Interleukin 6 is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis: a link with soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1

• Published in: Journal of hypertension Vol. 24; no. 6; p. 1083
• Main Authors: Amar, Jacques, Fauvel, Josette, Drouet, Ludovic, Ruidavets, Jean Bernard, Perret, Bertrand, Chamontin, Bernard, Boccalon, Henri, Ferrieres, Jean
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.06.2006
• Subjects: Adult; Atherosclerosis - metabolism; Atherosclerosis - pathology; C-Reactive Protein - metabolism; C-Reactive Protein - physiology; Carotid Arteries - pathology; Humans; Inflammation - metabolism; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 - blood; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 - physiology; Interleukin-6 - blood; Middle Aged
• ISSN: 0263-6352
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000226198.44181.0c

Among the markers of inflammation, a cytokine, interleukin (IL)-6, promotes the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP) synthesis, and leads to a series of procoagulant actions with potential major implications on the progression of atherosclerosis. To analyse in a population-based study, the relationship between IL-6 and atherosclerotic lesions and the role of serum ICAM-1 and CRP on this relationship. Among 1015 individuals randomly recruited between 1995 and 1997 in Haute-Garonne, a French region with a low cardiovascular risk, 953 subjects with complete data for all measurements were analysed. Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries were assessed by ultrasonography. Quartiles of IL-6, serum ICAM-1 and CRP were positively associated with plaques and IMT. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, IL-6 (P < 0.001) and serum ICAM-1 (P < 0.002) remained positively associated with plaques but not CRP (P = 0.20). Neither IL-6, nor serum ICAM-1, nor CRP were independently associated with IMT. When serum ICAM-1 was entered into the model in addition to traditional risk factors and IL-6, the percentage of variance in the number of plaques explained by the model did not increase significantly. IL-6 levels are associated with subclinical atherosclerotic lesions independently of traditional risk factors; the influence of IL-6 on ICAM-1 secretion may play a role in this association. These results argue the interest of IL-6 in the stratification of cardiovascular risk.