VCAM-1 serum levels are associated with arthropathy in hereditary haemochromatosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the role of vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) with or without arthropathy.

METHODS: Sera from a large cross-sectional cohort of unselected HH patients (n=147) were obtained and compared to an age-matched and sex-matched control group. Serum levels of VCAM-1 were measured by ELISA and were correlated with clinical measures.

RESULTS: VCAM-1 serum levels were elevated in HH patients as compared to matched controls (mean 913±456 vs 654±451 ng/ml, p<0.0001). Within the HH patient group, VCAM-1 levels were much higher in patients with arthropathy and joint replacement surgery. VCAM-1 levels correlated well with radiographic measures of HH arthropathy (r=0.36, p<0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed a highly significant association of VCAM-1 serum levels and the presence of HH arthropathy, independent from diabetes, body mass index and age.

CONCLUSIONS: VCAM-1 serum levels emerge as a biomarker for haemochromatosis arthropathy.