[Vascular adhesion protein-1: an unusual adhesion molecule]. / Naczyniowa proteina adhezyjna 1--unikatowa czasteczka adhezyjna.

The migration of lymphocytes from intravasal cavities to tissue is a fundamental event in the immunological response to an inflammatory process. The migration of lymphocytes is the result of specific interactions of adhesion molecules on endothelium and their ligands on lymphocytes. Investigations conducted in the late 1980s on the expression of adhesion molecules on the epithelium of inflamed synovium led to the discovery of a new adhesion molecule which was named vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1). VAP-1 is a unique molecule which shares the properties of adhesion molecules for a subpopulation of T-lymphocytes and an enzyme which catalyses the reaction of oxydative deamination. In vitro investigations have documented the direct relation of both activities. Here, current knowledge of the importance of VAP-1 in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including inflammatory bowel and liver diseases, skin diseases, some neoplasms, as well as the reaction of graft rejection is presented.

Expression of vascular adhesion protein-1 in atopic eczema.

BACKGROUND: Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is an adhesion molecule with an enzymatic activity which partakes in the migration process of lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate VAP-1 expression in atopic eczema (AE) in comparison with healthy controls and psoriatic individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty adult patients suffering from AE aged between 18 and 56 years were included in the study. The control group consisted of 35 healthy volunteers aged between 19 and 49 years and of 71 psoriatic patients aged between 23 and 89 years. The serum concentration of soluble VAP-1 (sVAP-1) was evaluated by ELISA and VAP-1 expression in the skin by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Serum level of sVAP-1 in AE patients before treatment was significantly higher compared with healthy volunteers. Similarly, a higher mean number of VAP-1-positive vessels was found in both lesional and nonlesional atopic skin compared with healthy skin. Treatment of AE resulted in a significant reduction in the serum level of sVAP-1. On the other hand, both the serum level of sVAP-1 and the number of dermal vessels with expression of VAP-1 were significantly lower in AE patients compared with psoriatic individuals. CONCLUSION: This study indicates the important role of VAP-1 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorders, including AE.