Targeting Adhesion Molecules in Cardiovascular Disorders

Abstract

Cell adhesion molecules are ubiquitously expressed proteins playing a central role in controlling cell migration, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. Besides their key function in physiological maintenance of tissue integrity, adhesion molecules play an eminent role in various pathological processes. In cardiovascular disorders, cell adhesion molecules are particularly involved in atherogenesis and atherosclerotic plaque progression. They also play a critical role in myocardial infarction and reperfusion damage and a minor role in valvular stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Their common denominator: An increased expression of adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte extravasation and accumulation. Leukocyte extravasation is a multistep process, mediated by several cell adhesion molecules including selectins (P-, E- and L-), integrins and members of the Ig superfamily (ICAM-1, VCAM-1). These molecules can be targeted for imaging purposes (e.g. to identify atherosclerotic plaques) or can serve as biomarkers for plaque destabilization. Furthermore, cell adhesion molecules can serve as drugable targets to prevent leukocyte extravasation where warranted to decrease inflammatory tissue damage (e.g. reperfusion injury). Current techniques involve blocking of binding sites, targeted drug delivery using liposomes and polymeric particles as carriers or imaging of inflammation sites using labeled cells or antibodies. This review focuses on the role of cell adhesion molecules in cardiovascular disease and the use of targeting adhesion molecules for imaging purposes and local drug delivery in cardiovascular medicine.

Standardized Flavonoid-Rich Eugenia jambolana Seed Extract Retards In Vitro and In Vivo LDL Oxidation and Expression of VCAM-1 and P-Selectin in Atherogenic Rats

“…It is expressed on the activated endothelial cell surface and hence is the first point of contact for adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium [33]. Considering the importance of cell adhesion molecules, in the recent times, they are popularly targeted for investigating the anti-atherogenic potential of drugs/molecules [34]. In the present study, inflamed endothelial surface of the thoracic aorta of ATH rats was characterized by pronounced expression of both VCAM-1 and P-selectin.…”

Serum Biomarkers of Myocardial Remodeling and Coronary Dysfunction in Early Stages of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the Young

“…Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) are central in the transendothelial migration of inflammatory cells, with a role in endothelial signaling and adhesion as part of the proinflammatory response [27]. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) has long been used as a marker for endothelial function and inflammatory response [28].…”

Dao-Tan decoction inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression by blocking JNK and p38 signaling pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

“…It has also been reported that ICAM-1 was expressed in human atherosclerotic plaques (Haverslag et al, 2008), suggesting that ICAM-1 plays a role in atherosclerosis. (1) Control group, (2) Control serum group, (3) TNF-α group, (4) 5% DTD serum group, (5) 10% DTD serum group, (6) 20% DTD serum group, (7) SP600125 group.…”