Inter-relationships of interleukin-6,... : Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (original) (raw)

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Clinical Study

Inter-relationships of interleukin-6, cardiovascular risk factors and the metabolic syndrome among older men

S. G. WANNAMETHEE
P. H. WHINCUP
A. RUMLEY
G. D. O. LOWE

Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis

(

)

1637

1643

August 2007

Summary

Objectives

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease. We have examined the relationship between plasma IL-6 and insulin resistance, and metabolic, inflammatory and hemostatic markers.

Methods

We examined 3490 men aged 60–79 years who were drawn from general practices in 24 British towns. The men were not diabetic and were not taking warfarin.

Results

IL-6 was significantly associated with age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), cigarette smoking, low physical activity, social class and alcohol intake (U-shaped). IL-6 showed no association with insulin resistance or its other components (blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure) except high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (inversely), and no association with hematocrit, factor (F) VII or adiponectin after adjustment for age and WC. IL-6 was strongly associated with markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, white cell count); plasma viscosity; elevated markers of coagulation (fibrin D-dimer, FVIII, FIX); markers of endothelial dysfunction (von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator); and to a smaller extent with platelet count, APC ratio and gamma glutamyltransferase. Risk of the metabolic syndrome increased significantly with increasing IL-6 but was attenuated after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusion

IL-6 may have a potential role as a mediator between cardiovascular risk factors and several biological mechanisms for cardiovascular disease.