Biological determinants of serum ICAM-1, E-selectin, P-selectin and -selectin levels in healthy subjects: the Stanislas study

Background: Circulating levels of adhesion molecules increase in various inflammation-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis. However, data about factors influencing their concentrations in physiological conditions are scarce. Methods: We have studied the determinants of serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, P-selectin and -selectin in a sample of healthy individuals: 303 children (4–17 years) and 493 adults (18–55 years). The concentrations of these molecules have been measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Results: As far as the children are concerned, a decrease in the levels of ICAM-1, E-selectin, P-selectin and selectin has been noticed for both boys and girls aged 4–17 years, without any difference between genders. For the adults, no age-related variation has been found for the ICAM-1, E-selectin and P-selectin levels, while the selectin level decreased until 55 years old. In the adult group, no sex-related difference in the concentrations of ICAM-1, E-selectin and selectin has been seen. As to the P-selectin level, men had significantly higher levels than women. Multiple regression analysis showed that smoking, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significant positive determinants of the ICAM-1 concentration, whereas age and apo AI were negative ones. The E-selectin level was positively associated with body mass index (BMI), leukocyte, platelet and erythrocyte counts, glucose, ALP and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and negatively related to the use of oral contraceptive (OC). Positive determinants of the P-selectin concentration were leukocyte, platelet and erythrocyte counts, whereas sex, the use of oral contraceptive, glucose and TNF-α were negative determinants of P-selectin. Only two determinants have been noticed for the concentration of serum selectin: age, which was negatively correlated, and leukocyte count, which was positively associated. Conclusion: Our study contributes to the understanding of the regulation of adhesion molecules in physiological conditions.