Effects of progressive and maximal exercise on plasma levels of adhesion molecules in athletes with sickle cell trait with or without α-thalassemia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of exercise on soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in sickle cell trait (SCT) athletes with or without α-thalassemia. Six athletes with SCT, seven athletes with both SCT and α-thalassemia (SCTAT), and seven control athletes (Cont) performed an incremental and maximal test on cycloergometer. Levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were assessed at rest, immediately after the end of exercise, and 1, 2, and 24 h after exercise. Although Cont and SCTAT groups exhibited similar basal plasma levels of inflammatory and adhesion molecules, the SCT group had higher sVCAM-1 basal concentrations. Incremental exercise resulted in a significant increase of sVCAM-1 in all subjects, which remained elevated only in the SCT group during the recovery period. In conclusion, as sVCAM-1 increased with exercise and during the recovery period, our findings support the concept that SCT athletes might be at risk for microcirculatory disturbances and adhesive phenomena developing at rest and several hours after exercise. α-Thalassemia might be considered protective among exercising SCT subjects.

Remodeling of skeletal muscle microvasculature in sickle cell trait and α-thalassemia

“…This proinflammatory state is mediated by an increased production of intercellular adhesion molecule-l (ICAM-l) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-l (VCAM-l) (14) that results in an abnormal adhesion of the HbS-containing RBCs to the endothelium (7,32). In accordance with this conceptual framework, Monchanin et al (48) observed higher basal soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) concentrations in SCT carriers than in C subjects. Because lower RBC deformability, higher blood apparent viscosity, and higher endothelial adhesion may 1) increase flow resistance in the microcirculation, 2) decrease blood flow, 3) raise the RBC transit time in the capillaries, 4) affect capillary recruitment and perfusion, and 5) favor plasma skimming in the capillaries, microcirculatory blood flow disorders are more likely to occur in SCT carriers (6,13,21,31,46).…”

Altered Antioxidant and Trace-Element Status in Adolescent Female Gymnasts

“…Serum concentrations of its soluble form sICAM-1 have been reported to be increased in athletes after exercise, whereas its expression on leucocytes was correspondingly reduced, affecting their ability to attach to endothelium (Monchanin et al, 2007). Although long duration exercise was found to be associated with an increase serum ICAM-1, the effects of acute exercise were less evident in healthy men (Jilma et al, 1997).…”

Coronary Artery Ectasia in Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease, Inflammatory Disorders, and Sickle Cell Disease

“…Patients with SCD have a chronic low-grade pro-inflammatory state, even at a steady state condition [7,20]. They have elevated levels of circulating cytokines and vascular adhesion molecules (e.g., VCAM-1), hypercoagulable state and endothelial dysfunction, which all can contribute to vascular inflammation [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46]. Sickle red cells, and in particular sickle reticulocytes, express a number of adhesion receptors that can mediate adherence to vascular endothelial cells and consequently contribute to endothelial dysfunction [47].…”

“…Coronary artery ectasia coexisting with Hb S can be an interesting situation because sickle red cells may increase the risk for experiencing complications of CAE. Data showed that the severity of the chronic pro-inflammatory state increases in response to exercise in subjects with SCT, and possibly to a lesser extent in SCD [37,[59][60][61]. The physically untrained SCT carriers have increased blood viscosity due to the higher levels of vascular adhesion molecules (e.g., VCAM-1) compared with their athletic peers.…”

“…The physically untrained SCT carriers have increased blood viscosity due to the higher levels of vascular adhesion molecules (e.g., VCAM-1) compared with their athletic peers. These levels increase even more during and after exercise and result in more endothelial dysfunction and increased adhesiveness of the inflammatory cells to the vascular intima [37,38]. This increased blood viscosity and slowed blood flow may increase risk for thrombosis within a dilated coronary segment during and after exercise.…”