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

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. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.