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Published on: January 28, 2020
Correlation between apoptotic endothelial microparticles and serum interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein in healthy
Julio A Chirinos1, Juan P Zambrano, Salim S Virani
1Department of Medicine, Wallace H. Coulter Platelet Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, USA. jchirinos@med.miami.edu <jchirinos@med.miami.edu>
Abstract:
Inflammation has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis has been implicated in atherogenesis. The correlation between circulating concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) expressing an apoptotic (EMP31) or activation (EMP62E) phenotype in 20 middle-aged healthy men was investigated. IL-6 was significantly correlated with EMP31 (r = 0.6, p = 0.004), which persisted after adjusting for body mass index and CRP. CRP was significantly correlated with body mass index (r = 0.49, p = 0.02) but not with EMP31 or EMP62E. EC apoptosis is associated with IL-6 levels in men and might be partially responsible for the increased cardiovascular risk associated with subclinical inflammation.
Insights
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels correlate with endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis markers in men. This finding suggests a link between inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors, potentially contributing to atherosclerosis development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Inflammation Research
- Endothelial Biology
Background:
- Inflammation is linked to elevated cardiovascular risk.
- Endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis plays a role in atherogenesis.
- Subclinical inflammation may increase cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) in middle-aged men.
- To explore the relationship between specific EMP phenotypes (apoptotic EMP31 and activation EMP62E) and inflammatory markers.
- To assess the association between EC apoptosis and IL-6 levels in relation to cardiovascular risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 20 middle-aged healthy men.
- Measurement of circulating concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and EMPs (EMP31, EMP62E).
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations, adjusting for body mass index and CRP.
Main Results:
- IL-6 showed a significant positive correlation with EMP31 (r = 0.6, p = 0.004), independent of BMI and CRP.
- CRP was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.49, p = 0.02) but not with EMP31 or EMP62E.
- No significant correlation was found between CRP and EMP31 or EMP62E.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cell apoptosis is associated with elevated IL-6 levels in men.
- IL-6-mediated EC apoptosis may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in subclinical inflammation.
- These findings highlight a potential mechanism linking inflammation and cardiovascular disease progression.