Influence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Soluble Cellular Adhesion Molecules in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: Higher levels of soluble cellular adhesion molecules have been found to be a strong indicator of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the general population. In hemodialysis patients, soluble cellular adhesion molecules have been found at higher levels as well. Such an increase has been considered as a sign of chronic inflammation. Chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) infection, highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients, is also a disease that can induce chronic inflammation. We conducted a cross-sectional association study of soluble cellular adhesion molecules and hepatitis C in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods: A total of 87 stable hemodialysis patients were included in this study, mean age was 60.0 ± 13.7 years. Anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA assay were done.Patients were divided into anti-HCV-positive and anti-HCV-negative groups. Predialytic serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecules-1 (sVCAM-1), and soluble E-selectin were assayed by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The results were correlated with other hematological and biochemical results. Results:In the anti-HCV-positive group, the time on hemodialysis was longer (105.5 ± 65.7 vs. 49.2 ± 44.0 months, p = 0.001). The sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and E-selectin levels were higher in the anti-HCV-positive group. HCV infection was determined as an independent determinant of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 by multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusion:Elevated serum soluble cellular adhesion molecules are multifactorial in hemodialysis patients. The role of HCV infection must be considered. The clinical significance and implications of soluble cellular adhesion molecules remains to be elucidated.

Hepatitis C virus RNA localization in human carotid plaques

“…15,16 Some HCV proteins can cause oxidative stress with increased local reactive oxygen species, 18 supporting the hypothesis that HCV could potentiate the oxidation of lipoprotein and, consequently, the atherogenetic process. 2 Additional viral characteristics may be involved, including an increased concentration of soluble intercellular adhesion molecules, 17 the appearance of anti-endothelial antibodies and the close association with vasculitis. 10 Concerning the distribution of HCV genotypes, it must be noted that, in our geographical area, the approximate prevalences for genotype 1 and 2 are 66 to >76% and 15 to 20%, respectively.…”

“…[12][13][14] Data supporting a possible role of HCV in atherosclerosis have been reported. 2,10,[15][16][17][18] In particular, large cross-sectional studies in the general Japanese population showed an association between HCV infection and increased risk of carotid artery plaques. 19,20 More limited data are also available from European studies.…”

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecular-1 is a potential biological indicator of hemophilic arthropathy

“…sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin levels are higher in the anti-HCV-positive group of hemodialysis patients. [14,26,27] …”

Rosiglitazone in Diabetes Control in Hemodialysis Patients With and Without Viral Hepatitis Infection

“…We prospectively established annual mortality and hospitalization indexes as well as collecting patients' demographic and laboratory data since 2002 as mentioned elsewhere (14,15). Among this population, patients with type 2 diabetes were included if their A1C was Ͼ8% at enrollment, despite management with diet alone or with medications (oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin).…”