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Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: November 21, 2019
Aortic aneurysms as a source of circulating interleukin-6.
Joe Dawson1, Gillian Cockerill, Edward Choke
1Department of Vascular Surgery, St. George's Hospital and St. George's, University of London, London, UK.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|December 22, 2006
Summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) secrete interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. This study measured IL-6 within the aorta, finding higher levels in aneurysm patients, supporting AAA as a source of circulating IL-6.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Inflammation Research
- Aortic Disease Pathophysiology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathophysiology involves inflammation.
- In vitro studies suggest aneurysms secrete the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- Elevated circulating IL-6 is linked to increased cardiovascular mortality in AAA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether aneurysms actively secrete IL-6 into the circulation.
- To determine if IL-6 levels differ within the aorta of patients with and without aneurysms.
Main Methods:
- Arterial IL-6 levels were measured intra-aortically in patients undergoing endovascular procedures.
- Three groups were studied: 27 with AAA, 10 with thoracic aneurysms (TA), and 15 controls.
- IL-6 measurements were taken at various aortic positions relative to the aneurysm.
Main Results:
- IL-6 levels were significantly higher in both AAA and TA groups compared to controls (P < 0.0008).
- A significant increase in IL-6 was observed downstream of the aneurysm in both AAA and TA.
- No significant differences in IL-6 based on aortic position were found in the control group.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that aneurysms secrete IL-6 into the circulation.
- Aneurysm-derived IL-6 may contribute to the elevated cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with aneurysms.
- This provides in vivo evidence for the inflammatory cytokine's role in aneurysm pathophysiology.
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