Serum Levels Of sICAM-1 Research Articles

Efecto de la ingesta de una sobrecarga de glucosa sobre los marcadores séricos de adhesión en mujeres obesas

Background and objective Obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased inflammation. The expression of adhesion molecules may be influenced by a high glucose load. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin concentrations in obese women, and to evaluate the role of high-glucose load on postload circulating levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in obese women with normal glucose tolerance. Patients and methods A total of 21 obese women (BMI=37,7±8,0 kg/m 2) and 19 lean controls women (BMI= 21,6±1,9 kg/m 2) were recruited and serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin levels were measured in fasting state. After an overnight fast, obese ( n=6) and lean women ( n=6) underwent a 2 h–75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Pre and postglucose load (30, 60, 120 min) sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were measured. Results Obese women had fasting serum levels of sICAM-1 ( p=.03), sVCAM-1 ( p<.0001) and sE-selectin ( p=.047) higher than those of control women. Serum sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were positively related to body mass index in the obese group. Serum adhesion molecules levels were no affected by a high glucose load. Conclusion Serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin levels are increased in obese women. A high glucose load is not associated with an increase in serum adhesion molecules levels.

The early rehabilitating effects of mild hypothermia for patients with herpes simplex viral encephalitis

Objective To observe the early rehabilitation effect of mild hypothermia on patients with herpes simplex viral encephalitis (HSE). Methods A total of 58 patients with HSE were randomized into two groups, a mild hypothermia therapy group (30 cases) and a normothermia control group (28 cases). Their rectal temperatures were controlled to (34±1)℃ and (37.0±0.5)℃ respectively. Serum levels of neuron specific enolase (NSE) were determined through radio-immunoassay (RIA). Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) was measured with ELISA before and 1, 3, 5, and 7 d after treatment. The outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 30 days after treatment. Results Compared with the normothermia control group, the mild hypothermia group's serum levels of NSE and sICAM-1 decreased quickly and significantly during the early stage of treatment and remained better 30 d later. Conclusion Mild hypothermia therapy can dramatically reduce inflamma-tion and facilitate the rehabilitation of damaged neurons, provide protective effects and improve the outcome for pa-tients with SHE. Key words: Herpes simplex viral encephalitis ; Mild hypothcrmia ; Neuron specific enolase ; Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ; Glasgow Outcome Scale ;

Effect of etanercept on serum levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin) and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: Endothelium and adhesion molecules are engaged in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to analyse the effect of etanercept on the levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with active RA.Methods: Patients were receiving 50 mg/week of subcutaneous etanercept and 10–25 mg/week of methotrexate (MTX). Serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), E-selectin (sE-selectin), and VEGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 18 RA patients (prior to injection) at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.Results: A decrease in serum levels of sICAM-1 (p<0.001), sVCAM-1 (p<0.01), sE-selectin (p<0.01), and VEGF (p<0.001) was observed in RA patients after 3 months of treatment with etanercept. Six months of therapy with etanercept prolonged the suppression of serum sICAM-1 (p<0.01) and even more remarkably diminished sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, and VEGF (in all cases p<0.001) concentrations as compared to baseline (month 0). Treatment also effectively diminished sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and VEGF levels at months 9 and 12 (in all cases p<0.001), and less significantly sE-selectin (p<0.05 at month 9 and p<0.01 at month 12). The Disease Activity Score including a 28-joint count (DAS28) measured at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months decreased significantly compared to baseline (in all cases p<0.001).Conclusion: Our study shows that, besides a rapid suppression of disease activity, serum sCAM and VEGF concentrations are downregulated following anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) therapy combined with MTX. Prolonged treatment with etanercept sustained or even more remarkably diminished the sCAM and VEGF serum concentrations.

Expression of ICAM1 and VCAM1 serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis clinical activity. Association with genetic polymorphisms.

To investigate the association of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 with ICAM1 721G>A and VCAM1 1238G>C polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical activity, sixty RA patients and 60 healthy non-related subjects (HS) matched for age and sex were recruited. Soluble adhesion molecules were determined by ELISA technique. Rheumatoid factor (RF), C reactive protein (CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured by routine methods. Disability and clinical activity was measured with Spanish-HAQ-DI and DAS28 scores, respectively. The ICAM1 and VCAM1 polymorphism were identified using the PCR-RFLP procedure. Inter-group comparison showed increased levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in RA patients (284 and 481 ng/mL) versus HS (132 and 280 ng/mL); in the RA group, significant correlations between sVCAM-1 and RF (r = 0.402), ESR (r = 0.426), Spanish-HAQ-DI (r = 0.276), and DAS28 (r = 0.342) were found, whereas sICAM-1 only correlated with RF (r = 0.445). In RA patients, a significant association with the 721A allele of ICAM1 polymorphism (p = 0.04), was found. In addition, the allele impact (G/A + A/A) of this polymorphism was confirmed, (p = 0.038, OR = 2.3, C.I. 1.1–5.0). sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 serum levels reflected the clinical status in RA, independently of the ICAM1 and VCAM1 polymorphism. However, the ICAM1 721A allele could be a genetic marker to RA susceptibility.

Expression of ICAM1 and VCAM1 Serum Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Activity. Association with Genetic Polymorphisms

To investigate the association of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 with ICAM1 721G&gt;A and VCAM1 1238G&gt;C polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical activity, sixty RA patients and 60 healthy non-related subjects (HS) matched for age and sex were recruited. Soluble adhesion molecules were determined by ELISA technique. Rheumatoid factor (RF), C reactive protein (CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured by routine methods. Disability and clinical activity was measured with Spanish-HAQ-DI and DAS28 scores, respectively. The ICAM1 and VCAM1 polymorphism were identified using the PCR-RFLP procedure. Inter-group comparison showed increased levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in RA patients (284 and 481 ng/mL) versus HS (132 and 280 ng/mL); in the RA group, significant correlations between sVCAM-1 and RF (r= 0.402), ESR (r= 0.426), Spanish-HAQ-DI (r= 0.276), and DAS28 (r= 0.342) were found, whereas sICAM-1 only correlated with RF (r= 0.445). In RA patients, a significant association with the 721A allele of ICAM1 polymorphism (p= 0.04), was found. In addition, the allele impact (G/A+A/A) of this polymorphism was confirmed, (p= 0.038, OR = 2.3, C.I. 1.1–5.0). sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 serum levels reflected the clinical status in RA, independently of the ICAM1 and VCAM1 polymorphism. However, the ICAM1 721A allele could be a genetic marker to RA susceptibility.

Effect of Conventional and More Aggressive Rosuvastatin Treatment on Markers of Endothelial Activation

Effect of Conventional and More Aggressive Rosuvastatin Treatment on Markers of Endothelial ActivationTreatment of hypercholesterolemia with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors results in an earlier reduction of morbidity and mortality than expected from trials using conventional cholesterol-lowering therapies. Possible explanations for this effect include improvement of endothelial function, plaque stabilization, and inhibition of the inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis. In this study we assessed the effects of low and moderate dose rosuvastatin treatment, on circulating markers of endothelial activation in patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes without ST segment elevation. Thirty patients with unstable angina and non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction were rando - mized into two groups, and received rosuvastatin 10 mg/day (n =16) or rosuvastatin 20 mg/day (n =14) for 12 weeks. Circulating levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured at admission, and at the end of the study. Lipid values were significantly reduced in both treatment groups, but with significantly greater reduction in the aggressively treated group. Serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were significantly decreased in both rosuvastatin-treated groups during 12 weeks of follow-up with a more pronounced decrease in the more aggressively treated group. Therefore, rosuvastatin modulates endothelial activation in patients after acute coronary syndromes.

Identification of Diagnostic Biomarkers for Infection in Premature Neonates

Infection is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Premature neonates are particularly susceptible to infection because of physiologic immaturity, comorbidity, and extraneous medical interventions. Additionally premature infants are at higher risk of progression to sepsis or severe sepsis, adverse outcomes, and antimicrobial toxicity. Currently initial diagnosis is based upon clinical suspicion accompanied by nonspecific clinical signs and is confirmed upon positive microbiologic culture results several days after institution of empiric therapy. There exists a significant need for rapid, objective, in vitro tests for diagnosis of infection in neonates who are experiencing clinical instability. We used immunoassays multiplexed on microarrays to identify differentially expressed serum proteins in clinically infected and non-infected neonates. Immunoassay arrays were effective for measurement of more than 100 cytokines in small volumes of serum available from neonates. Our analyses revealed significant alterations in levels of eight serum proteins in infected neonates that are associated with inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. Specifically P- and E-selectins, interleukin 2 soluble receptor alpha, interleukin 18, neutrophil elastase, urokinase plasminogen activator and its cognate receptor, and C-reactive protein were observed at statistically significant increased levels. Multivariate classifiers based on combinations of serum analytes exhibited better diagnostic specificity and sensitivity than single analytes. Multiplexed immunoassays of serum cytokines may have clinical utility as an adjunct for rapid diagnosis of infection and differentiation of etiologic agent in neonates with clinical decompensation.

Taurine rescues vascular endothelial dysfunction in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats: Correlated with downregulation of LOX-1 and ICAM-1 expression on aortas

Macroangiopathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus in which dysfunction of vascular endothelium induced by excessive oxidative stress is an early and key determinant. As an endogenous antioxidant, taurine possesses endothelial protective effect in vitro. LOX-1 is an endothelial receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) which might mediate endothelial dysfunction and subsequent atherogenesis in diabetes. We used streptozotocin-induced rats as models of type 1 diabetes to evaluate the protective effect of taurine against vascular endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes and the possibly involved molecule mechanism. Eight male Wistar rats were used as normal control group. Sixteen diabetic rats induced by one single injection of streptozocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) were randomly divided into two groups after the diabetes onset: diabetes mellitus group and taurine-treated diabetes group. 6 weeks afterward, endothelium-dependent vasodilation of isolated thoracic aorta, serum oxLDL and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-l) levels, LOX-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) expression on aortas were determined respectively. Streptozocin-induced diabetic rats were complicated with excessive oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction: increased serum oxLDL and sICAM-1, inhibited endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (1 nM–0.1 μM). Simultaneously, LOX-1 and ICAM-1 expression were enhanced in aortas of diabetic rats; whereas blunted endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses to acetylcholine, increased serum oxLDL and sICAM-1 level as well as overexpression of LOX-1 and ICAM-1 were all attenuated significantly by taurine treatment. In conclusion, taurine improves vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by experimental type 1 diabetes and this effect might be associated with downregulation of LOX-1 and ICAM-1 expression on aortic vascular endothelium via its antioxidative property.

K469E polymorphism of the intracellular adhesion molecule 1 gene is associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) increased levels of cytokines, inflammatory cells and angiogenic factors are present.These factors increase the expression of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs)The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the polymorphisms of the ICAM-1 gene (K469E, G241A) and the development of PDR among patients with type 2 diabetes in the Slovenian population (Caucasians). For the purpose, 195 subjects with type 2 diabetes with PDR were compared with 143 subjects with type 2 diabetes of duration of more than 10 years who had no clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy. We analysed serum ICAM levels in 54 subjects with type 2 diabetes and 25 subjects without diabetes. A significantly higher frequency of the EE genotype of the K469E polymorphism of the ICAM-1 was found in the patients with PDR compared with those without diabetic retinopathy (OR = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-3.5; P = 0.013), whereas the G241A polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene failed to yield an association with PDR. Moreover, significantly higher sICAM-1 serum levels were demonstrated in diabetics with the EE genotype compared with those with the other (EK + KK) genotypes (918 +/-104 vs. 664 +/-209 microg/L; P = 0.001). The G241A polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene, on the hand, failed to affect sICAM-1 serum levels in diabetics. We may conclude that the EE genotype of the K469E polymorphism of the ICAM-1 might be a risk factor for PDR in the Slovenian population (Caucasians) with type 2 diabetes.

Elevation of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and sE-selectin levels in bronchial asthma.

Adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and E-selectin have been shown to play important roles in the production of allergic inflammation. In the present study, we measured serum soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) levels by ELISA in 42 patients with bronchial asthma (22 atopic and 20 non-atopic) during asthma attacks and in stable conditions in order to assess the state of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in allergic inflammation. Both serum sICAM-1 levels and serum sE-selectin levels in sera obtained during bronchial asthma attacks were higher than those in sera obtained in stable conditions. These findings were observed regardless of atopic status. To examine the regulatory mechanism in the elevation of serum sICAM-1 and sE-selectin levels, serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were measured by ELISA. TNF-alpha levels in sera obtained during bronchial asthma attacks were higher than those in sera obtained in stable conditions. There was a correlation between the nature of change in serum TNF-alpha levels and the nature of change in serum sICAM-1 levels or serum sE-selectin levels, though serum TNF-alpha levels did not correlate with serum sICAM-1 levels or serum sE-selectin levels. These results suggest that higher levels of sICAM-1 and sE-selectin during asthma attacks may reflect the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and E-selectin expression in allergic inflammation, and that the soluble form of these adhesion molecules may be useful markers for the presence of allergic inflammation. TNF-alpha is shown to enhance the expression and release of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in vitro, however; the regulatory mechanism in the elevation of serum sICAM-1 and sE-selectin levels remains to be clarified.

Soluble endothelium-associated adhesion molecules in patients with Graves' disease.

The targeting and recruitment of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium in Graves' disease (GD) is mediated by intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). We have studied serum levels of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), soluble ELAM-1 (sELAM-1), and soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) in patients with GD (n = 21) and in patients with iodine-deficient goitre (IDG) (n = 23). The serum levels of sICAM-1 were markedly elevated in patients with GD before treatment with thiamazole (median 560 ng/ml versus 185 ng/ml in patients with IDG). In addition, elevated serum concentrations of sELAM-1 (median 85 ng/ml versus 33 ng/ml, respectively) and sVCAM-1 (median 42 ng/ml versus 15 ng/ml, respectively) were observed in patients with GD (P < 0.01 for all). The serum levels of sELAM-1 and sVCAM-1 dropped significantly after initiation of therapy and were within the normal range after 4, and 8 weeks of therapy, respectively. Serum levels of sICAM-1 were elevated even after 8 weeks of therapy. Serum levels of sVACM-1 and sICAM-1 correlated with the serum concentrations of anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-receptor antibodies (TSHR-R) (n = 21; r = 0.929 and r = 0.810, respectively) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) (n = 21; r = 0.673 and r = 0.750, respectively). However, no correlation between sELAM-1 and TPO-Ab, TSHR-R, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab), respectively, could be found. In addition to thyroid hormones and autoantibodies, serum concentrations of sELAM-1 and sVCAM-1, but not sICAM-1, could be useful as clinical markers for disease activity.

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in sera of patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and thyroid diseases.

Intercellular adhesion molecule, a ligand for the leucocyte integrins CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1) and CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1), that plays an important role in a variety of inflammatory and immune-mediated mechanisms, is strongly expressed in retroocular connective tissue from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and involved in lymphocyte attachment to cultured retroocular fibroblasts via the ICAM-1/LFA-1-mediated pathway. Here, we report the detection and functional activity of a soluble form of the ICAM-1 molecule (sICAM-1) in sera from patients with GO and other thyroid diseases. Serum concentrations for sICAM-1 were determined using a highly sensitive ELISA. Compared with normal controls, patients with hyperthyroid or euthyroid GO and patients with Riedel's invasive fibrous thyroiditis revealed markedly elevated sICAM-1 serum concentrations (all P < 0.0001). In patients with Graves' disease (GD) without clinical GO and in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), sICAM-1 levels were elevated to a lesser degree (both P < 0.001). sICAM-1 serum levels in patients with non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism due to a toxic adenoma were not significantly different from normal controls. In a separate group of 12 patients with severe inflammatory GO, sICAM-1 serum levels markedly declined (P < 0.0001) within 3 months of glucocorticoid therapy in nine patients who responded to this form of treatment with a decrease in periorbital inflammation. In contrast, sICAM-1 serum levels remained unchanged in three patients with poor response to steroids and persistent inflammatory periorbital disease. When tested in a cell adhesion assay, GO sera containing elevated concentrations of sICAM-1 were found to enhance the attachment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-treated retroocular fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner, up to a maximal stimulation of approximately 5.5-fold (P < 0.001). This effect was abolished by preabsorption of sera with a MoAb against ICAM-1 and inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, by coincubation with increasing concentrations of purified sICAM-1. In conclusion, sICAM-1 concentrations are markedly elevated in sera from patients with GO, and changes in sICAM-1 serum levels during glucocorticoid therapy closely parallel changes in the degree of inflammation. Given the capacity of sICAM-1 to modulate the adhesion of lymphocytes to retroocular fibroblasts in vitro, sICAM-1 may play a role in the ongoing immune process within the connective tissue in GO.

TNF-α is an independent serum marker for proliferative retinopathy in type 1 diabetic patients

Purpose This study aimed to determine if there are any associations between serum levels of inflammatory markers and proliferative retinopathy (PDR) in type 1 diabetic patients. Design A cross-sectional design was utilized for this study. Methods One hundred twenty-eight type 1 diabetic patients underwent stereo fundus photography according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study and were divided into two retinopathy groups: no or nonproliferative retinopathy (NDR/NPDR; n=62) and PDR ( n=66). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), P-selectin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Patients with PDR had higher levels of TNF-α [7.0 pg/ml (<4–17) vs. 6.0 pg/ml (<4–25); P=.009], sVCAM-1 [860 ng/ml (360–2120) vs. 700 ng/ml (310–1820); P<.001], and P-selectin [180 ng/ml (39–400) vs. 150 ng/ml (42–440); P=.017; figures are expressed as median (range)]. There were no differences in serum levels of sICAM-1 or hsCRP. IL-1β was not detectable in any patient, and IL-6 was detectable in only 22.7% of the patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, TNF-α was the single, persistent, independent determinant inflammatory marker for PDR. Conclusion The association between TNF-α and PDR in type 1 diabetic patients suggests that inflammation might play a role in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Relevance of Nutritional Route and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Patients With Acute Renal Failure and Its Prognostic Implications

Nutritional support and the route of nutrition are important conditions for patients with acute renal failure (ARF) in intensive care units (ICUs). Enteral nutrition (EN) is the primary route of nutrition in these patients because of a lower rate of complications. A lack of enteral feeding was reported to increase intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in experimental models. Serum soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) level is an independent predictor of mortality in predialysis patients. However, the effect of nutritional route on serum ICAM-1 level is unknown in ARF patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between route of nutrition and serum ICAM-1 level and its prognostic implications in ICU ARF patients. In total, 64 ICU patients with ARF were assessed according to their clinical features, route of nutrition, laboratory parameters, serum sICAM-1 levels, presence of infection, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III scores, and outcomes on their first nephrology consultation day. Thirty-two patients died during the follow-up period. The mortality rate and infection rate were higher in the parenteral nutrition (PN) group compared with the EN group (64% vs 42%, P = .05, and 84% vs 64%, P = .05, respectively). The route of nutrition influenced the serum sICAM-1 level. Parenteral nutrition was associated with a higher serum sICAM-1 level compared to EN (434 ng/mL [range 255 to 1,240] vs 217 ng/mL [range 123 to 296], respectively, P = .0004). The APACHE III score was found to be an independent prognostic factor among the parameters of nutritional route, presence of infection, serum albumin level, and serum sICAM-1 level. Patients with ARF as supported by PN had a lower serum albumin level, and a higher APACHE III score, sICAM-1 level, and mortality and infection rate. Serum sICAM-1 levels did not independently predict mortality in the present set of ARF patients.

Alterations of the CD4+, CD8+ T Cell Subsets, Interleukins-1β, IL-10, IL-17, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Preliminary Observations

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multisystem disease with underlying immune mechanisms. Osteoarthritis is a debilitating, progressive disease of diarthrodial joints associated with the aging process. Although much is known about the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, our understanding of some immunologic changes remains incomplete. This study tries to examine the numeric changes in the T cell subsets and the alterations in the levels of some cytokines and adhesion molecules in these lesions. To accomplish this goal, peripheral blood and synovial fluid samples were obtained from 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 15 patients with osteoarthritis and six healthy controls. The counts of CD4 (+) and CD8 (+) T lymphocytes were examined using flow cytometry. The levels of some cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL1-beta, IL-10, and IL-17) and a soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured in the sera and synovial fluids using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. We found some variations in the counts of T cell subsets, the levels of cytokines and sICAM-1 adhesion molecule between the healthy controls and the patients with arthritis. High levels of IL-1beta, IL-10, IL-17 and TNF-alpha (in the serum and synovial fluid) were observed in arthritis compared to the healthy controls. In rheumatoid arthritis, a high serum level of sICAM-1 was found compared to its level in the synovial fluid. A high CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratio was found in the blood of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the cytokine levels correlated positively with some clinicopathologic features. To conclude, the development of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is associated with alteration of the levels of some cytokines. The assessment of these immunologic changes may have potential prognostic roles.

Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 as a Prognostic Marker for Stage II Colorectal Cancer Patients

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) represents a circulating form of ICAM-1 that is constitutively expressed or is inducible, which localizes to the cell surfaces of different cell lines and is related to the metastatic potential of cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationships between the preoperative serum concentration of sICAM-1 and clinicopathological features, established tumor markers and prognosis, in colorectal cancer patients. One hundred and thirty-eight patients with histologically proven colorectal cancer and 40 normal volunteers were included in this trial. Preoperative serum was collected, and sICAM-1 levels were assayed using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The mean sICAM-1 level in patients was significantly higher than that in controls, and increased with disease progression. The prognosis of patients with an elevated sICAM-1 level was significantly worse than that of patients with a normal sICAM-1 level. In a Cox multivariate analysis, the strongest prognostic factor in all patients was distant metastasis followed by sICAM-1 level, while in patients with stage II classification, the strongest prognostic factor was serum level of sICAM-1. The prognosis of stage II patients positive for sICAM-1 was comparable to that of stage III patients. Preoperative sICAM-1 level is an independent prognostic marker for stage II colorectal cancer. Measuring serum sICAM-1 may provide valuable information, especially for stage II patients, when selecting appropriate candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Serum sICAM-1 in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis treated with fexofenadine or fluticasone

The aim of the study was to examine the level of sICAM-1 in serum of patients suffering from allergic rhinitis treated with fexofenadine or fluticasone. The study was performed after two weeks' duration of the pollen season. Thirty -eight patients sensitized to grass pollen were participated in this study: 15 patients were treated for 10 days with oral fexofenadine (dose: 120 mg/d), 13 patients were treated with intranasal fluticasone (dose: 200 mcg/d), 10 patients were given oral placebo. Blood sample were collected both in the first and the last day of the treatment. The efficacy was evaluated with the use of symptom score. sICAM-1 level in serum was measured with ELISA method. Mean sICAM-1 level in serum was: in group treated with fexofenadine- 224,5 ng/ml before treatment, 228 ng/ml - after treatment; in group treated with fluticasone- 212 ng/ml before treatment, 214 ng/ml- after treatment; in placebo group- 226 ng/ml before treatment, 229 ng/ml- after treatment. There was no difference in statistical analysis between sICAM-1 values. (p > 0.05). In 7 patients treated with fexofenadine serum levels of sICAM-1 significantly decreased from 212 ng/ml to 185 ng/ml (p < 0.05), the same decrease was observed in 7 patients treated with fluticasone: from 233 ng/ml to 209 ng/ml (p < 0.01), and in 6 patients from placebo group: from 219 ng/ml to 205 ng/ml (p < 0.01). However in the rest of patient's level of sICAM-1 significantly increased after treatment. Patients treated with fexofenadine showed significant improvements of clinical symptoms (mean symptom score before treatment: 11, 3, after treatment-5, 3) and symptoms evaluated during laryngological examination (mean symptom score before treatment: 9, 5, after treatment- 5, 5). Significant improvement of clinical symptoms was also observed in patients treated with fluticasone (mean symptom score before treatment: 10, 7, after treatment 3, 6) and symptoms evaluated during laryngological examination (mean symptom score before treatment: 9, 2, after treatment- 5, 0). No changes were noticed in placebo group (mean clinical symptom score before treatment: 9, 0, after treatment 10, 3 and mean laryngological symptom score before treatment: 7, 5, after treatment 7, 7).

Elevated soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels are associated with poor short-term prognosis in middle-aged patients with acute ischaemic stroke

Background There is increasing evidence that cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute ischaemic stroke. We examined the prognostic value of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) on in-hospital mortality in patients with ischaemic stroke. Methods We recruited 241 consecutive patients ≤ 65 years of age who were admitted with acute ischaemic stroke. Serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were determined within 12 h from admission. Seventy-six subjects without evidence of cardiovascular disease, matched for age and sex, served as controls. Results Patients with acute ischaemic stroke had higher sICAM levels compared to controls [267 (220–325) versus 200 (179–225) ng/ml, p < 0.001]. Sixteen (6.6%) patients died during hospitalization. sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were significantly higher in patients who died compared to those who survived [370 (324–453) versus 260 (219–313) ng/ml, p < 0.001 and 790 (495–985) versus 576 (494–671) ng/ml, p = 0.01, respectively] but only sICAM-1 levels were independently associated with early death, after adjusting for various confounding factors. For 10 ng/ml increase in sICAM-1 levels there was a 9% higher risk of dying. Cut-off point analysis revealed that sICAM-1 levels > 322 ng/ml were the optimal points that discriminated those who died from the rest of the patients. Conclusions High sICAM-1 levels on admission are associated with early death in ischaemic middle-aged stroke patients suggesting a pathogenetic role of inflammation in the evolution of ischaemic stroke.

STNFR-II and sICAM-1 are associated with acute disease and hepatic inflammation in schistosomiasis japonica

Soluble intracellular adhesive molecule 1 (sICAM-1) and tumour necrosis factor receptors I (TNFR-1) and II (TNFR-II) have been shown to be associated with numerous liver disorders. Shedding of these membrane proteins can be triggered by the Th1 cytokines, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, which are associated with susceptibility or resistance to hepatic schistosomiasis, respectively. Further, TNF-alpha receptors and sICAM-1 have been implicated in periportal fibrosis in advanced human schistosomiasis mansoni and correlate with schistosome granuloma formation in the murine model. We measured serum levels of sICAM-1, TNFR-I and TNFR-II in Chinese patients with different clinically defined stages of schistosomiasis japonica and controls; these included 35 patients with acute schistosomiasis, 45 patients with chronic schistosome infections, 34 advanced patients with evidence of severe morbidity and 20 patients with no known history of exposure to infection. Markedly elevated levels of soluble TNFRs (sTNFRs) and sICAM-1 were observed in the acute and advanced patients compared with the chronic and control groups. Mean sTNFR-II levels were significantly higher in acute patients compared with advanced (P<0.00001) and chronic patients (P<0.00001) and showed the strongest association of the markers with acute disease (odds ratio (OR)=1.099). sTNFR-II and sICAM-1 levels both correlated with infection intensity and there were significant positive correlations observed between eosinophil count and infection intensity (P=0.0072) and sICAM-1 (P=0.0014). Although there were significantly higher levels of antigen-specific IgG4 and total IgG in infected individuals compared with controls, none correlated with infection intensity. Further, no differences in IgG4 and total IgG levels were observed between the acute and chronic groups. The results suggest sTNFRs and sICAM-1 are associated with liver inflammation and disease progression. Measurement of sTNFR-II and sICAM-1 levels in serum could serve as additional markers for the diagnosis of acute stage disease and the monitoring of hepatic inflammation in human schistosomiasis japonica.

The serum levels of MMP-9, sICAM-1, CRP and WBC increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective To evaluate the association of the peripheral levels of the defined inflammatory markers with different types of acute coronary syndrome(ACS) and stable angina, and the role inflammation played in the pathogenesis of ACS. Methods For understanding the variation of serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1), C- reactive protein(CRP), and white blood cell count(WBC) and their association with ACS, 90 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited. The enrolled people were assigned into four equal groups, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group, unstable angina pectoris(UAP) group, stable angina pectoris(SAP) group and healthy control group. The serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 were measured with ELISA kits, CRP were measured with immunoturbidimetric assay, and WBC number were assessed all before any treatment was administrated. Results (1)The serum levels of MMP-9, sICAM-1, CRP and WBC in the patients with ACS were significantly higher than those in the control group( P < 0.01). (2)Compared with control group, patients with SAP only had higher serum level of sICAM-1( P < 0.01). While the levels of MMP-9, CRP, and WBC had no significant difference between them( P > 0.05 all). (3)Significant positive correlation between the serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 and CRP and WBC all were observed in the patients with ACS( P <0.05). Conclusion The elevation of serum concentrations of inflammatory markers including MMP-9, sICAM-1, CRP and WBC were associated with initiation and progression of ACS, and they may help predicting cardiovascular events.