Changes in nuclear factor-κB and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in acute coronary syndrome and their correlation

Objective:To investigate changes in activity of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in plasma soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(sVCAM-1)level,to discuss their correlation in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and to explore their predictive value in occurrence,development and progress of CHD. Methods:Concentrations of plasma sVCAM-1 and NF-κB in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI),unstable angina pectoris(UAP)and stable angina pectori(SAP)as well as in health controls were determined by ELISA. NF-κB P65 expressiosns in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined by immunocytochemical staining and semiquantitative analysis. Results:Concentration of peripheral blood plasma sV- CAM-1 and NF-κB as well as NF-κB activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were higher in AMI and UAP group than in health control group,with statistical differences(P=0.000,P=0.000,P=0.000,P=0.002),however,there was no obvious difference in above indicators between SAP group and health control group(P=0.329,P=0.819). NF-κB and sVCAM-1 expressions were higher in AMI and UAP group than in SAP group,higher in AMI group than in UAP group(P=0.000,P=0.000). Activity of NF-κB in mononuclear cells of peripheral blood was significantly correlated with plasma sVCAM-1 in ACS group(r=0.657,P=0.009). Conclusions:NF- κB and sVCAM-1 are closely related with atherosclerotic plaque stability and both are involved in the occurrence of CHD development. sVCAM-1 might contribute to the production of cytokines and chemokines by activating NF- κB,which ultimately results in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome. NF-κB as a key transcription factor in inflammation may increase expression of sV- CAM-1.