0.001), ICAM-1 (318 ± 140 versus 290 ± 75 ng/l, p < 0.05) and P-selectin (90 ± 27 versus 80 ± 23 ng/l, p < 0.01) were significantly increased in subjects with significant CAD compared to subjects with no significant stenoses. In a linear regression analysis, both sVCAM-1 and sP-selectin, but not sICAM-1, correlated to the presence and the severity of CAD. Both sICAM-1 and sP-selectin were significantly correlated to current smoking status and a history of myocardial infarction. The content of total n-3 PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid in adipose tissue was marginally, but significant positively correlated to VCAM-1. Conclusion: sVCAM-1 and sP-selectin may serve as markers of CAD in patients with stable angina pectoris. Only sVCAM-1 was weakly correlated to n-3 PUFA in adipose tissue.