Soluble adhesion molecules in inflammatory bowel disease

Background Soluble adhesion molecules are elevated in a number of inflammat ory conditions. Aims To investigate the correlation of soluble intercellular adhesion molec ule-1 (sICAM-1) and sE-selectin with the activity of inflammatory bowel dis ease (IBD). Methods sICAM-1 and sE-selectin were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosor bent assay (ELISA) in 53 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 38 patie nts with Crohn's disease (CD). Results Patients with active UC and CD had significantly higher sICAM-1 tha n patients with inactive disease and controls. Patients with pancolitis had significantly higher levels than patients with distal colitis. There was a significant difference in sE-selectin levels between patients with active CD and control sICAM-1. sE-selectin did not correlate with the Harvey Brads haw index (HBI). C-reactive protein (CRP) and microalbuminuria were better markers than sICAM-1 or sE-selectin which correlated with serum tumour necr osis factor (TNF)-alpha. Conclusion sICAM-1 and sE-selectin are elevated in the serum of patients wi th IBD but CRP and microalbuminuria reflect clinical disease activity more accurately. This study does not support the routine use of soluble adhesion molecules as disease activity markers in IBD.