The interaction between intercellular adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory cytokines as apoptosis agents, and lymphocyte receptors was studied in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and metabolic disturbances. The study involved 85 AH patients: Group I (AH and obesity, O), Group II (A H, O, and insulin resistance, IR), Group II] (AH only). Integral leukocyte indices, intercellular and vascular wall adhesion molecules (ICAM-2, VCAM-1, p-selectin), lymphocyte receptors (CD 16, CD25, CD95), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IF-gamma, TNF-alpha), carbohydrate and lipid metabolism parameters were studied. Increased expression of soluble adhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sp-selectin was observed in all A-H patients, especially in Group II. Decreased levels of apoptosis initiators, CD16+(NK) and CD25+ lymphocytes with high expression of Fas-receptors (CD95) which activate neutrophil apoptosis, were observed, as well as a 2-5-fold increase in TNF concentration - a key factor in inflammation and apoptosis induction. Massive cell death and lipid accumulation is one of the main morphologic characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque, highly prevalent in patients with AH, O, and IR. Intercellular adhesion molecule expression could be regarded as endothelial cell apoptosis predictor.
