Circulating E-selectin levels and insulin resistance are associated with early stages of atherosclerosis in nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate circulating E-selectin levels in patients with nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma (NFA) in relation to insulin resistance and early atherosclerosis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with NFA (mean [SD] age: 55.6 [10.7] years; 70% were females) and 35 controls (mean [SD] age: 51.5 [8.1] years; 71.4% were females) selected from age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)- matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Serum hsCRP, lipid profile, insulin levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were evaluated. High-resolution B-mode ultrasonography was performed. Serum levels of E-selectin were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS: Patients with NFA had significantly higher values for E-selectin (14.9 (4.8) vs. 12.2 (4.1) ng/mL, p < 0.01) and CIMT (0.6 (0.1) vs. 0.5 (0.1) mm, p < 0.05) than controls. Serum E-selectin levels showed a statistically significant association with hsCRP (r = 0.751, p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.575, p < 0.001) and CIMT (r = 0.762, p < 0.001). CIMT (Carotid intima media thickness) was increased in patients with NFA patients with NFA were more insulin resistant than controls and statistically significant relationship was found between size of tumor and HOMA-IR (r = 0.361, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, based on significantly higher values for E-selectin, CIMT and HOMA-IR in patients with NFA than controls along with significant correlation of E-selectin levels to CIMT, HOMA-IR and hs-CRP, our findings seems to indicate an increased risk of early atherosclerosis and impaired endothelial function in NFA patients, particularly in case of insulin resistance.