Interleukin-6 Predicts Carotid Plaque Severity, Vulnerability, and Progression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

IL-6 (interleukin-6) has important roles in atherosclerosis pathophysiology. To determine if anti-IL-6 therapy warrants evaluation as an adjuvant stroke prevention strategy in patients with carotid atherosclerosis, we tested whether circulating IL-6 levels predict carotid plaque severity, vulnerability, and progression in the prospective population-based CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study).

Methods

Duplex carotid ultrasound was performed at baseline and 5 years. Baseline plaque severity was scored 0 to 5 based on North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial grade of stenosis. Plaque vulnerability at baseline was the presence of markedly irregular, ulcerated, or echolucent plaques. Plaque progression at 5 years was a ≥1 point increase in stenosis severity.

SUBMITTER: Kamtchum-Tatuene J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9308732 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature