Altered levels of soluble adhesion molecules in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by peripheral neuropathy.

Objective: To assess levels of 2 circulating soluble adhesion molecules, vascular cellular adhesion molecule (sVCAM) and E-selectin, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated by peripheral neuropathy compared to RA patients with no neurological complications and healthy controls.

Methods: In total, 25 RA patients with peripheral neuropathy (detected by clinical examination and confirmed by electromyography and nerve conduction studies), 40 RA patients without peripheral neuropathy, and 25 controls were studied. Clinical and laboratory assessments of disease activity were carried out and levels of sVCAM-1 and E-selectin were measured by ELISA in each of the 3 groups.

Results: Levels of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were higher (p < 0.001) in RA patients with peripheral neuropathy than in patients without neuropathy and controls. Levels of sE-selectin and sVCAM-1 correlated positively with disease activity variables. Correlation was independent of age and sex.

Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy in patients with RA is associated with increased endothelial cell activation evidenced by elevated serum levels of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in this group of patients.