@article{10902/36621,
year = {2025},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10902/36621},
abstract = {Background: Soluble cell adhesion molecules such as sICAM-1 (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1), sVCAM-1 (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1), and P-selectin have been implicated in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis in the general population. Cardiovascular disease is prevalent among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aims to investigate potential associations between the serum levels of these adhesion molecules and specific cardiovascular comorbidities in SSc patients. 
Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 81 individuals with SSc. All SSc patients underwent a complete clinical evaluation. Serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and P-selectin levels, lipid profiles and insulin resistance indices, and carotid ultrasound were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were employed to investigate potential associations between adhesion molecule levels (sICAM, sVCAM, and P-selectin) and both SSc-specific manifestations and cardiometabolic parameters. 
Results: The associations of disease-related parameters with sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and P-selectin levels were limited. Notably, only the modified Rodnan skin score exhibited a significant positive association with sVCAM-1 levels, while no such associations were observed for sICAM-1 and P-selectin. Regarding cardiovascular disease-related data, sVCAM-1 significantly correlated with higher values of insulin resistance and beta-cell function indices. In the case of P-selectin, although a trend was observed, statistical significance was not reached. 
Conclusions: In patients with SSc, serum values of sVCAM-1 independently correlate with insulin resistance. The assessment of CAMs in patients with SSc could serve as a valuable clinical tool for identifying individuals with increased insulin resistance and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.},
organization = {This study was funded by a grant to IF-A by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) through the project PI23/00046 and co-funded by the European Union.},
publisher = {MDPI},
publisher = {Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025, 14(5),1467},
title = {Associations between soluble cell adhesion molecules and cardiovascular comorbidities in systemic sclerosis: implications for insulin resistance},
author = {Ferraz Amaro, Iván and Ibrahim Achi, Zeina and De Vera González, Antonia and González Delgado, Alejandra and Renuncio García, Mónica and Vicente Rabaneda, Esther F. and Ocejo Viñals, Javier Gonzalo and Castañeda, Santos and González-Gay Mantecón, Miguel Ángel},
}