Serum Levels Of sICAM-1 Research Articles

Additive effects of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and hypertension on the inflammatory reaction

ObjectiveObstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and hypertension are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Recently, it has been shown that arteriosclerosis in OSAS patients with hypertension (HT) is much more severe...

Additive effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension on inflammatory reaction

Both obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and hypertension are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. New study showed that arteriosclerosis in OSAS patients with hypertension (HT) is much severe than those patients with only HT or only OSAS. We assume that inflammatory reaction is involved in the pathogenesis in aggravation of arteriosclerosis of OSAS patients with HT. Based on apnea hypopnea index (AHI) , 118 persons were divided into four groups: OSAS+HT group (n=58), HT group(n=20), OSAS group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Full polysomnography (PSG) monitoring was performed in all the patients. The serum level of IL-6(interleukin-6), sCD40L, hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), sICAM-1 (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1), and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum level of IL-6, sCD40L, hsCRP, sICAM-1, VCAM-1 of the OSAS+HT group was higher than that of the OSAS, HT and the control group (P < 0.05). The serum level of the above-mentioned inflammatory factors of OSAS or HT groups was higher than those of the control group. The serum level of hsCRP, sICAM-1, and VCAM-1 was positively related with AHI and the degree of oxygen desaturation. Inflammatory reaction participate in the pathogenesis of hypertension and OSAS. Inflammatory reaction was aggravated in hypertension patients with OSAS. Key words: Hypertension, arteriosclerosis, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, risk, inflammatory processes.

Additive effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension on inflammatory reaction

Both obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and hypertension are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. New study showed that arteriosclerosis in OSAS patients with hypertension (HT) is much severe than those patients with only HT or only OSAS. We assume that inflammatory reaction is involved in the pathogenesis in aggravation of arteriosclerosis of OSAS patients with HT. Based on apnea hypopnea index (AHI) , 118 persons were divided into four groups: OSAS+HT group (n=58), HT group(n=20), OSAS group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Full polysomnography (PSG) monitoring was performed in all the patients. The serum level of IL-6(interleukin-6), sCD40L, hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), sICAM-1 (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1), and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum level of IL-6, sCD40L, hsCRP, sICAM-1, VCAM-1 of the OSAS+HT group was higher than that of the OSAS, HT and the control group (P < 0.05). The serum level of the above-mentioned inflammatory factors of OSAS or HT groups was higher than those of the control group. The serum level of hsCRP, sICAM-1, and VCAM-1 was positively related with AHI and the degree of oxygen desaturation. Inflammatory reaction participate in the pathogenesis of hypertension and OSAS. Inflammatory reaction was aggravated in hypertension patients with OSAS. Key words: Hypertension, arteriosclerosis, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, risk, inflammatory processes.

The role of soluble intercelluar adhesion molecule-1 in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma

Objective To study the role of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( sICAM-1 ) in the pathogenesis of adults bronchial asthma and analyze the relationship between the level of sICAM-1 and the severity of bronchial asthma.Methods Serum levels of sICAM-1 in 134 cases with different periods of bronchial asthma patients and healthy volunteers were measured by ELISA and pulmonary functions of acute asthma patients were determined by pulmonary function analyzer. Results Serum sICAM-1 levels in 63 cases of acute asthma patients were increased significantly when compared with those in remission asthma patients and healthy volunteers and its value was increased significantly with the exacerbation of asthma;A negatively correlation between FEV1％ of pulmonary function and serum sICAM-1 level in patients with acute asthma was found in this study. Conclusion sICAM-1 was one of the important adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. It could be used as one indicator of disease severity and guide the drug application in clinic. Key words: Bronchial asthma; Cell adhesion molecules

O4-3.4 Neurocysticercosis in pig farming community from North India

IntroductionNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is a major public health problem, especially in the developing world and also increasingly reported in the developed world either due to migration of infected population or Taenia...

Evaluation of the association between ICAM-1 gene polymorphisms and sICAM-1 serum levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Southeast Iran

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune nervous system disorder characterized by leukocytes recruitment into nervous system and demyelination. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mediates the extravasation of leukocytes and their accumulation in inflamed tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probable association of ICAM-1 Exon 4 (G241R) and Exon 6 (E469K) gene polymorphisms with circulating levels of sICAM-1 in MS patients (n=78) and consecutive unrelated healthy controls (n=123). Analysis of ICAM-1 polymorphisms was performed by PCR with sequence-specific primers (SSP) and concentration of sICAM-1 in serum was performed by ELISA techniques. No significant differences were detected for allele frequencies of ICAM-1 Exon 4 and Exon 6 in MS patients than in the controls respectively (ns-P > 0.05). Moreover, baseline serum sICAM-1 concentrations to be significantly increased among patient carriers of K allele as compared with the respective non-carriers of these variants (P < 0.001). This study illustrates that K allele of the ICAM-1 codon 469 mutation might contribute to the pathogenesis of MS through increase levels of sICAM-1 and establish inflammation. Our result invites further investigation relevant to understanding the mechanisms underlying the immunopathogenesis of this autoimmune disease. Key words: Polymorphism, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, heterogeneity, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP).

Effect of Garlic Oil on Neutrophil Infiltration in the Small Intestine of Endotoxin-Injected Rats and Its Association with Levels of Soluble and Cellular Adhesion Molecules

Garlic ( Allium sativum ) possesses anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effects of garlic oil on endotoxin-induced neutrophil infiltration in the small intestine. Wistar rats received by gavage 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg body wt garlic oil (GO) or the vehicle (corn oil; 2 mL/kg body wt) every other day for 2 weeks before being injected with endotoxin (ip, 5 mg/kg body wt). Control rats were administered corn oil and injected with sterile saline. Blood samples for the measurement of soluble adhesion molecules were collected at various time points after injection, and all other samples were collected 18 h after injection. The 10 and 50 mg/kg doses suppressed endotoxin-induced neutrophilia, serum levels of sL-selectin and sICAM-1, cellular CD11b on neutrophils, intestinal ICAM-1 content, and neutrophil infiltration (P < 0.05). The 100 mg/kg dose significantly lowered local ICAM-1 and cellular CD11b on neutrophils (P < 0.05) but did not have a beneficial effect on neutrophil infiltration. In addition, 100 mg/kg of GO worsened the elevation of the local TNF-α level and neutrophilia. Appropriate doses of garlic oil have a preventive effect on endotoxin-induced neutrophil infiltration and damage to the small intestine.

Measurement of 15 neuroendocrine and immune factors in sera from 175 vitiligo patients

Objective To measure the serum levels of 15 neuroendocrine and immune factors, including angiotensin-Ⅱ (ANG-Ⅱ), endorphin-β (EP-β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), 5-thrombotonin (5-HT), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IgM, tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α), IL-8, IL-6, IgG,IL-2, norepinephrine, cortisol and adrenaline in patients with vitiligo, and to analyze their association with the development of vitiligo according to traditional Uyghur medicine theory. Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the serum levels of the above 15 neuroendocrine and immune factors in 175 patients with vitiligo and 60 normal human controls. Results There was a significant increase in the serum levels of ANG-Ⅱ , EP-β, IFN-γ, sICAM-1, 5-HT, IL-10, IgG, norepinephrine, cortisol and adrenaline, together with a decrease in those of TNF-a, IL-8, IL-2 and IL-6 in patients with vitiligo compared with the controls (all P 0.05). Increased serum levels of ANG-Ⅱ, 5-HT, IL-8 and cortisol were noted in patients with stable vitiligo in comparison with those with progressive vitiligo (all P < 0.01), while the levels of the other factors were similar between the stable and progressive vitiligo patients. Conclusions The development of vitilito is a comprehensive process with the involvement of various neuroendocrine and immune factors,and whether the conclusion agrees with the traditional Uyghur medicine theory that imbalanced kuwiti tabiiy [Nature power (of human body)] induces vitiligo derserves further studies. Key words: Vitiligo; Immunologic factors; Medicine, Uygur nationality

Serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, sP-selection in healthy Bulgarian people

Endothelial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important early feature of vascular disease. As the damage to endothelium is a key underlying factor in the development and progression of atherosclerotic processes, markers of endothelial abnormalities have been sought. Increased expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on the vascular endothelium has been postulated to play a significant role in atherogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that different risk factors of atherosclerosis may increase expression of CAMs. The elevated level of soluble forms of CAMs in circulation is associated with a higher risk to future cardiovascular events in subjects predisposed to atherosclerosis To determine the reference range for serum concentration of soluble cell adhesion molecules - slCAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin. We studied 110 healthy people of Bulgarian nationality aged 18-65. The selection criteria for the reference group were made in accordance with the requirements of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC). Serum concentrations of CAMs were analysed by means of ELISA assay. The results are presented as central 95% interval and 0.90 confidence interval of the reference range. Reference ranges were determined for sICAM-1 (128.9 - 347.48 ng/ml), sVCAM-1 (170.42 - 478.36 ng/ml), sE-selectin (9.15 - 65.19 ng/ml) and sP-selectin (101.86 - 209.7 ng/ml). As we found no sex-related differences in the CAMs concentrations (p > 0.05) there needed to be no separate reference intervals for men and women. The single-factor dispersion analysis we used in analysing the effect of age found no age-related dependence (p > 0.05, F = 1.038) for the serum CAM concentrations in the 18-65 age range, which means that it is not necessary to establish reference intervals for smaller age ranges in this age group. The reference ranges for slCAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin computed in accordance with the results distribution can be used as baseline criteria in clinical laboratory studies.

Soluble Fas and Fas ligand in HIV/HCV coinfected patients and impact of HCV therapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 183 HIV/HCV coinfected patients and HCV clearance after antiviral treatment on serum sFas and sFasL levels. Thirty out of 183 patients underwent HCV antiviral therapy with IFN-α + RBV for a duration of 48 weeks. HCV genotype 1 and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) had a significant positive relationship, and CD4+/μL had a significant negative relationship with sFas (R-square = 0.582; p < 0.001) and sFasL (R-square = 0.216; p < 0.001) in multivariate linear regression analysis. HCV genotype 1 was the only significant variable associated with the sFas/sFasL ratio (R-square = 0.201; p < 0.001). sFas and sFasL levels had positive significant correlations with serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and HOMA levels (p < 0.05). Among patients on IFN-α + RBV therapy, 15 patients showed a sustained virologic response (SVR), while 15 patients were non-responders (NR). Patients with SVR had significant decreases in sFas (p = 0.008) and sFas/sFasL ratio (p = 0.002), while non-responders had a significant increase in sFasL values (p = 0.013). In conclusion, HCV genotype 1, high HOMA, and low CD4+/μL were associated with high serum levels of sFas and sFasL, which indicate higher levels of inflammation and, possibly, increased cardiovascular risk. Moreover, response to HCV antiviral therapy is known to reduce inflammation.

Baseline Levels and Decrease in Serum Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 During Chemotherapy Predict Objective Response and Survival in Patients Who Have Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

BackgroundThis study assesses the predictive and prognostic roles of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during chemotherapy in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and MethodsChanges in serum levels of sICAM-1 and VEGF during first-line conventional chemotherapy were studied prospectively using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after every two courses of therapy in 124 patients who have advanced NSCLC. Data were correlated with radiologic objective response and survival. ResultsThe prognostic values of serum sICAM-1and VEGF were explored in 115 advanced NSCLC patients and 61 patients were evaluated for radiologic and serologic responses after two chemotherapy courses. Of the 115 patients, 79 patients had baseline serum sICAM-1 levels greater than 232.84 ng/mL, which is the cut-off value for distinguishing malignant tumors from benign. Statistically significant correlations were observed between baseline sICAM-1 levels and odds ratios and between a sICAM-1 response and odds ratios (8.05 and 5.40, respectively). However, there was no correlation between baseline VEGF levels and odds ratios (P = .543). The median progression-free survival from response assessment was 4 months. In a multivariate analysis, performance status (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] (95% CI), 1.03-2.10), disease stage (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.07-1.90), baseline sICAM-1 (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21), and sICAM-1 response (HR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.39-0.88), were confirmed as independent prognostic factors for survival. ConclusionBaseline sICAM-1 and sICAM-1 responses appeared to be reliable surrogate markers of chemotherapy efficacy and were prognostic factors in patients with advanced NSCLC.

The protective effects of ginkgo biloba extract on acute infracted myocardium in rats

Objective To explore the protective effects of Ginkgo Biloba extract on acute infarcted myocardium. Methods One hundred and nine healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into model group ( group A, n = 38 ), Ginkgo Biloba treatment group ( group B, n = 39 ), and sham operation group (group C,n =32). In group A, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was ligated solely; in group B,Ginkgo Biloba extract (2 mg/kg) was intravenously injected 30 min before ligation of LAD; in group C,the first descending branch of a pine knot retention, no ligation. The rats in each group were then randomly divided into 4 subgroups which were observed 2, 6, 48 h, and 7 days after operation, respectively. Blood samples were collected at each time point. Endothelin-1 ( ET-1 ) and serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Serum sICAM1 and ET-1 levels at 2, 6, 48 h, and 7 days after operation in groups A, and B were significantly higher than those in group C, respectively (P ＜0. 05); Serum sICAM-1 and ET-1 levels in group A were significantly higher than those in group B, respectively ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusion The application of Ginkgo Biloba extract can downregulate the serum sICAM-1 and ET-1 expression, and alleviate myocardial injury.Ginkgo biloba extract has a good protective effect on ischemic myocardium. Key words: Myocardial infarction; Ginkgo biloba extract; Myocardial protection

Relationship between the different immune status of HBV infection and the expression of sICAM-1

Objective:To study the expression and significance of the serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1) in patients with different immune status of hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection and Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma(PHC).Methods:The patients of HBV infection were grouped into five teams,80 cases of immune tolerance to HBV,80 cases of immune clearance,immunodeficiency(A) and immunodeficiency(B) with 40 patients in either groups,and 80 patients diagnosed as PHC clinically.Serum samples were collected from these patients,and from 40 healthy volunteers as control for the study.Serum levels of sICAM-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:Serum levels of sICAM-1 in patients with immune clearance,immunodeficiency(B) and PHC were significantly increased,comparing with that of normal control(P0.05).Serum levels of sICAM-1 in patients with immune tolerance,immunodeficiency(A) were not significantly different compared with that of normal control(P0.05).Conclusion:Serum levels of sICAM-1 may reflect the disease progressed in patients with different immune status of HBV and have certainly valuable for clinical significance.

Neopterin, cellular adhesion molecules and myeolperoxidase in patients with stable and unstable angina pectoris

Neopterin, cellular adhesion molecules and myeolperoxidase in patients with stable and unstable angina pectoris Recent data indicate that the serum level of neopterin, a marker of inflammation and immune modulator secreted by monocytes/macrophages, is elevated in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and seems to be a prognostic marker for major cardiovascular events. Soluble cellular adhesion molecules (sCAMs) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels are also related to ACS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in serum levels of neopterin, sCAMs and MPO between coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome (CAD-MetS) patients with stable and unstable angina pectoris (SAP, UAP), and to clarify the relationships between neopterin and other biomarkers. The study included 60 patients with CAD-MetS who were classified into two groups, 30 patients with SAP and 30 patients with UAP. Twenty healthy subjects were selected as controls (C). Serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), sE-selectin and MPO levels were measured by Luminex xMAP technology, and serum neopterin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: Serum levels of neopterin, MPO, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and sE-selectin were significantly higher in patients with UAP in comparison with the group of healthy controls (P &lt; 0.05). Patients with SAP also had higher levels of these biomarkers than those in healthy controls (P &lt; 0.05), except for sE-selectin. The biomarker level did not differ between the two patient groups, except for MPO, which was significantly higher in the USP group (P &lt; 0.05). Neopterin was significantly correlated only with sVCAM-1 (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, CAD-Met patients with SAP had more apparent raised levels of serum sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, simultaneously with higher MPO and neopterin concentrations, in comparison to those in healthy subjects. However, UAP is also associated with more substantial changes in MPO and significantly increased sE-selectin levels. Neopterin concentration was had a close correlation only with sVCAM-1.

K469E polymorphism of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene in Egyptians with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The initial step in atherosclerosis is the adhesion of leukocytes to activated endothelial cells mediated by intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This study aimed to investigate the association of K469E polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) serum level with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Egyptian subjects.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Using a case-control design, we studied 100 patients with CHD, including 73 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and 27 with unstable angina (UA). The control group consisted of 50 healthy subjects with normal left ventricular function. All participants were genotyped for the ICAM-1 polymorphism by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Serum sICAM-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).RESULTS:In CHD patients, the frequencies of K genotype (KK and EK) were significantly higher when compared to controls (P<.001) and were associated with an increased risk of disease development (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.7 to 8.5; P=.001). K genotype frequencies in patients with MI showed no significant difference when compared to patients with UA (P= .121). Serum sICAM-1 levels were comparable between CHD patients and controls (P= .37) and between MI and UA patients (P=.23). There were no significant differences in sICAM-1 levels among patients with different genotypes (P=.532). Men presented with higher sICAM-1 levels than women (P=.004).CONCLUSION:ICAM-1 gene polymorphism in codon 469 is associated with a risk for CHD development in Egyptian subjects. Serum sICAM-1 is not influenced by this polymorphism and is not necessarily elevated in CHD.

Soluble Adhesion Molecules E-Cadherin, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, and E-Selectin as Lung Cancer Biomarkers

Altered levels of circulating adhesion molecules found in several carcinomas, including lung cancer, reflect local loss of diffusion barriers and tumor volume and can be potentially used as biomarkers. In the present study, we investigated the role of soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble E-selectin (sE-sel) as biomarkers in lung cancer. Sixty-two patients with recently diagnosed lung cancer, 42 with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and 20 with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as 29 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at the time of diagnosis and measurement of soluble adhesion molecules in the serum samples was performed by enzyme-linked immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies against E-cadherin, E-selectin, and ICAM-1. Serum levels of sE-cad, sE-sel, and sICAM-1 in both SCLC and NSCLC were significantly elevated compared with control subjects (P < .001). In addition, patients with SCLC or NSCLC with distant metastasis had a marked increase of sE-Cad (P < .001), but no such correlation with sE-sel and sICAM-1 was found. Our findings suggest that sE-cad, sE-sel, and sICAM-1 have an adjunctive diagnostic role in lung cancer. Furthermore, sE-cad may also have a prognostic role and could be a useful biomarker in the prediction of lung cancer outcome.

The significance of changes in thyrotropin receptor antibody and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy during intravenous methylprednisolone pulse treatment

Objective To explore the relationship of thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( sICAM-1 ) in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy ( TAO), and the role played by TRAb and sICAM-1 in the pathogenesis of TAO. Method Twenty-three TAO patients were assigned to groups according to the clinical activity score and EUGOGO. All patients were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse. The levels of serum TRAb and sICAM-1 were evaluated by a competitive radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively before treatment and by the end of each methylprednisolone pulse. Results The differernce in serum TRAb levels was associated with activity scores of TAO (P=0. 020). The change in serum sICAM-1 was associated with durations of TAO ( P = 0.015). During methylprednisolone treatment in active TAO patients, the levels of TRAb kept on decreasing gradually and markedly declined after the third methylprednisolone pulse in active TAO patients (P＜0.05). The trends of changes in serum TRAb and sICAM-1 levels were both different in active and inactive TAO patients by tendency analysis. Conclusion TRAb level was related to the activity of TAO and might serve as a significant predictor of response to methylprednisolone therapy. The negative correlation between sICAM-1 levels and duration of TAO corroborates the role played by ICAM-1 during the early stage of TAO. Higher sICAM-1 levels are not expected to be specific to TAO and may not predict a response to methylprednisolone therapy. Key words: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy; Thyrotropin receptor antibody; Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1

Clinical value of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule -1 in patients with thyroid disease

Objective To explore the contents and clinical significance of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 ( sICAM-1 ) in patients with single goitre,Graves'and Hashimoto disease. Methods The contents of sICAM-1 in 100 cases of simple goiter group, Graves disease (GD) group 250 cases, Hashimot group 50 cases and 100 normal control were examined by sICAM-1 Radioimmunoassay(RIA) method,and the results were analyzed. Results There were no significant difference of sICAM-1 contents between ( 170.43 ± 34. 23 ) μg/L in normal control group and ( 182.48 ± 40.05) μg/L in simple goiter group( t = 1. 104, P ＞ 0. 05 ); The contents of slCAM-1 in GD group and HT group [( 279.93 ± 86.69) μg/L、 (250.36 ± 81.56) μg/L] were higher than the control group( t = 2.310,2. 210, all P ＜0. 05) ;The sICAM-1 contents in 3 species.methods after treatment [( 178.95 ±59.78) μg/L, ( 185.65 ±53.25)μg/L, (259.41 ± 71.46) μg/L)] were significantly lower than before treatment [(316.53 ± 66.13) μg/L, (277.79±64.30)μg/L,(285.71 ±72.14)μg/L](t=2.312,2.278,2.328,all P ＜0.05);After the Graves'patients were treated and their thyroid function were normal,their serum sICAM-1 levels( 251.92 ± 77.75 )μg/L were lower than that( 329.34 ± 90.47 ) μg/L in relapse Graves'group( t= 2.412 ,P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion sICAM-1 RIA can be used as a parameter in diagnosing autoimmune thyroid diseases and in evaluating effects of therapy,stopping medicine or the relapse of Graves' disease. Key words: Soluble intercellular adhsion molecule-1; Radioimmunoassay; Graves'disease; Hashimoto disease

Serum Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Variations in Young Children with Acute Otitis Media

Acute otitis media (AOM) is an inflammatory reaction in the middle ear, most often occurring in young children. Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common bacteria isolated. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is involved in the innate immune response to infection by microorganisms, in effective antigen presentation, and in subsequent T-cell activation. Here we prospectively studied levels of serum soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) before, at the time of, and after antimicrobial treatment of AOM in a group of 138 children ages 6 to 30 months. Middle ear fluids were collected by tympanocentesis to identify otopathogens. We found that (i) serum levels of sICAM-1 were significantly higher in S. pneumoniae-, nontypeable H. influenzae-, and M. catarrhalis-infected children than in well children (P < 0.001), confirming that a systemic inflammatory response occurs during AOM; (ii) sICAM-1 levels varied from no elevation (110 ng/ml) to elevation to high levels (maximum, 1,470 ng/ml) among children with AOM; (iii) in paired samples, sICAM-1 levels increased 4- to 20-fold when children developed AOM compared to their sICAM-1 levels before infection; and (iv) the level of sICAM-1 returned to the pre-AOM level at the convalescent stage of AOM after successful antimicrobial therapy. We conclude that AOM often causes a systemic inflammatory reaction, as measured by elevation of the serum sICAM-1 level, and that a high variability in sICAM-1 responses occurs with the presence of otopathogens during AOM.

Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with endothelial dysfunction in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfected patients

To quantify serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in HIV/HCV coinfected patients to examine their association with several clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the therapeutic responsiveness to interferon (IFN)-alpha and ribavirin therapy (IFN-alpha + RBV). Retrospective study. We carried out a cross-sectional study with 183 IFN-alpha-naive patients on HAART, and 24 healthy controls. We also analyzed 30 out of 183 patients on IFN-alpha + RBV for the duration of 48 weeks. HIV/HCV coinfected patients had higher levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 than the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Patients with HCV-genotype 1, advanced fibrosis (F>or=3) or moderate to severe activity grade (A>or=2) had the highest values of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. When we carried out a multivariate analysis, we found a significant positive relationship between both HCV-genotype 1 and advanced fibrosis (F>or=3) with sICAM-1 (R = 0.549; P < 0.001); and a significant positive relationship between HCV-genotype 1 and advanced fibrosis (F>or=3) with sVCAM-1 (R = 0.624; P < 0.001). We also found a positive relationship of sICAM-1 or sVCAM-1 levels with transaminases and alkaline phosphatase circulation levels (P < 0.05). Nonresponder patients had higher sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 serum levels, and patients with sustained virologic response had significantly lower levels of sICAM-1 (P = 0.001) and sVCAM-1 (P = 0.019). HIV and HCV coinfection induces alterations in sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 serum levels, which were higher in patients with HCV-genotype 1 and advanced stage of HCV infection. However, response to IFN-alpha + RBV may reduce these cardiovascular risk markers.