Association between Vascular Endothelial Markers and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is one of the important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction and increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) result in cardiovascular complications. Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are two adhesion molecules that are markers of early atherosclerosis and play a significant role in developing atherosclerosis.

Aim: To evaluate CIMT and its association with the levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in children and adolescents with T1DM.

Materials and methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted between April 2013 and September 2014, 29 children aged 7-20 years with T1DM for at least two years and 29 age and sex-matched, healthy individuals were evaluated. Plasma level of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was measured by ELISA, and CIMT via Doppler ultrasound was also assessed. The data were analysed by t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient in SPSS 16.0 (p≤0.05).

Results: Independent t-test indicated that there is a significant difference in ICAM-1 level between the patients and controls (p<0.001). Further, CIMT was significantly higher in diabetic subject (p<0.001). CIMT was not significantly associated with the level of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in the patients (p>0.5).

Conclusion: ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were not associated with CIMT but, CIMT and level of ICAM-1 were significantly, higher in diabetic patients, and therefore could be used as useful tools for identification of early atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with T1DM.

Keywords: Adhesion molecules; Atherosclerosis; Endothelial dysfunction.