Elevated levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule -1 in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

To assess the value of measuring serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Material and methods

We studied 35 patients (pts) (7 female, 28 male), satisfying the ACR criteria for SLE. Mean age of pts was 31,4 ± 12,0 years (range 17-63), mean disease duration was 81,8 ± 70,5 month (range 2-240). Disease activity was assessed by disease activity indices (SLAM, SLEDAI). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure levels of sICAM-1 (R$D, USA). The results were compared with 18 healthy subjects.

Results

Levels of sICAM-1 were found elevated (more than 2 SD above the mean in normal controls, 443 ng/ml) in 7 of 35 (20%) pts with SLE. The relations between positive sICAM-1 and some clinical manifestations of SLE have been detected. We found significant correlation between individual sICAM-1 serum level and the SLEDAI (r=043) and SLAM (r=0,56) scores, and ESR (r=0,53).

Conclusion

Elevated serum levels of sICAM-1 can be found in SLE and correlate with disease activity. Longitudinal studies may establish their clinical value in the monitoring or the prognosis of patients.

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