 |
Interleukin-6
(IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is produced by leukocytes, endothelial cells, and
many other cell types. IL-6 is a secreted glycoprotein that binds to gp130 and gp80
(IL-6r) complex and is thought to regulate production of other acute phase reactants by
the liver. IL-6 has also been noted to be induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Levels
of IL-6 were associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the Women's Health Study.
The levels of IL-6 were increased in women with cardiovascular events, and the odds ratio
for women in the fourth quartile of IL-6 was 2.2 (confidence interval 1.1–4.3). Even
women with median levels of total cholesterol appeared to have some increased risk if they
had high levels of IL-6. However, IL-6 was not an independent predictor after adjustment
for other cardiovascular risk factors in this study. Reference:
Ridker PM, Hennekens CH, Buring JE, Rifai N. C-reactive protein and other markers of
inflammation in the prediction of cardiovascular disease in women. N Engl J Med
2000;342:836-843.
Website
Go to Part II of this lecture
 |
Go to Comment Form |
|
