TITLE:
Endothelial Adhesion Molecules as Early Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults
AUTHORS:
Santiago Cristóbal Sigrist-Flores, Miguel Ángel Espinoza-Camacho, Adolfo René Méndez-Cruz, José Rafael Jiménez-Flores, Rafael Villalobos-Molina, Itzell Alejandrina Gallardo-Ortíz
KEYWORDS:
Endothelium, Adhesion Molecules, Metabolic Syndrome, Young Adults
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
15,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) shows a high prevalence among young Mexican adults, and its metabolic impairments are difficult to reverse once established. Identifying early biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction may enable timely prevention. Objective: This study evaluated whether circulating adhesion molecules act as early indicators of metabolic risk in apparently healthy young adults. Methods: We analyzed serum concentrations of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and sE-selectin, along with adiponectin, resistin, and leptin, in 503 university students (283 women and 220 men; mean age 19 years). Adhesion molecules were compared across three groups (Control, 1 - 2 alterations, and MetS), and adipokines were evaluated in Control and MetS groups. Results: sICAM-1 and sE-selectin were significantly higher in MetS than in Control and 1 - 2 alterations groups, in both sexes; notably, sICAM-1 was already elevated in men with only 1 - 2 alterations. Leptin was higher in men with MetS, whereas adiponectin was significantly reduced in women with MetS, and showed a non-significant decreasing trend in men. Resistin showed no significant differences in either sex. These findings indicate that sICAM-1 and sE-selectin function as early biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in young adults and that their combined evaluation improves diagnostic performance. The more pronounced alterations observed in men highlight a sex-specific vulnerability that should be considered when defining diagnostic thresholds. Conclusions: Overall, the simultaneous assessment of these markers may support early screening strategies and inform sex-aware preventive interventions. Longitudinal studies are warranted to validate predictive value and define their implementation in clinical and public-health settings.