Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is related to endothelial vasodilatory function in healthy individuals.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the associations between markers of systemic and vascular inflammation, and indicators of vascular morphology and function.


METHODS
In 59 apparently healthy individuals, we measured serum levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin. Endothelium-dependent (EDV) and -independent (EIDV) vasodilatation was evaluated in the forearm by venous occlusion plethysmography and local infusions of methacholine and sodium nitroprussid. Endothelial function index (EFI) was expressed as the EDV/EIDV ratio. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery was investigated with ultrasound (far wall).


RESULTS
EFI was inversely related only to ICAM-1 (r=-0.31, P<0.02) by univariate analysis. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, blood pressure, smoking and serum cholesterol. EFI did not relate to hsCRP, VCAM-1 or E-selectin. Neither hsCRP, nor the adhesion molecules were significantly related to carotid artery IMT.


CONCLUSIONS
ICAM-1 was related to endothelial vasodilatory function, but not to IMT, suggesting that endothelial inflammatory activation is related to an impaired vascular relaxation in apparently healthy individuals.
Holmlund
A
A
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Uppsala, S-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
Hulthe
J
J
Millgård
J
J
Sarabi
M
M
Kahan
T
T
Lind
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000276:immunology; D019040:E-Selectin / Q000097:blood*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000276:immunology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D019040:E-Selectin; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D002097:C-Reactive Protein