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Updated: May 17, 2026
11:13
Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: November 21, 2019
Interleukin-6 receptor pathways in abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Seamus C Harrison1, Andrew J P Smith, Gregory T Jones
1Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, Rayne Building, University Street, London WC1E 6JJ, UK.
European Heart Journal
|November 1, 2012
Summary
Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) signaling is implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Genetic variants in IL6R are associated with reduced AAA risk, suggesting IL-6R inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Genetics and Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammation is a potential factor in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) development.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling through its receptor (IL-6R) presents a potential therapeutic target for AAA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-6 signaling in AAA pathogenesis.
- To examine the association between a functional IL-6R gene variant and AAA risk.
- To evaluate IL-6R inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for AAA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on circulating IL-6 levels in AAA.
- Mendelian randomization study investigating the association between an IL-6R gene variant (Asp358Ala) and AAA.
- In vitro and in vivo analysis of the functional variant's impact on IL-6 signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis revealed significantly higher IL-6 levels in AAA cases compared to controls.
- The IL-6R Asp358Ala variant (rs2228145) was associated with a reduced risk of AAA.
- In vitro studies showed decreased downstream target gene expression in response to IL-6 stimulation in carriers of the Ala358 variant.
Conclusions:
- Mendelian randomization provides strong evidence for a causal role of IL-6R signaling in AAA.
- Pharmacological inhibition of IL-6R may be a promising therapeutic approach for managing AAA.
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