The role of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in patients with food allergy and chronic gastritis

The aim of the study was to determine serum concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in patients with chronic gastritis and food allergy and compare the result with VCAM-1 plasma levels. The study group consisted of 100 patients with food allergy and chronic gastritis and 30 non-atopic patients with chronic gastritis (control group). We performed in all patients similar investigations – stomach endoscopies with estimation of microscopic gastric mucosa and serum concentration of VCAM-1. The serum concentrations of VCAM-1 in patients with food allergy and chronic gastritis were significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the control group. Patients with chronic gastritis and food allergy were found to display significantly higher levels of VCAM-1. Chronic exposure to the sensitising food in patients with a food allergy results in significant elevation of VCAM-1 levels. Results of investigations confirm the essential role of VCAM-1 in development of inflammation with active participation of eosinophil cells in inflammatory infiltration.