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Elevated interleukin-6 levels in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction
R J Raymond1, G J Dehmer, T C Theoharides
1Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
American Heart Journal
|March 7, 2001
Summary
Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are found in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, suggesting IL-6 may predict progression to clinical congestive heart failure (CHF). This indicates IL-6 could be a risk marker or therapeutic target for CHF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Heart Failure Pathophysiology
Background:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is elevated in advanced congestive heart failure (CHF), correlating with poor prognosis.
- The role of IL-6 in earlier stages of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction without overt CHF symptoms is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate IL-6 levels in patients with asymptomatic LV systolic dysfunction.
- To determine if IL-6 is elevated prior to the clinical manifestation of CHF.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples collected from femoral artery, vein, coronary artery, and coronary sinus in 58 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
- IL-6 levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Exclusion criteria included prior bypass surgery, recent acute coronary syndrome, or steroid therapy.
Main Results:
- Three patient groups: controls (n=32), asymptomatic LV dysfunction (n=14), and CHF (n=12).
- IL-6 levels were significantly higher in both asymptomatic LV dysfunction and CHF groups compared to controls across all sampling sites.
- IL-6 levels showed an inverse relationship with LV ejection fraction.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IL-6 is present in patients with subclinical LV dysfunction, preceding overt CHF.
- IL-6 may play a role in the progression from subclinical LV dysfunction to clinical CHF.
- IL-6 may serve as a predictive biomarker for CHF progression or a potential therapeutic target.
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