Increased serum HMGB-1, ICAM-1 and Metalloproteinase-9 levels in Buerger's patients.

BACKGROUND: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), or Buerger's disease, is an inflammatory occlusive disorder that affects the limb arteries of young smokers. In the aetiology of TAO the immune system appears to play a critical role; however, information on the aspects involved in the evolution of vascular tissue inflammation and of this disease are still limited. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to investigate HMGB-1 (high mobility group box-1), MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-2, MMP-9, MMP-11 and ICAM (intercellular adhesion molecule)-1 circulating levels in subjects with Buerger's disease. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2012 eight patients underwent surgical revascularization of the lower limbs and a specimen of the affected arterial wall was obtained for histological confirmation of Buerger's disease. The same day a blood sample was collected for measuring HMGB-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and ICAM-1 by western blot analysis. Controls (n=7) were healthy non-smokers. RESULTS: TAO subjects had a significant increase in HMGB-1, MMP-9 and ICAM-1 compared with controls (P<.0001), while no differences were observed in MMP-2 and MMP-11 levels. Histology confirmed a strong inflammatory infiltrate with signs of necrosis in the arterial wall. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a role for HMGB -1 in the vascular lesions associated with TAO, unveiling HMGB-1 as a potential target for treating this rare disease.