Time course of plasma adhesion molecules in acute coronary syndromes

The routine use of C-reactive protein in forensic investigations

In clinical medicine, C-reactive protein (CRP) is extensively used as a general marker for immune system activation, and post-mortem applicability has been established [M.Q. Fujita, B.L. Zhu, K. Ishida, L. Quan, S. Oritani, H. Maeda, Serum C-reactive protein levels in postmortem blood-an analysis with special reference to the cause of death and survival time, Forensic Sci. Int. 130 (2002) 160-166; L. Uhlin-Hansen, C-reactive protein (CRP), a comparison of pre- and post-mortem blood levels, Forensic Sci. Int. 124 (2001) 32-35]. We have analysed the routine use of CRP in non-selected cases. Scarcity of blood available for analysis is a common problem in forensic investigation, and in response to this we have developed a method using liver as a source. In 50 consecutive autopsy cases, we have evaluated method, validated results and discussed their interpretation. In three cases the analysis was not possible. For each of the remaining cases (n=47) we have analysed whole blood, serum and/or liver samples. 57% (n=25) had serum CRP > 10 mg/L. Serum levels were higher than in whole blood or liver. CRP levels in serum and whole blood samples were stable in more than one month after death, making storage for later analysis possible. Liver levels peaked at one week, but after one month putrefaction was obvious. CRP levels were independent of the post-mortem interval. The use of liver as a source has not yet been described in literature. Our results in liver samples correlate well with plasma results, and liver is a good post-mortem alternative when blood is not available. We conclude that CRP measurements are easy, viable and inexpensive in a forensic setting, and that the number of cases with CRP elevation is high in a non-selected forensic material. In cases of doubt, marked elevation of CRP is an indicator of natural mode of death, and in cases of trauma, it indicates vital reaction. It can be used as a pre-autopsy screening, leading to a more extensive search for diseases not easily diagnosed, such as sepsis or ketoacidosis.

CRP, interleukin-6, secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 during the early phase of acute coronary syndromes and long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to examine the time course of the inflammatory response in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and to assess the markers of inflammation and their relation to disease severity.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 134 patients with ACS who survived for at least 30 months. The patients were divided into four groups: acute myocardial infarction (MI) with (n=54) or without (n=46) ST-segment elevation and unstable angina with (n=14) or without (n=20) increased risk. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA (sPLA2-IIA), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured on days 1 and 4 and after 3 and 30 months.

RESULTS

The highest levels of CRP and sPLA2-IIA were seen on day 4 but for IL-6 on day 1. These three markers, but not ICAM-1, were significantly related to disease severity, CKMB, and ejection fraction. Patients in Killip class II-IV had higher levels than those in Killip class I. The individual acute-phase responses correlated with marker levels at 3 and 30 months. ICAM-1 correlated with the development of congestive heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In ACS there seems to be an individual predisposition to inflammatory response. Plasma IL-6 is the first marker to rise, while sPLA2-IIA and CRP peak later. All three markers, especially CRP, may discriminate between MI and non-MI. ICAM-1 seems to reflect other aspects of the inflammatory processes than the other markers. The results emphasize the complexity of the inflammatory response in ACS and stress the need for further studies involving multiple markers.

Cellular adhesion molecules and cardiovascular disease. Part II. Their association with conventional and emerging risk factors, acute coronary events and cardiovascular risk prediction

The role of cellular adhesion molecules in the patho-genesis of atherosclerosis has now been clearly demonstrated. Plasma levels of adhesion molecules, which have been shed from the cell surface, have also been associated with the presence of clinical atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular risk factors and acute coronary syndromes. However, there is little consensus in the literature, including between the large well-designed population studies. This may be explained either by unrecognized confounding factors or, alternatively, by the unpredictable relationship between cell surface expression and activity of cellular adhesion molecules and their shedding into the plasma under different circumstances. Probably for the latter reasons, there is at present little evidence that the measurement of circulating adhesion molecules is likely to offer any additional benefit for individual patients above the assessment of conventional cardiovascular risk factors in the assessment of either the extent of, or future risk from, cardiovascular disease.