Key result
Top-quartile baseline IL-6 is linked to ~130% higher MI risk in men.
Why the study?
Epidemiological data evaluating the role of interleukin-6 in atherogenesis and future myocardial infarction risk are sparse.
Does elevated baseline IL-6 increase the risk of future myocardial infarction in apparently healthy men?
Cohort (n=14,916)
null
null
No
Does elevated baseline IL-6 increase the risk of future myocardial infarction in apparently healthy men?
Effect estimate: RR 2.3 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.3)
Absolute Event Rate: 1.81% vs 1.46%
p-value: p=0.005
Elevated baseline levels of IL-6 in apparently healthy men are associated with a significantly increased risk of future myocardial infarction, supporting the role of inflammation in early atherogenesis.
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Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“In practice, hs-CRP has been used to characterize residual inflammatory risk with levels ≥2 mg/L as an entry criterion for multiple trials. However, IL-6 is more specific and predictive, although it lacks a clinically validated cutpoint.”
IL-6 elevation may flag higher MI risk in healthy men; supports inflammation in early atherogenesis but leaves clinical utility open.
Ridker et al. (2000) conducted a cohort in Myocardial Infarction (n=14,916). Plasma IL-6 concentration vs. null was evaluated on Risk of future myocardial infarction (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.3, p=0.005). Men in the highest quartile of baseline IL-6 concentration had a 2.3 times higher risk of future myocardial infarction compared to those in the lowest quartile.
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