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The American Pediatric Society and the Society for Pediatric Research 1999 Abstract
Published:
Circulating Levels of Soluble Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sICAM-1), TNF-α, and the Th2 Cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 Do Not Predict Allograft Rejection in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients
Abstract 51Poster Session III, Monday, 5/3 (poster 170)
Introduction: Increased tissue expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules has been observed in a number of inflammatory conditions, including allograft rejection. Recently, human T cells have been categorized into Th1 and Th2 cells based upon their cytokine secretory profiles, with Th1 cells producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and Th2 cells producing cytokines which may promote graft tolerance. In addition, the leukocyte adhesion molecule ICAM-1, generally present on endothelial cells, serves as an accessory molecule in the process of T cell activation. ICAM-1 also exists in a circulating, soluble form (sICAM-1). Endomyocardial biopsy is currently the "gold standard" for rejection surveillance, but non-invasive methods have been sought to aid in this diagnosis. We therefore measured serum concentrations of sICAM-1, the Th1 cytokine TNF-α, and the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in pediatric heart transplant recipients in order to assess their relationship to allograft rejection as determined by concurrent endomyocardial biopsy histology. Methods: Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure serum levels of sICAM-1, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10 in 24 pediatric heart transplant recipients (ages 5.3-20 yr) who had concurrent endomyocardial biopsy evidence of either minimal or no rejection (n = 12) or moderate to severe rejection (n = 12) as assessed by standard international criteria. Levels were also measured in healthy controls (n = 6). Results: Serum concentrations of sICAM-1 and the above cytokines are summarized in the table below. No significant differences existed between groups for any of the mediators studied (*note control value for sICAM represents pooled serum): Sera from four patients was also studied during a period of biopsy proven rejection as well as when the same patient was documented to have no rejection. Each of these patients thus served as their own "control" and no significant differences in the circulating levels of the above inflammatory mediators were found during rejection vs non-rejection. Conclusions: 1) Levels of circulating IL-4 and IL-10 are extremely low in both normal controls as well as cardiac transplant recipients, regardless of rejection status. 2) Circulating levels of the above cytokines and sICAM-1 are comparable in both controls and heart transplant recipients. 3) No significant relationship was found between serum levels of sICAM-1, TNF-α, IL-4, or IL-10 and histologic evidence of cardiac allograft rejection.
Hawse, D., Kuntz, S., Fricker, F. et al. Circulating Levels of Soluble Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sICAM-1), TNF-α, and the Th2 Cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 Do Not Predict Allograft Rejection in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients.
Pediatr Res45, 10 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199904020-00068
