Increased levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in hyperhomocysteinemic subjects.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Elevated plasma homocysteine concentration is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms by which hyperhomocysteinemia are related to vascular disease are unclear. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, has been reported to be an independent predictor of future myocardial infarction among clinically healthy individuals. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a regulator of CRP and has a key role in initiation of inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether individuals with increased plasma homocysteine concentrations have altered levels of serum CRP and IL-6.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Serum concentrations of CRP and IL-6 were measured in 39 individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia and in 39 control subjects matched for gender, age and body mass index (BMI). In addition, the inflammatory effect of IL-6 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was measured.

RESULTS:

Compared to controls, hyperhomocysteinemic subjects have elevated serum levels of CRP and IL-6 (p < or =0.001 and p < 0.005, respectively). Importantly, this raised level of IL-6 was also seen in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals without accompanying hypercholesterolemia or cardiovascular disease. IL-6 increased the release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with particularly enhancing effects in cells from patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data suggest that enhanced inflammation may be associated with homocysteine-related cardiovascular disease, possibly involving IL-6-related mechanisms.

• Authors: K B Holven, P Aukrust, K Retterstol, T A Hagve, L Mørkrid, L Ose, M S Nenseter
• Journal: Scandinavian journal of clinical and laboratory investigation (Scand J Clin Lab Invest) Vol. 66 Issue 1 Pg. 45-54 ( 2006) ISSN: 0036-5513 [Print] England
• PMID: 16464786 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• CCL2 protein, human
• Chemokine CCL2
• Interleukin-6
• C-Reactive Protein

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• C-Reactive Protein (analysis)
• Cardiovascular Diseases (blood, complications)
• Chemokine CCL2 (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia (blood, complications)
• Hyperhomocysteinemia (blood, complications)
• Interleukin-6 (blood)
• Leukocytes, Mononuclear (metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged