Serum intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [sICAM-1] and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [sVCAM-1] in asymptomatic smokers

ABSTRACT

Adhesion molecules particularly ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are known inflammatory markers in chronic inflammation. Hence it was thought feasible to study their level in smokers before symptoms appear possibly as an early predictor in this respect. Twenty-five male asymptomatic subjects were studied, of whom 32 were smokers and 20 were matching non-smokers. The smokers were subdivided into 22 cigarette consumers and 10 "goza" or "shisha" smokers. Serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels were estimated in all subjects. The results refer to a highly significant rise in sICAM-1 level and a significant rise in sVCAM level in smokers than non-smokers, mean figures being 318.5, 208, 655.9 and 576.8 mug/ml, respectively. The difference was also statistically highly significant when mild cigarette smokers and "goza" or "shisha" consumers were compared, figures being 230.8, 336.4, 520.8 and 749.5 mug/ml, respectively. It can be concluded that both studied adhesion molecules levels are raised in smokers, even before symptoms appear. This rise may be an early predictor for future occurrence of asthma and/or COPD even in a preclinical stage. BAL level of such products is suggested to be a future study to establish a local issue in this respect