sE-selectin Levels Research Articles

Skin autofluorescence as a novel marker of vascular damage in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease.

BackgroundSkin autofluorescence (sAF) was examined as a marker of the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in tissues of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in relation to renal function, dialysis modality and markers of endothelial inflammation and dysfunction.MethodsA total of 76 children with CKD were enrolled in the study, of whom 20 children were on hemodialysis (HD), 20 were on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 36 were treated conservatively. A control group of 26 healthy subjects was also included in the study. In all children, sAF intensity, carotid intima-media (cIMT) thickness and plasma concentrations of sE-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) were measured.ResultsCompared to the controls, children with CKD had significantly elevated sAF levels. sAF in the children with CKD was positively correlated with sE-selectin, MMP-9, TIMP-1, ADMA, SDMA and PAI-1 levels. In the predialysis group (conservative treatment) sAF levels were positively correlated with sE-selectin and ADMA levels and negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association of sAF with sE-selectin and MMP-9 in CKD children.ConclusionsThe results reveal that AGEs were accumulated in the children with CKD. This accumulation was related to early vascular changes and a number of biochemical vascular risk markers. sAF measurement, as a noninvasive method, may be useful for identification of clinical risk factors of vascular disease in CKD children.

Pentraxin 3 as a biomarker of local inflammatory response to vascular injury in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder with organ injury related to vasculitis. Inflammation of blood vessels results from auto-immunological activation of endothelial cells. The pentraxin 3 (PTX3), might act as an indicator of vasculitides in many diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether PTX3 might be useful as a marker of vascular injury in SLE. This study was carried out in a group of 56 SLE women, and in the 28 female volunteers control group. All participants’ plasma and serum samples were collected to estimate concentrations (ELISA) of PTX3, soluble thrombomodulin, soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), soluble form of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity. Anthropometric, demographic and lifestyle characteristics of SLE patients were also performed. The SLE patients had higher PTX3, vWF, MCP-1, sE-selectin and sVCAM-1 levels than the controls (1.82 ± 1.56 ng/mL, 237 ± 101%, 70.05 ± 18.31 ng/mL, 111.16 ± 49.15 ng/mL and 978.78 ± 462.35 ng/mL vs. 0.86 ± 0.40 ng/mL, 138 ± 43%, 58.56 ± 13.91 ng/mL, 66.04 ± 27.18 ng/mL and 499.07 ± 125.67 ng/mL, respectively). The independent factors affecting PTX3 expression included Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, prednisone dose and anemia severity. Moreover, the PTX3 areas under the curve–receiver operating characteristics curves 0.717 ± 0.056 with cut-off level of 1.96 ng/mL was comparable to vWF, MCP-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin and sICAM-1. PTX3 and sVCAM-1 were the only factors related to SLE activity. Other vascular injury indicators associated with PTX3 were vWF and sVCAM-1. In conclusion, PTX3 concentrations in SLE patients might serve as a indicator of the activation/dysfunction of vascular endothelium.

Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in relation to impaired carbohydrate metabolism following pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus.

BackgroundHistory of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) identifies a very young population of females predisposed for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction might represent a shared precursor of both disorders. Hence, this study aimed to characterize endothelial biomarkers in relation to impaired insulin sensitivity and progression to overt diabetes early after index pregnancy.Methods108 women with previous GDM and 40 controls were included three to six months after delivery and underwent specific metabolic assessments including a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and an oral glucose tolerance test. Diabetes progression was assessed in females with pGDM over 10 years of follow-up. Circulating sICAM-1 (intracellular-adhesion-molecule-1), sVCAM-1 (vascular-cell-adhesion-molecule-1) and sE-selectin, representing biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction were assessed at baseline and annually over five years.ResultsEndothelial biomarkers were significantly associated with insulin sensitivity (sICAM-1: r = -0.23, p = 0.009; sVCAM-1: r = -0.22, p = 0.011; sE-selectin: r = -0.21, p = 0.018) as well as with GDM status and parameters of subtle inflammation. Analysis of long-term trajectories revealed constantly elevated sICAM-1 (p = 0.033) and sE-selectin (p = 0.007) in 25 subjects with diabetes progression. Accordingly, sE-selectin levels at the early post partum visit predicted a later development of the disease (HR =1.02 95%CI 1.01 to 1.04, p = 0.013), however, this was attenuated after adjustment for BMI.ConclusionsElevated circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction in young females with GDM history might reflect an early stage on the pathway to the manifestation of future cardiometabolic disorders. Timely identification of women at high risk and optimization of follow-up management might provide an opportunity to prevent disease progression.

Soluble adhesion molecules as markers of native arteriovenous fistula thrombosis in children on uremia.

Vascular access represents a lifeline for children undergoing hemodialysis. A failure of vascular access among patients receiving regular hemodialysis is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and costs. We assessed the possibility of using soluble adhesion molecules as reliable predictors of vascular access failure in children on hemodialysis. Moreover, we evaluated whether there is an association among the different studied adhesion molecules in hemodialysis patients with thrombosed and non-thrombosed arteriovenous fistula fistulas (AVFs). This study included 55 hemodialysis children, 36 with good access and 19 with access failure, and 20 healthy volunteers. Forty-four patients had native AVFs and 11 patients had tunneled permanent catheter (11with thrombosed and 33 with non-thrombosed AVFs). Serum-soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) were measured using ELISA technique. A significant increase was found in the levels of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin and sP-selectin versus controls and all hemodialysis patients, hemodialysis patients with good access and hemodialysis patients with access failure (P=0.001 for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and P=0.0001 for sE-selectin and sP-selectin). A significant increase was found in the levels of sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sP-selectin in both chronic hemodialysis patients with thrombosed and non-thrombosed native AVFs versus controls (P=0.0001 for all parameters). There was significant difference between both chronic hemodialysis patients with thrombosed and non-thrombosed native AVFs as regard to sVCAM-1 (54.64±30.82 versus 25.69±27.96ng/ml, P=0.04). Both sICAM-1 and sP-selectin were positively correlated with the erythropoietin (EPO) dose in hemodialysis children (r=0.31, P=0.04 and r=0.32, P=0.04, respectively). A significant positive association was found between E-selectin and sP-selectin in hemodialysis patients with thrombosed AVFs (r=0.83, P=0.04). There was a significant correlation between sVCAM-1 and EPO dose in thrombosed AVF group (r=0.84, P=0.01). The assessment of serum sVCAM-1 might be useful for the identification of the chronic hemodialysis patients at an increased risk for native AVFs thrombosis. The role of EPO in vascular access failure should be taken into consideration. The clinical relevance of these observations warrants further investigations.

The Association Between Bereavement and Biomarkers of Inflammation

Bereavement is a major life event that has been associated with a range of negative health outcomes. To assess whether levels of inflammation markers and cortisol vary significantly by bereavement status and/or number of recent bereavements. The study was based on a secondary analysis of data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) II biomarkers project. After excluding participants suffering from conditions which directly affect immune functions, 529 participants were included (age 34–84 years), of whom 260 experienced the death of a person close to them 5–63months prior to assessment. Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-I), Soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and cortisol were examined controlling for demographic and health characteristics. Bereaved respondents had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers IL-6 and sE-selectin, but not CRP and sICAM-I than the non-bereaved. Number of recent bereavements significantly predicted levels of IL-6 in the unadjusted and adjusted regression models. Body Mass Index (BMI) and number of chronic conditions partially mediated the association between number of bereavements and IL-6 levels. Number of recent bereavements is associated with higher levels of inflammation, particularly among individuals with higher BMI and/or chronic health problems.

Novel cardiovascular biomarkers in women with a history of early preeclampsia

ObjectiveWomen with a history of preeclampsia are at increased risk for future cardiovascular disease. Determination of cardiovascular biomarkers may be useful to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of cardiovascular disease development in these women. MethodsWe performed an analysis in the Preeclampsia Risk EValuation in FEMales study, a retrospective cohort consisting of 339 women with a history of early preeclampsia and 332 women after normotensive pregnancy. Women attended a follow-up visit ten years after the index pregnancy.A subset of 8 different cardiovascular biomarkers was investigated, reflecting inflammatory, metabolic, thrombotic and endothelial function markers. Associations between PE and these novel biomarkers were analyzed by linear regression analysis and adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. ResultsMean age of 671 women of the PREVFEM cohort was 39 years and women were on average 10 years post index pregnancy. Women post preeclampsia had significantly higher levels of SE-selectin (adjusted difference 4.55, 99%CI 0.37; 8.74) and PAPPA (adjusted difference 19.08; 99%CI 13.18; 24.99), whereas ApoB (adjusted difference −0.23 99%CI −0.32; −0.14) was inversely associated with preeclampsia, compared to women with a previous normotensive pregnancy. Adiponectin, leptin, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and PAI-1 were not different between both groups. ConclusionWe demonstrated an independent association of preeclampsia with SE-selectin and PAPPA (markers of vascular dysfunction), which may contribute to future cardiovascular events in women post preeclampsia. However, ApoB (an apolipoprotein) was significantly lower and could point at a protective mechanism in our PE study women.

The Impact of Dialysis Modality on Novel Markers of Stress Reaction, Matrix Remodeling and Endothelial Damage in Children on Chronic Dialysis

Background/Aims: Dialysis triggers stress reaction, matrix remodeling and endothelial damage, but little is known about the changes it induces on selected heat shock proteins (Hsp90α), adhesion molecules (E-cadherin, sE-selectin), metalloproteinases (MMP-8) and their extracellular inducer (EMMPRIN). The aim of this study was to assess serum concentrations of the above-mentioned parameters in children on chronic dialysis. Methods: 19 patients on hemodialysis (HD), 22 children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 30 age-matched controls were examined. Serum concentrations of parameters were assessed by ELISA. Results: Hsp90α, MMP-8, EMMPRIN and E-cadherin concentrations were significantly increased in children on dialysis vs. controls and higher levels were in HD than PD patients. There was no difference in the level of sE-selectin between HD and PD modalities. A single HD session diminished Hsp90α, MMP-8, EMMPRIN and E-cadherin values, but had no impact on sE-selectin levels. Conclusions: Hemodialysis evokes stress reaction, matrix and endothelium destruction, to a greater extent than peritoneal dialysis. Single hemodialysis influences circulating cells rather than endothelial cells.

Increased levels of exhaled sICAM1, sVCAM1, and sE-selectin in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

The mortality of lung cancer remains high and methods for early diagnosis are still lacking. Recently, exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been considered a potential tool for obtaining biological information leading to a reliable diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study assessed the potentials of exhaled and serum concentrations of soluble(s) forms of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM1), and E-selectin as biomarkers for diagnosis and predicting metastasis in NSCLC patients. We enrolled 33 patients with NSCLC, 35 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 30 healthy controls. EBC and serum samples from subjects were collected at the time of diagnosis and, where applicable, 3 months after surgical treatment. Measurements of sICAM1, sVCAM1, and sE-selectin were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Concentrations of sICAM1, sVCAM1, and sE-selectin in the EBC and sera of NSCLC patients were significantly elevated compared to COPD patients and healthy controls. The exhaled and serum levels of sICAM1 and sVCAM1, but not sE-selectin, decreased significantly after tumor resection from pre-surgery levels. In addition, analyzed results showed a correlation between exhaled sICAM1 levels and disease progression of NSCLC patients. Our results suggest that the levels of sICAM1, sVCAM1, and sE-selectin in EBC and sera of NSCLC patients are higher than those of COPD patients or healthy controls. Moreover, exhaled sICAM1 may have prognostic value and potential as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with lung cancer.

The predictive role of markers of Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction on the course of diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes

AimsThis study was undertaken to determine whether levels of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in serum samples collected at baseline in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) cohort could predict the development of retinopathy. MethodsLevels of clotting/fibrinolysis, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers were measured in 1391 subjects with type 1 diabetes to determine whether their levels predicted increased risk to develop or accelerate progression of retinopathy during 16years of follow-up. ResultsUsing regression models adjusted for DCCT treatment group, duration of diabetes, baseline retinopathy scores, HbA1c and albumin excretion rate, the baseline levels of sE-selectin and PAI-1 (active) were significantly associated with increased risk of a 3-step progression in retinopathy score in the primary prevention cohort (PPC). After adjusting for additional covariates (e.g., ACE/ARB and statin therapy), this association persisted. Levels of active and total PAI-1 in the same group were also significantly associated, after similar adjustments, with the time to progress to severe non-proliferative retinopathy during the follow-up period (54 and 29%, respectively of increased risk). No associations were observed in the secondary intervention cohort for any of the outcomes. ConclusionsHigh levels of sE-selectin and PAI-1 are associated with the development of retinopathy in patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes.

The utility of serial plasma sE-selectin measurements in the prediction of retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants

BackgroundsE-selectin has recently been suggested as a surrogate marker for prediction of ROP development. AimsThe possible role of serial plasma sE-selectin measurements in early prediction and diagnosis of ROP was evaluated. Study DesignProspective observational study SubjectsForty six preterm infants aged <34weeks of gestation and weighing <1500 g were enrolled. Of these, 26 constituted the ROP group and 20 constituted the no-ROP group. sE-selectin levels were measured serially in blood samples on the 1st day and on 14th and 28th postnatal days. Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was to evaluate the role of sE-selectin concentrations in prediction of ROP. ResultsThe mean gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the ROP group. The mean sE-selectin concentrations in ROP group were significantly greater than those in no-ROP group at each time point (1st, 14th and 28th days of postnatal life). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that at a plasma concentration of ≥86ng/mL on the 1st postnatal day, sE-selectin had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.1% with a positive predictive value of 96.3% and a negative predictive value of 100%. Plasma sE-selectin concentrations were significantly greater in infants who developed ROP in three different time points. ConclusionsThis study shows for the first time that measurement of plasma sE-selectin concentrations as early as the first day of life might help identify preterm infants at risk of ROP.

Exercise‐induced mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with early metabolic syndrome: relation with endothelial dysfunction and MMP‐9 (884.7)

Exercise mobilizes endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to peripheral blood, and this process can be regulated by matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9). However, it is unknown if these mechanisms work properly in subjects with early metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to determine the effects of exercise on adhesion molecules, EPCs and MMP‐9 in subjects with early MetS. Fifteen subjects with early MetS (37±2yr) and nine healthy subjects (33±3yr) underwent an exercise session and a non‐exercise session, in random order. Adhesion molecules, EPCs and MMP‐9 were evaluated before and 10 minutes after the sessions. Presence of endothelial dysfunction was confirmed by brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD). At baseline, shear rate‐adjusted FMD was lower (P=0.04) and levels of sE‐selectin, sICAM‐1 and MMP‐9 were higher in subjects with MetS (P蠄0.03). No differences were found in number of EPCs between groups. After exercise, levels of sE‐selectin, sICAM‐1 and MMP‐9 were still higher in subjects with MetS (P&lt;0.05). Subjects with MetS presented less CD34+/VEGFR2+ (P=0.02) and CD34+/CD133+/VEGFR2+ cells (P=0.02) and higher MMP‐9 activity (P&lt;0.05) than healthy subjects. There were no differences between moments in non‐exercise session. Thus, subjects with early MetS presented impaired endothelial function at rest and altered response of EPCs to exercise that may be related to increased MMP‐9 activity.Grant Funding Source: Supported by CNPq, CAPES, FAPERJ, FINEP

Relationship of late arteriovenous fistula stenosis with soluble E-selectin and soluble EPCR in chronic hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula

Vascular access dysfunction caused by stenosis is a major complication for hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, physiopathology of late arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis is still under investigation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between plasma soluble EPCR (sEPCR) with serum soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) concentration and late AVF stenosis in HD patients. Plasma sEPCR and serum sE-selectin concentrations were measured in 94 HD patients. Using these data, we studied the association of sEPCR and sE-selectin with the presence and degree of AVF stenosis using ultrasonography and fistulogram. Fifty-one patients have AVF stenosis, and the others (n = 43) have patent AVF. The degree of AVF stenosis was correlated with serum sE-selectin levels (r = 0.351, p = 0.01), but not sEPCR (r = 0.075, p = 0.702). The median level of sE-selectin was statistically higher in the group of AVF stenosis than in the group of patent AVF [463.2 pg/ml (275.4-671.4) vs. 162.5 pg/ml (96.7-285.3), p = 0.001]. Increased sE-selectin levels [OR (OR) = 6.356, p = 0.015] and high levels of LDL (OR = 4.321, p = 0.044) were independent predictors of late AVF stenosis in the multivariate model. sE-selectin and the LDL were the most important predictors of late AVF stenosis. In addition, sE-selectin correlated with the degree of AVF stenosis. We suggested that atherosclerosis might be contributing factor for development of late AVF stenosis.

Fenofibrate improves endothelial function and plasma myeloperoxidase in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: an open-label interventional study

BackgroundFenofibrate offers a number of benefits on the cardiovascular system and it is plausible that its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-fibrotic effects and enhancement of cardiac metabolic performances may account for its direct cardioprotective effects.In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of fenofibrate on endothelial function assesed by vascular studies and levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) as well as the effect on plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without previous use of lipid-lowering medication.Methods27 patients (14 men and 13 women) with T2DM and good glycemic control (HbA1c: min 5.9%, max: 7.1%) treated with metformin monotherapy, without previous use of lipid-lowering medication were enrolled in this study. Vascular studies included measures of brachial artery diameter before and after release of a suprasystolic ischemia. FMD was calculated as the percent (%) change in arterial diameter following reactive hyperemia. Student’s paired t test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test were used to compare values before and after fenofibrate therapy.ResultsFenofibrate therapy significantly increased post ischemia mean brachial artery diameter at 60 s (from 4.7 [4.4; 5.0] mm to 4.9 [4.6; 5.2] mm, p = 0.01) and at 90 s (from 4.7 [4.4; 5.0] mm to 4.9 [4.6; 5.1], p = 0.02). FMD response to hyperaemia at 60 s increased with 4.5 ± 13.7% (median value pre- treatment: 22.2%, median value post- treatment 25.0%, z = −2.9, p = 0.004). After 8 weeks of fenofibrate therapy, plasma MPO levels decreased to 49.5 [30.3; 71.5] ng/ml (% change from baseline = 4.6%, z = −2.2, p = 0.03) and mean plasma sE-selectin levels decreased to 67.1 [54.4; 79.8] ng/ml, (% change from baseline = 2.6%, p = 0.03).ConclusionIn patients with T2DM without previous treatment for dyslipidemia, short-term treatment with fenofibrate improved vascular endothelial function as demonstrated by increased post ischemia mean brachial artery diameter, increased FMD and decreased plasma sE-selectin and favorably affected plasma MPO levels. Therefore, fenofibrate may be considered a protective cardiovascular drug in this group of patients.Trial registration(Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR12612000734864)

Association of Biomarkers of Inflammation with Dyslipidemia and Its Components among Mongolians in China

ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the association between inflammatory biomarkers and dyslipidemia and its components among Mongolians in China.MethodsData were obtained from 2544 Mongolians via standard questionnaires and blood samples in Inner Mongolia, China. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) as well as blood lipids were examined.ResultsIndividuals with dyslipidemia had higher levels of hsCRP, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin than those without dyslipidemia (all P values<0.001). Compared to the lowest quartile of inflammatory biomarkers, individuals with the highest quartile were more likely to have dyslipidemia (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 3.215, 2.551–4.116 for hsCRP; 1.575, 1.253–1.980 for sICAM-1; 1.495, 1.193–1.873 for sE-selectin). Moreover, hsCRP was associated with all the components of dyslipidemia, whereas, sICAM-1 was not related to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) or triglycerides (TAG). Additionally, sE-selectin was just associated with TAG.ConclusionOur study indicated that elevated plasma levels of hsCRP, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin were positively and significantly associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia among Mongolians. However, the associations were not identical for different inflammatory biomarkers with the components of dyslipidemia.

Relationship between adhesion molecules and virological response to pegylated interferon-alpha-2a treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A pilot study

We performed a clinical study to investigate potential association between serum levels of soluble adhesion molecules and virological response to pegylated interferon-alpha-2a (PEG IFN-α-2a) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Thirty-two patients with chronic hepatitis B virus genotype B were recruited in this study, who were treated with PEG IFN-α-2a 180 μg every week and then followed up for 24 weeks. Thirty healthy control subjects were recruited from volunteer blood donors. Serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) in patients were investigated by enzyme-linked immunoassay before and after treatment. Serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin in CHB patients were significantly higher compared to the control group before treatment (P < 0.00001, respectively). In CHB patients responding to the PEG IFN-α-2a treatment, serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin were higher than those in non-responders before treatment (PI = 0.001, PV = 0.002, PE = 0.02, PL = 0.004). The levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin decreased in virological responders of treatment at 12 and 24 weeks (PI = 0.0001, PV = 0.00004, PE = 0.002, PL = 0.0004; PI = 0.00007, PV = 0.00001, PE = 0.0003, PL = 0.00003), while no obvious changes were observed in non-responders (P > 0.05, respectively). Results obtained indicated increased levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin could be related to virological response to PEG IFN-α-2a treatment in CHB patients, and have a prognostic effect on virological response.

The effect of narrow-band ultraviolet-B phototherapy on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and soluble E-selectin in psoriasis vulgaris patients

BackgroundIncreased levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) have been reported in patients with psoriasis vulgaris compared with controls.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of narrow-band ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) phototherapy on sE-selectin and sICAM-1 serum levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.Patients and methodsThis case-control study included 30 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 20 apparently healthy participants as a control group. Both patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, dermatological examination, and measurement of sE-selectin and sICAM-1 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. In the patient group, sE-selectin and sICAM-1 were measured after treatment with NB-UVB phototherapy, and the response was assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. sE-selectin and sICAM-1 serum levels were compared before and after treatment and correlated with PASI scores.ResultsIn this study, sE-selectin and sICAM-1 serum levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P = 0.001 for both). There were statistically significant reductions in sE-selectin and sICAM-1 serum levels after NB-UVB phototherapy (P = 0.001 for both), but still the levels were higher than those of controls. PASI scores significantly decreased after treatment, confirming the efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy. Both sE-selectin and sICAM-1 serum levels were positively correlated with PASI scores before and after NB-UVB phototherapy (P = 0.001 for both).ConclusionThe present study emphasizes the complex nature of the roles played by cell adhesion molecules in the immune-pathogenesis of psoriasis and the effect of NB-UVB phototherapy on their values in relation to the PASI score. Also, results of this study provide a rationale for the possible application of sE-selectin and sICAM-1 measurements as biomarkers of psoriasis activity and predictors of possible exacerbation.

Assessment of the E-selectin rs5361 (561A>C) polymorphism and soluble protein concentration in acute coronary syndrome: association with circulating levels.

Introduction. The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex disease where genetic and environmental factors are involved. E-selectin gene is a candidate for ACS progression due to its contribution in the inflammatory process and endothelial function. The rs5361 (561A>C) polymorphism in the E-selectin gene has been linked to changes in gene expression, affinity for its receptor, and plasmatic levels; therefore it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the rs5361 polymorphism with ACS and to measure serum levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin). Materials and Methods. 283 ACS patients and 205 healthy subjects (HS) from Western Mexico were included. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the rs5361 polymorphism. The sE-selectin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Neither genotype nor allele frequencies of the rs5361 polymorphism showed statistical differences between groups. The sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in ACS patients compared to HS (54.58 versus 40.41 ng/ml, P = 0.02). The C allele had no effect on sE-selectin levels. Conclusions. The rs5361 E-selectin gene polymorphism is not a susceptibility marker for ACS in Western Mexico population. However, sE-selectin may be a biological marker of ACS.

The Levels of Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule, Vascular Adhesion Molecule and Se-Selectin Levels in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: High levels of adhesion molecules are known to result in inflammation of the vascular cells through endothelial dysfunction and thus atherogenesis. To this end, this trial was performed to investigate whether a cause of the accelerated atherogenesis in cases with non-alcholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was the increase in the levels of the adhesion molecules. Material and Methods: 53 cases with NAFLD diagnosed using ultrasonography and biopsy and 46 control cases were enrolled in the trial. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1), Vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM) and sE-selectinconcentrations were determined by using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit from Biosource (Bender MedSystems GmbH, Vienna Austria) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: The levels of these adhesion molecules in patients with NAFLD were higher than those in the control subjects but only a significant difference in sE-selectin levels between the NAFLD and control groups was observed (p<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: The high levels of adhesion molecules and particularly of the sE-selectin statistically suggest that endothelial dysfunction and inflammation occur, which may represent a major factor in accelerating the atherogenesis process. We believe that detection of a high sE-selectin level would be leading the way when developing new therapeutical modalities for cases with NAFLD.

Effects of general and spinal anesthetic techniques on endothelial adhesion molecules in cesarean section.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of anesthetic techniques used during general anesthesia (GA) and spinal anesthesia (SA) on endothelial adhesion molecules in the fetal circulation of healthy parturients undergoing elective cesarean section.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to either the general anesthesia (n = 20) or spinal anesthesia (n = 20) group. Maternal and cord blood neopterin, sE-selectin, and sL-selectin levels were measured in both groups.ResultsCord blood neopterin concentrations in the SA group were not different from those in the GA group, but maternal neopterin levels in the SA group were different from those in the GA group. Maternal blood levels of sE-selectin and sL-selectin were not different between the two groups. Similarly, the cord blood levels of sE-selectin and sL-selectin were not different between the two groups. We found an increased inflammatory process in the fetal circulation depending on the anesthetic method used.ConclusionsThese results indicate the effects of general and spinal anesthetic techniques on serum sL-selectin, sE-selectin, and neopterin levels in neonates and parturients undergoing elective cesarean section. sE-selectin and neopterin concentrations and leukocyte counts were higher in the fetal circulation than in the maternal circulation during both GA and SA.

The Preventative Effects of Recombinant Thrombomodulin on Transplantation-Associated Coagulopathy after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

We investigated the preventive effects of recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM) on Transplantation Associated Coagulopathy (TAC) and TAC-related biomarkers in 271 patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). There were no significant differences between the rTM (+) or (-) groups and patient background, types of disease or HSCT regimens. When we examined patients with confirmed complications, all frequencies of aGVHD, VOD and/or TMA, as well as uncomplicated cases were significantly lower in the rTM (+) group. HMGB1 and MCP-1 showed a clear induction after transplantation, which peaked for HMGB1 at day 0 and for MCP-1 at day 7. Although MCP-1 levels did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups, HMGB1 levels in the rTM (+) group showed a significant reduction after day 4 compared with the rTM (-) group. The levels of PAI-1, sE-selectin and sVCAM-1 showed a significant increase in the groups that did not receive rTM. In contrast, the groups that received rTM did not show significant changes and significant differences were found between the two rTM-treated groups. Our multi-institutional study findings suggest that this agent is beneficial as part of preventive therapies for established TAC after HSCT.