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
1.0 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
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.
