Serum IL-6 levels are associated with significant coronary stenosis in cardiovascularly asymptomatic inner-city black adults in the US

Abstract.

Objectives and design:

The objective of this study was to explore whether increased levels of inflammatory cytokines are associated with the risk of clinically silent coronary artery disease.

Subjects:

Three-hundred-fifty-six black adults aged 25–54 residing in inner city of Baltimore, Maryland, United States were included in this study.

Methods:

Sociodemographics were assessed as were lipid profiles, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography was performed.

Results:

Coronary calcification was identified in 22.5 % participants and 14 % had significant (≥50 %) coronary stenosis. Multiple logistic regression analyses suggested that IL-6 levels were independently associated with the presence of coronary calcification and significant coronary stenosis, while TNF-alpha, sICAM-1 and hs-CRP levels were not.

Conclusions:

This study underscores a critical role for IL-6 in atherosclerosis and suggests that IL-6 may be a marker for significant coronary stenosis in cardiovascularly asymptomatic individuals.