Serum sICAM-1 Research Articles

Impact of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion and lymph drainage on distant organs in rats

To investigate the impact of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and lymph drainage on distant organs in rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats, weighing 280-320 g, were randomly divided into blank, sham, I/R, and ischemia/reperfusion and drainage (I/R + D) groups (n = 8). All rats were subjected to 60 min ischemia by clamping the superior mesenteric artery, followed by 120 min reperfusion. The rats in the I/R + D group received intestinal lymph drainage for 180 min. In the sham group, the abdominal cavity was opened for 180 min, but the rats received no treatment. The blank group served as a normal and untreated control. A chromogenic limulus assay kit was used for quantitative detection of serum endotoxin. The serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, soluble cell adhesion molecules (sICAM-1), and high mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Histological evaluations of the intestine, liver, kidney, and lung were performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. HMGB1 protein expression was assayed by western blot analysis. The serum levels of endotoxin and HMGB1 in the I/R and I/R + D groups were significantly higher than those in the sham group (endotoxin, I/R and I/R + D vs sham: 0.033 ± 0.004 EU/mL, 0.024 ± 0.003 EU/mL vs 0.017 ± 0.009 EU/mL, respectively, P < 0.05; HMGB1, I/R and I/R + D vs sham: 5.473 ± 0.963 EU/mL, 4.906 ± 0.552 EU/mL vs 0.476 ± 0.406 EU/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, endotoxin and HMGB1 were significantly lower in the I/R + D group compared to the I/R group (P < 0.05). The serum inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and sICAM-1 in the I/R and I/R + D groups were significantly higher than those in the sham group (IL-6, I/R and I/R + D vs sham: 41.773 ± 9.753 pg/mL, 19.204 ± 4.136 pg/mL vs 11.566 ± 2.973 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05; IL-1β, I/R and I/R + D vs sham: 144.646 ± 29.378 pg/mL, 65.829 ± 10.888 pg/mL vs 38.178 ± 7.157 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05; sICAM-1, I/R and I/R + D vs sham: 97.360 ± 12.714 ng/mL, 48.401 ± 6.547 ng/mL vs 33.073 ± 5.957 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). The serum TNF-α in the I/R group were significantly higher than in the sham group (45.863 ± 11.553 pg/mL vs 18.863 ± 6.679 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). These factors were significantly lower in the I/R + D group compared to the I/R group (P < 0.05). The HMGB1 immunohistochemical staining results showed no staining or apparent injury in the blank group, and slight staining at the top of the microvillus was detected in the sham group. In the I/R group, both the top of villi and the basement membrane were stained for HMGB1 in most areas, and injury in the I/R + D group was less than that in the I/R group. HMGB1 expression in the liver, kidney, and lung of rats in the I/R + D group was significantly lower than the rats in the I/R group (P < 0.05). Lymph drainage could block the "gut-lymph" pathway, improve intestinal barrier function, and attenuate distant organ injury incurred by intestinal I/R.

Effect of garlic sulfur compounds on neutrophil infiltration and damage to the intestinal mucosa by endotoxin in rats

We investigated the protective effects of garlic sulfur compounds (GSCs), specifically, diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and diallyl trisulfide (DATS), on endotoxin-induced intestinal damage. Wistar rats received by gavage 0.125 or 0.025mmol/kg body wt of each GSC or the vehicle (corn oil; 2mL/kg body wt) every other day for 2weeks before being injected with endotoxin (ip, 5mg/kg body wt). Control rats were administered corn oil and were injected with sterile saline. Rats were killed at 18h after injection. Both doses of DAS suppressed endotoxin-induced neutrophilia, serum levels of sICAM-1 and CINC-1, cellular CD11b on neutrophils, and intestinal contents of ICAM-1, CINC-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta (p<0.05). DADS suppressed endotoxin-induced intestinal contents of ICAM-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta at both doses, but only suppressed the serum sICAM-1 level and cellular CD11b on neutrophils at the low dose (p<0.05). DATS did not ameliorate the endotoxin-induced serum level of sICAM-1 or CINC-1 but suppressed intestinal IL-1beta at both doses. The low but not the high dose of DATS also ameliorated the intestinal contents of ICAM-1 and TNF-alpha (p<0.05). All GSCs reversed endotoxin-induced neutrophil infiltration and damage in the intestine, and the order of the effects of these GSCs to normalize intestinal morphology was DAS>DADS>DATS.

Improved periodontal health and cardiovascular risk

Previous studies have demonstrated variable effects on systemic inflammatory and immune responses following improved periodontal health. This study examined changes in serum levels of the inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and sICAM-1, and antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis, human heat shock protein (hHSP) 60 and P. gingivalis GroEL following improvement in periodontal health in high cardiovascular (CV) risk and low CV-risk patients. Patients retrospectively selected from a longitudinal study, had undergone yearly periodontal examinations and peripheral blood collections. They had demonstrated a quantifiable improvement in periodontal health (>60% reduction in number of sites with probing depth ≥ 4 mm from the baseline visit) and could be classified as either high CV-risk (≥ 6 classical risk factors, n = 13) or low CV-risk (≤ 1 classical risk factor, n = 14). Serum levels of the cytokines and antibodies were measured using ELISA. For sICAM-1 and anti-P. gingivalis GroEL and anti-hHSP60 antibodies, most patients recorded decreased levels. Reductions in serum sICAM-1 levels were more notable in low CV-risk patients (p = 0.006); and reductions in levels of anti-P. gingivalis GroEL and anti-hHSP60 antibodies (p = 0.001 and 0.009 respectively) were more notable in high CV-risk patients. This study found that subsequent to improved periodontal health, the anti-HSP (HSP60 and GroEL) antibody response was reduced, particularly for high CV-risk patients. sICAM-1 levels were also lowered, more so for low CV-risk patients.

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).

Effects of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Serum Systemic and Vascular Inflammation Markers and Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and Aims: High concentrations of serum inflammation markers, especially vascular inflammation markers, are an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in hemodialysis patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on serum systemic and vascular inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Thirty-four hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either the marine omega-3 fatty acid or the placebo group. Patients in the omega-3 fatty acid group received 2,080 mg marine omega-3 fatty acids daily for 10 weeks, whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo.At baseline and the end of week 10, 5 ml blood was collected after a 12- to 14-hour fast. Results: Mean serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1) decreased significantly in the omega-3 fatty acid group at the end of week 10 compared to baseline (p < 0.05) and this reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in mean changes in serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule type 1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that marine omega-3 fatty acids can reduce serum sICAM-1, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but it has no effect on serum systemic inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients.

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

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.

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.

Anti‐Inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, and Heme Oxygenase‐1 Inhibitory Activities of Ravan Napas, a Formulation of Uighur Traditional Medicine, in a Rat Model of Allergic Asthma

Ravan Napas (RN) is a traditional formula used to treat pulmonary symptoms and diseases such as coughing, breathing difficulty, and asthma in traditional Uighur medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory activity of RN in a well-characterized animal model of allergic asthma. Rats were sensitized with intraperitoneal (ip) ovalbumin (OVA) and alum, and then challenged with OVA aerosols. The asthma model rats were treated with RN; saline- and dexamethasone- (DXM-) treated rats served as normal and model controls. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellular differential and the concentrations of sICAM-1, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, INF-γ, and IgE in serum were measured. Lung sections underwent histological analysis. The immunohistochemistry S-P method was used to measure the expression of ICAM-1 and HO-1 in the lung. RN significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells in BALF and lung tissues, decreased sICAM-1, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, and IgE in serum, and increased serum INF-γ. There was a marked suppression of ICAM-1 and HO-1 expression in the lung. Our results suggest that RN may have an anti-inflammatory and immuneregulatory effect on allergic bronchial asthma by modulating the balance between Th1/Th2 cytokines.

Serum sICAM, sVCAM and sE-selectin levels in colorectal cancer patients.

Serum sICAM, sVCAM and sE-selectin levels in colorectal cancer patients.

Serum sICAM, sVCAM and sE-selectin levels in colorectal cancer patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and the fourth cause of cancers death in the world. Soluble adhesion molecules (CAMs) are thought to have an important role in host defense against carcinogenesis. They are biomarkers of inflammation and indicators of the immune response to tumors. The study included 40 CRC patients without remote metastases and 24 control subjects. Serum concentrations of sE-selectin, sICAM and sVCAM in patients with CRC were investigated by ELISA method. The level of the sCAMs decreased significantly after radical tumor resection. Preoperative serum concentrations of sICAM and sVCAM in CRC patients were significantly higher compared to the control group, whereas there were no differences regarding serum sE-selectin. Serum levels of sE-selectin, sICAM and sVCAM correlated significantly with each other. There was a significant correlation of serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, but not sE-selectin, with TNM stage and lymph node involvement. No significant relationship was found between serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in CRC patients and patients' age or gender. Our findings suggest that an improved understanding of the mechanisms of membrane shedding of sICAM, sVCAM and sE-selectin is required to delineate their role in tumor progression.

Dietary cotton‐seed oil attenuates secretion of adhesion molecules by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)

We investigated the effect of post‐prandial HDL isolated from healthy females consuming a single high‐fat meal rich in cotton seed oil (CSO) on TNF‐α stimulated soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (sICAM‐1) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule (VCAM‐1) expressions in HUVEC. In a randomized cross‐over design, eleven healthy females consumed 1 of 2 iso‐caloric meals containing either CSO or blended palm oil (BPO) (1 g of fat/kg BW). Blood was drawn at 0, 3 and 6 hrs after meal and HDL isolated by sequential centrifugation. HUVEC incubated with TNF‐α were treated with HDL (2, 4, 8 μg/mL) and protein expression of adhesion molecules secreted were determined by Western blotting. Serum TNF‐α, oxidized LDL, sICAM‐1, and sVCAM‐1 were determined by ELISA. One‐way repeated ANOVA was performed to determine differences between three time periods and two groups. HDL isolated from CSO but not BPO attenuated expression of sICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, in a dose‐dependent manner. Levels of oxidized LDL in the CSO were significantly lower than the BPO (p&lt;0.05). The CSO‐mediated attenuation of adhesion molecule expression should reduce the adherence of inflammatory cells to the vascular endothelium, thus reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease.Supported by Texas Department of Agriculture

Effect of adiponectin on the levels of serum CRP and sICAM-1 in type 2 diabetic rats

：Type 2 diabetic ratswere treated with recombiriant adenovirus expressing human adiponectin (Ad-APN).Theresults showed that the levels of both plasma C-reactive protein and soluble intercellularadhesion molecule-1 were significantly decreased in Ad-APN-treated diabetic rats comparedwith those of diabetic rats [(18.73±4.66 vs 23.60±4.25)mg/L and (14.91±1.79 vs 19.09±2.95)ng/ml,both P＜0.01].Theseresults suggest that increased serum concentration of adiponectin may improve the statusof inflammation in diabetes mellitus. Key words: Adiponectin; C-reactive protein; Soluble intercellularadhesion molecule-1; Diabetes mellitus