Serum IL-6 levels are associated with significant coronary stenosis in cardiovascularly asymptomatic inner-city black adults in the US

The objective of this study was to explore whether increased levels of inflammatory cytokines are associated with the risk of clinically silent coronary artery disease. Three-hundred-fifty-six black adults aged 25-54 residing in inner city of Baltimore, Maryland, United States were included in this study. Sociodemographics were assessed as were lipid profiles, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography was performed. Coronary calcification was identified in 22.5 % participants and 14 % had significant (a parts per thousand yen50 %) coronary stenosis. Multiple logistic regression analyses suggested that IL-6 levels were independently associated with the presence of coronary calcification and significant coronary stenosis, while TNF-alpha, sICAM-1 and hs-CRP levels were not. This study underscores a critical role for IL-6 in atherosclerosis and suggests that IL-6 may be a marker for significant coronary stenosis in cardiovascularly asymptomatic individuals.