[P-selectin and E-selectin in serum of patients with coronary artery disease].

UNLABELLED: Evidence for the role of chronic inflammation in atherogenesis has been well documented. Selectins mediate the first step in leukocyte adhesion and may contribute to the pathogenesis of stable and unstable angina. METHODS: The study group consisted of 59 patients (pts) with coronary artery disease (CAD) documented coronarographically: 27 pts with stable exertional angina (group A), 32 pts with unstable angina (group B). 20 healthy persons were the control group (group C). Serum levels of E-selectin and P-selectin were measured by ELISA method both before and after the treadmill ECG stress test (ST) in groups A and C. In group B the measurements were carried out at 6, 24, and 48 hours following an episode of chest pain. RESULTS: There were no differences between the baseline serum levels of selectins as determined in groups A and C. In patients with stable angina, the post-ST concentrations of E-selectin were significantly higher (68.8 +/- 29 ng/ml) in comparison to both baseline (38.7 +/- 15 ng/ml), and group C-values (pre-ST: 35.1 +/- 16; post-ST: 49.9 +/- 15 ng/ml). In unstable patients, serum P-selectin levels were higher when compared to those found in groups A and C (group A: 142.3 +/- 24; group B: 190.1 +/- 99; group K: 136.4 +/- 33 ng/ml). No differences between selectins concentrations were observed at fixed times after an episode of chest pain. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble selectins levels in pts with stable angina are comparable to those of healthy persons. Significant increase of E-selectin concentration as induced by ST may reflect endothelial response to exercise. Patients with unstable angina had elevated levels of P-selectin, which seems to be associated with enhanced platelet and leukocyte activation. The serum levels of selectins may indirectly reflect clinical condition of pts with CAD.