Soluble adhesion molecules in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Soluble adhesion molecules are elevated in a number of inflammatory conditions.

Aims: To investigate the correlation of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and sE-selectin with the activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: sICAM-1 and sE-selectin were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 53 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 38 patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Results: Patients with active UC and CD had significantly higher sICAM-1 than patients with inactive disease and controls. Patients with pancolitis had significantly higher levels than patients with distal colitis. There was a significant difference in sE-selectin levels between patients with active CD and control sICAM-1. sE-selectin did not correlate with the Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI). C-reactive protein (CRP) and microalbuminuria were better markers than sICAM-1 or sE-selectin which correlated with serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.

Conclusion: sICAM-1 and sE-selectin are elevated in the serum of patients with IBD but CRP and microalbuminuria reflect clinical disease activity more accurately. This study does not support the routine use of soluble adhesion molecules as disease activity markers in IBD.