Role of soluble adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and E-selectin) in children with sickle cell disease and their association with disease severity and complications

• Published in: Comparative clinical pathology 2024-12, Vol.33 (6), p.855-863
• Main Authors: Mohamed, Alaa S, Botrous, Osama Ezzat, Elkareem, Rehab M Abd, Mohamed, Yasmen A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell adhesion; Cell adhesion molecules; E-selectin; Endothelium; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Hematology; Hydroxyurea; Inflammatory diseases; Intercellular adhesion molecule 1; Liver diseases; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oncology; Original Article; Pathology; Patients; Pediatrics; Quality of life; Renal function; Sickle cell disease; Thalassemia
• ISSN: 1618-565X; 1618-5641; 1618-565X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00580-024-03605-2

The attachment of inflammatory cells to the vascular endothelium is facilitated by soluble adhesion molecules. They therefore function as putative indicators of endothelial dysfunction in vascular disorders, such as sickle cell disease (SCD). We aimed to evaluate the role of soluble adhesion molecules like intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin in children with SCD and their association with disease complications. Ninety pediatric patients (36% sickle cell anemia, 54% sickle thalassemia) and 90 matched healthy controls were included. All cases were subjected to full history taking and general and systemic examination. Laboratory investigations such as complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, liver functions, and renal functions were done. Also, ICAM-1 and E-selectin using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique were measured. Levels of ICAM-1 and E-selectin were significantly elevated in the cases compared to the control group. In addition, patients during the vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) showed higher levels of ICAM-1 and E-selectin compared to patients without active crisis and the control group. Further, the two markers were significantly lower in patients on hydroxyurea treatment. Also, they were linked to the frequency of VOC, liver dysfunction, renal dysfunctions, and pulmonary hypertension. ICAM-1 and E-selectin could be used as markers for SCD. They are associated with disease pathogenesis, severity, and complications. Also, hydroxyurea treatment decreases the chronic inflammatory process; thus, it could improve the quality of life for these patients.