The study concluded that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) appears to be useful in risk stratification of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients and in screening, to identify subjects at risk for heart failure related events.

To assess the prognostic significance of four inflammatory markers (TNF-α, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with respect to individual outcomes, especially disease exacerbation and mortality.
Methods:
Plasma adhesion molecules, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, together with TNF-α and hs-CRP were determined in 120 CHF patients and 69 healthy controls. Endothelial function was also estimated by flow-mediated brachial artery dilatation.
Results:
Increased levels of all investigated inflammatory markers were found in CHF patients compared to controls, with the rise more pronounced in New York Heart association (NYHA) functional IV class. Significant correlations were obtained for VCAM-1 and brain natriuretic peptide, as well as, ICAM-1 and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed disease exacerbation in patients with TNF-α levels;2.78 pg/ml significantly shorter compared to those with TNF-α levels;2.78 pg/ml, while similar association was observed for patients with hs-CRP levels;4.76 mg/l and VCAM-1 levels;1200 ng/l with respect to mortality. Cox regression analysis demonstrated only VCAM-1 as independent death predictor, while TNF-α was associated with disease exacerbation.
ANA SAVIC-RADOJEVIC, SLAVICA RADOVANOVIC, TATJANA PEKMEZOVIC, MARIJA PLJESA-ERCEGOVAC, DRAGAN SIMIC, TATJANA DJUKIC, MARIJA MATIC, TATJANA SIMIC
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, 20130887-8013
About: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 is a type I membrane protein that mediates leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and signal transduction, and may play a role in the development of artherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. During inflammation, adhesion molecules regulate recruitment of leukocytes to inflamed tissues. It is reported that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) activates extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), but the mechanism for this activation is not known.

Connie’s comments: Our vascular system needs to be in excellent shape in circulating oxygen and expelling waste products. Our circulation is clogged when it is in acidic environment. Up your intake of whole foods (fiber-rich foods), such as veggies, nuts and grains and colored fruits to clean your body from the acidic system created by eating red meats and dairy products (milk from hormone-fed animals).