[Selectins in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of early atherosclerotic changes in children and adolescents with risk factors (obesity, hypertension and diabetes)].

UNLABELLED: Selectins are the group of adhesion molecules, which main role is the tethering of leukocytes to the endothelium. They induce relatively weak and transient adhesion allowing the cells to roll along the vascular wall. That mean, that selectins play part in the earliest stages of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of the study was to evaluate levels of E-selectin, L-selectin and P-selectin in children and adolescents with traditional atherosclerosis risk factors (obesity, hypertension and diabetes), correlation with lipid parameters, blood pressure values and BMI as well as the attempt to answer the question whether selectins, and which of them can be useful in predicting cardiovascular risk in these young patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 66 children aged 14.8+/-2.6 years. They were divided into 4 subgroups according to the diagnosis: children with obesity--OP (n=12), children with obesity with hypertension--OP and NT (n=14), children with hypertension--NT (n=12), children with diabetes--C (n=28). Control group consisted of 15 healthy, slim children and adolescents, aged 15.4+/-2.2 yrs. Levels of E-selectin, P-selectin and L-selectin were evaluated by immunoenzymatic methods with use of R&D Systems ELISA kits. RESULTS: In the study group we found significantly higher level of E-selectin--86+/-28 ng/mL compared to control group: 64+/-20 ng/mL (p<0.05). Similarly in all subgroups levels of E-selectin were significantly higher: in obese children E-selectin level was 95+/-31 ng/mL (p<0.05), in obese and hypertensive group--88+/-12 ng/mL (p<0.05), in hypertensive group--79+/-19 (p<0.05), and in diabetic children--83+/-25 ng/mL (p<0.05). L-selectin level in the study group was 1552+/-290 ng/mL and did not differ from control group--1652+/-281 ng/mL (ns). P-selectin level in the study group was 652+/-419 ng/mL and was similar to the level of P-selectin in the control group--669+/-295 ng/mL (ns). Correlation analysis showed significant relationship between E-selectin and BMI (r=0.23, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.24, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Young patients with atherosclerosis risk factors have elevated level of E-selectin. 2. E-selectin level correlates with BMI and diastolic blood pressure. 3. Elevated level of E-selectin may confirm endothelial dysfunction in young patients with atherosclerosis risk factors and can serve as a marker of early atherosclerosis phases.