Activity of endothelial cells and immune system in patients with chronic heart failure

ABSTRACT

Levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1], an endothelial product expressed by cytokinesis action, thus representing an useful market for both, were assessed in plasma of 20 patients with chronic heart failure [CHF] [left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 45%, determined by echocardiography] classified into 2 equal groups, using New York Heart Association functional classification Mild [class II] and severe [class III or IV]. The study included also, 10 matched healthy volunteers as control. Plasma levels of sICAM-1 were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that plasma levels of sICAM-1 increased significantly with the severity of CHF [control, 356 +/- 28.5 ng/ml, mild CHF, 441 +/- 14.5 ng/ml, and severe CHF, 509 +/- 25 ng/ml]. Significant negative and positive correlations were noticed between sICAM-1 and each of LVEF [-0.671, P <0.01] and functional class [+0.545, P <0.05], respectively. In conclusion, these findings indicated that plasma levels of sICAM-1 are increased with the severity of CHF and can provide valuable prognostic information. It may also suggested increased activity of both endothelial cells and immune system in patients with CHF, a point which requires further studies for clarification