Effects of IL-6, adiponectin, CRP and metabolic syndrome on subclinical atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background: Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Since there have been few studies elucidating gender-specific effect of inflammation and metabolic syndrome (MetS) on subclinical atherosclerosis, we evaluated the relative contribution of these factors in healthy subjects.

Methods: MetS components, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated in apparently healthy 714 men and 364 women (40-59 y). Serum levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adiponectin were also examined.

Results: Increase in number of clustering MetS components was more clearly associated with worsening of IMT and PWV in women than in men. Serum IL-6 level was positively correlated with IMT and PWV, and adiponectin level was negatively correlated with IMT in men but not in women. The subjects either with a "high" IL-6 or hs-CRP, or a "low" adiponectin were associated with increase in IMT in the presence of MetS, though there was no significant effect of MetS in those with low inflammation.

Conclusions: While IL-6 and adiponectin are the important risk factors for early arterial alterations in men, components of MetS present profound effects on subclinical atherosclerosis in women rather than in men.