Effects of severe, uncontrolled hypertension on endothelial activation: soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and von Willebrand factor.

摘要

OBJECTIVES : The molecular mechanisms whereby severe, uncontrolled hypertension (SHT) is translated into acute vascular target organ dysfunction have not been completely defined. We sought to determine whether SHT is associated with pressure-dependent endothelial activation as assessed by soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and von Willebrand Factor (vWF). METHODS : We determined sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and vWF in three groups: (i) untreated patients referred specifically for treatment of SHT [diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >/= 120 mmHg; n = 24]; (ii) untreated patients with established mild hypertension (MHT; DBP 95-100 mmHg; n = 19); and (iii) normotensive volunteers (DBP