The Clinical relevance of Interleukin 6 & hs-CRP in cardiovascular diseases

Randhir  Kumar; Rakesh  Kumar; Shaily  Shilpa; Shailesh  Kumar; Dr.Samir  Kumar; Sweta  Muni; Namrata  Kumari

Authors

Randhir Kumar Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
Rakesh Kumar Additional Professor, Department of Microbiology,Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India.
Shaily Shilpa PhD Scholar, Department of Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India.
Shailesh Kumar Professor, Department of Microbiology,Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India
Dr.Samir Kumar Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine,Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India.
Sweta Muni Associate Professor,Department of Microbiology,Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India.
Namrata Kumari Professor & HOD,Department of Microbiology,Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India.

Keywords:

CVD, Lipid profile, hs-CRP, IL-6

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the identification of reliable biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment. Among these, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have emerged as crucial inflammatory mediators linked to the pathogenesis and development of CVD. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 is essential in endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and plaque instability, while hs-CRP serves as a systemic marker of inflammation, correlating with vascular injury and adverse cardiac events. Elevated levels of these biomarkers have been linked to a higher risk of heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction.

Methods: This research consisted of 100 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 100 healthy controls. After obtaining consent, demographic data, medication history and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Clinical parameters including age, sex, height, body weight, and blood pressure were also recorded. Patients with liver diseases, renal dysfunctions, thyroid disorders, HIV and acute inflammatory conditions were excluded. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical examination after a 12-hour fast. IL-6 levels were quantified using an ELISA kit (Ray Biotech, Inc.), Serum hs-CRP was measured using photometric analysis (euroimmun) while lipid profiles were assessed using enzymatic and colorimetric techniques.

Results: Patients with CVD showed significantly raised levels of total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, hs-CRP, and IL-6 (p<0.0001), while HDL levels were lower. Increased BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure were also noted. These results reinforce the link between dyslipidemia, inflammation, and CVD, emphasizing their importance in disease progression and risk evaluation.

Conclusion: Elevated hs-CRP and IL-6 levels may help in prediction of cardiovascular risks and further improve the stratification in suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) cases. Managing risk factors in high-risk patients and further research on IL-6’s causal role is essential.

Author Biographies

Shailesh Kumar, Professor, Department of Microbiology,Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India

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Namrata Kumari, Professor & HOD,Department of Microbiology,Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science,Patna,Bihar,India.

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