An upregulation of E-selectin and P-selectin levels in serum samples from 55 LCPD patients. The increased levels of E-selectin and P-selectin, may reflect endothelial activation and/or injury, which in turn leads to the formation of microvascular thrombosis and the development of LCPD. The gene discussed is SELP; the disease is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.