Aim To discuss the correlation of the endothelium-derived molecule and carotid arteriosclerosis through determining the plasma concentration of thrombomodulin(TM),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) and P-selectin and carotid artery intima-media thickness(IMT) in patients with essential hypertension.Methods43 patients with essential hypertension,and 19 healthy subjects were selected.Serum concentrations of TM,ICAM-1 and P-selectin were measured using enzyme immunoassay method.The carotid artery IMT were determined by ultrasonography.Hypertensive patients were divided into two groups according to IMT thickness: IMT<0.9 mm group(not accompanied with arteriosclerosis) and IMT≥0.9 mm group(accompanied with arteriosclerosis).ResultsCarotid IMT,serum levels of TM,ICAM-1and P-selectin of hypertension group were remarkably higher than control group.Serum levels of TM,ICAM-1 and P-selectin of group accompanied with arteriosclerosis were remarkably higher than group not accompanied with arteriosclerosis.Serum levels of TM,ICAM-1 and P-selectin were correlated with IMT positively.ConclusionsHypertension can cause endothelium injury.Ateriosclerosis can promote endothelium injury.