Epidemiology of interleukin-6: the 30-year follow-up of the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study

Background Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death globally. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a biomarker of cardiovascular risk. Aim To investigate factors associated with IL-6 concentration in serum, from early life up to 30 years of age. Subjects and methods In the 2012-2013 follow-up, IL-6 was measured in 2809 participants of the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort (1369 males). Multivariable linear regressions, stratified by sex, were performed to evaluate the associations of African ancestry, family income and maternal education at birth, monthly income and education at 30 years, smoking status, harmful alcohol intake, physical activity, and body composition with IL-6, considering a conceptual hierarchical framework. Results Males with low educational levels and current smokers had the highest mean IL-6. Among females, African ancestry and low monthly income were associated with the highest mean values for the outcome. Physical activity had an inverse association with IL-6 concentration among females. A direct relationship was observed between the measures of adiposity on IL-6, in both sexes. Conclusion Body composition was the main predictor for the outcome evaluated in males and females. Thus, the avoidance of overweight remains an important strategy for the prevention and control of cardiovascular risk and biomarkers associated with these diseases.

Automated summary

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death globally, and IL-6 is a biomarker of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with IL-6 concentration in serum up to 30 years of age. Results showed that body composition was the main predictor for IL-6 in both males and females, highlighting the importance of avoiding overweight for the prevention and control of cardiovascular risk.