Increased plasma levels of soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 in patients with chest pain and angiographically normal coronary arteries

Aims: To assess plasma levels of vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, a marker of endothelial dysfunction, in patients presenting with coronary syndromes submitted to coronary angiography. Methods and results: Plasma levels of soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 were measured by enzymatic immunoabsorbent assay in eight patients with angina-like chest pain and angiographically normal coronary arteries; in 14 patients with stable angina and in 18 patients with unstable angina, both with coronary lesions by angiography, and in 10 healthy volunteers. Levels of soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 were higher in unstable angina patients (1777±161 SE pg ml−1) compared to patients with stable angina (1178±206 SE pg ml−1, P<0.05). Moreover, patients with angina-like chest pain and normal coronary arteries had significantly higher soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 levels (2307±295 SE pg ml−1) compared to stable angina patients (P<0.05), but similar levels compared to unstable angina patients. Patient groups had higher values of soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 compared to the control group (734±97 SE pg ml−1). Conclusions: Increased levels of soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 are associated with coronary artery disease in patients with anatomically established lesions. In patients free of flow-limiting lesions and angina-like chest pain, high levels of this marker may indicate endothelial dysfunction.