Soluble adhesion molecules: surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease?

Expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial and immune cells is important for the interaction between immune and endothelial cells during the inflammatory process. Several of these adhesion molecules have been identified and are believed to be important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The soluble forms of adhesion molecules are shed from cell surfaces and released into blood circulation; their measurement may have use as markers in predicting cardiovascular disease. Experimental and some clinical data have indicated that reducing expression of some adhesion molecules is another mechanism by which dietary fats such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and oleic acid, as well as vitamin E and other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.