Adhesion Molecules in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome - Adhesion Molecules - page 199

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CHAPTER

Adhesion Molecules in Obesity and
Metabolic Syndrome

Michelle A. Miller
Associate Professor (Reader) of Biochemical Medicine, Clinical Sciences
Research Institute (University of Warwick), Warwick Medical School,
UHCW Campus, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX (UK),
E-mail: [e-mail]
Departmental contact : Ms Patricia McCabe, Personal Assistant,
Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School,
UHCW Campus, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX (UK),
E-mail: [e-mail]

ABSTRACT

Adhesion molecules are important in atherosclerotic plaque development. Soluble
adhesion molecules that lack cytoplasm and membrane spanning domains can
be found in the circulation. h eir levels are monitored as markers of endothelial
activation and studies have reported an association between some soluble
adhesion molecule levels and both cardiovascular and coronary heart disease, the
prevalence of which is more common in individuals with metabolic syndrome
(MetS). Relationships between soluble adhesion molecules, measures of obesity
and other risk factors for MetS (including serum lipids, blood pressure and
insulin) are adhesion molecule- and gender-specii c. h is may in part explain
inconsistencies reported in the literature. However, robust associations have been
observed between sE-selectin and measures of obesity, blood pressure, serum
lipids and insulin. Relationships between sE-selectin and blood pressure appear to
be strongest in young women and may relate to their menopausal status. Soluble
intracellular adhesion molecule 1 levels are also increased in obese individuals

Key terms are dei ned at the end of the chapter.