High interleukin-6 plasma levels are associated with low HDL-C levels in community-dwelling older adults: The InChianti study

Giovanni Zuliani, Stefano Volpato, Alessando Blè, Stefania Bandinelli, Anna Maria Corsi, Fulvio Lauretani, Giuseppe Paolisso, Renato Fellin, Luigi Ferrucci

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with increased incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to low HDL-C and CHD is essential for planning treatment strategies. Clinical studies have demonstrated that cytokines might affect both concentration and composition of plasma lipoproteins, including HDLs. Methods: We investigated the possible association between low HDL-C levels, defined as ≤10th gender specific percentile, and circulating markers of inflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and CRP) in a population of 1044 community dwelling older Italian subjects from the InChianti study. Results: Using logistic regression analysis we demonstrated that IL-6 levels (III versus I tertile, OR: 2.10; 1.10-3.75), TG (III versus I tertile OR: 27.45; 8.47-88.93), fasting insulin (III versus I tertile OR: 2.84; 1.50-5.42), and age (OR: 1.038; 1.002-1.075) were associated with low HDL-C independent of smoking, BMI, waist circumference, hypertension, diabetes, physical activity, alcohol intake, oral hypoglycaemics, CRP, IL-18, and TNF-α levels. The adjusted attributable risk of low HDL-C in the exposed group (III tertile of IL-6) was 54%. Conclusions: The present study provides the epidemiological evidence that besides triglycerides, fasting insulin, and age, IL-6 is one of the main correlates of low HDL-C levels in older individuals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)384-390
Number of pages7
JournalAtherosclerosis
Volume192
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • HDL-cholesterol
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin 6
  • Metabolic syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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