Test Details
IL-6 for CVD
Interleuken-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine produced by macrophages in response to acute or chronic inflammatory conditions. Elevated levels of IL-6 are associated with an excess of cholesterol-laden macrophages in arterial walls, systemic arterial inflammation, and increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
Green Top Tube
(Lithium Heparin plasma separator tube with gel)
Alternate Specimen
N/A
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 6 days
Lab Values
IL-6 for CVD
- Optimal: <2.5 pg/mL
- Borderline: 2.5-5.0 pg/mL
- Increased Risk: >5.0 pg/mL
Clinical Significance
IL-6 for CVD
IL-6 stimulates the inflammatory and auto-immune processes in many diseases such as CVD, diabetes, certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- IL-6 is produced by macrophages in response to specific proteins which serve as detection molecules of the innate immune system.
- IL-6 supports the growth of B cells necessary for antibody production.
- It has been documented that IL-6 production is significantly increased with an excess of cholesterol-laden macrophages in the arterial wall in coronary, carotid, and femoral arteries, and the aorta.
- Reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), diabetes, hypertension, weight loss, and smoking cessation, has been shown to reduce IL-6 levels.
References:
- Lawler PR, Bhatt DL, Godoy LC, Lüscher TF, Bonow RO, Verma S, Ridker PM. Targeting cardiovascular inflammation: next steps in clinical translation. Eur Heart J. 2021; 42:113-131.
- Ridker PM. Anti-cytokine agents: targeting interleukin signaling pathways for the treatment of atherothrombosis. Circ Res. 2019;124:437-450.
- Aday AW, Ridker PM. Anti-inflammatory therapy in clinical care: The CANTOS Trial and beyond. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2018; 5:5-62.
- Ridker PM. Clinician’s Guide to reducing inflammation to reduce atherothrombotic risk: JACC Review Topic of the Week. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018; 72:3320-3331.
- Ridker PM. From C-reactive protein to interleukin-6 to Interleukin-1: moving upstream to Identify novel targets for atheroprotection. Circ Res. 2016;118:145-56.
Treatment Options
IL-6 for CVD
Reduce chronic inflammation associated with atherosclerosis by managing underlying causes of cardiovascular disease including smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hyperglycemia, obesity, unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle.
