Increased levels of intercellular adhesion molecules and vascular cell adhesion molecules in pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the correlation between soluble forms of the intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) and the severity of pre-eclampsia or its possible consequences for fetal growth. Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo, Department of Medical Genetics and Haematological Research Laboratory, Ulleval University Hospital; and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The National Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Participants. Seventy-six women with normotensive pregnancies and 157 women with pre-eclampsia divided into three subgroups: mild, severe and pre-eclampsia with fetal growth retardation. Methods. ELISA-measurements of plasma sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were performed in a group of healthy pregnant normotensive women and three groups of women with varying degrees of pre-eclampsia. Results. sICAM-1 concentrations were higher in the pre-eclampsia group compared with the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1 were significantly greater (P < 0.0001) in all pre-eclampsia subgroups (835.34, 855.25 and 964.05 ng/mL) compared with the control group (667.62 ng/mL). Within the pre-eclampsia group, plasma concentration of sVCAM-1 was significantly higher in the subgroup exhibiting fetal growth retardation (P = 0.03) compared with mild pre-eclampsia. Conclusion. The observed increases in plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1 suggest that measurements of this adhesion molecule may be useful in monitoring pregnancies with respect to the development of pre-eclampsia or fetal growth retardation.