Soluble Cell Adhesion Molecules - Does Estimating sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 Concentration Provide Additional Information About Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease?

Objectives: Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are thought to have a great impact on endothelium functioning. Interaction between CAM and a receptor may lead to macrophage activation and the release of multiple enzymes such as elastases and colagenases. These enzymes can, in turn, play a role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and initiation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The main aim of this study was to assess the role of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in the risk stratification of ACS.

Material And Methods: 63 patients - mean age 62.7 ± 9.5 years (26 women, 37 men) - were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: I - patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosed by coronary angiography (n = 45: 15 women; 30 men); and II - patients without apparent CAD in coronary angiography (n = 18: 11 women, 7 men). In both groups, samples required for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 level measurements were collected before the angiography.

Results: Mean age, prevalence of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease did not differ between the groups. Levels of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 were significantly higher in group I (group I vs. group II: 850.3 ± 337.9 vs. 675.9 ± 178.8; p = 0.02 and 737.2 ± 353.5 vs. 428.5 ± 157.3; p = 0.001 respectively). ROC analysis revealed that there is significantly higher risk of ACS above the level of 700.15 ng/mL for sVCAM-1 and 407.8 ng/mL for sICAM-1. The level of sVCAM-1 was also found to be an independent risk factor of NSTEMI, OR 1.003 (95% CI: 1.0007-1.004); p = 0.007, but not of STEMI (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Levels of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 were found to be negative predictors of acute coronary syndrome. Further studies should assess the relationship between sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels and the survival of patients suffering from CAD.