Selectin adhesion molecules in Behcet's disease

Objectives-The pathogenesis of Behcet's disease (BD) is closely related to endothelial cells, leucocyte functions and autoimmunity. The aim of this st udy was to investigate circulating selectin adhesion molecules, which are k nown to play a significant part in the immune response especially by regula ting interactions of the leucocytes with endothelium, in BD. Methods-Plasma E-, L-, and P-selectin concentrations were evaluated in 11 p atients with widespread BD (group I), 10 cases with merely mucocutaneous in volvement (group II) and 15 age and sex matched healthy control subjects. T he patients were newly or previously diagnosed cases not taking any drug fo r BD. Results-Plasma concentrations of all selectins were significantly higher in group I compared with group II. E-selectin and P-selectin were significant ly increased in each subgroup of patients compared with the healthy control s. L-selectin concentrations were higher than the controls only in group I. Conclusions-Increases in the selectins in BD may be a direct consequence of the leucocyte, endothelium and platelet activations observed during the di sease process. However, abnormal/increased selectin expression to various t riggers should also be considered. More prominent increases in patients wit h extensive disease suggest that circulating selectin concentrations are re lated to disease severity.