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Interleukin‐18 levels are associated with low‐density lipoproteins size
Author(s) -
Berneis K.,
Rizzo M.,
Evans J.,
Rini G. B.,
Spinas G. A.,
Goedecke J. H.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2009.02228.x
Subject(s) - medicine
Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (1): 54–55 Abstract Introduction Both low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) size and serum interleukin (IL)‐18 levels have been shown to be predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is still unknown whether IL‐18 levels are independently associated with LDL size. Methods In this cross‐sectional study including 53 premenopausal women (18–45 years), LDL size (by gradient gel electrophoresis), serum IL‐18, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), serum lipids, insulin sensitivity (S I , by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) were measured. Results LDL size correlated with IL‐18 ( r = −0·38, P = 0·006), hs‐CRP ( r = −0·40, P = 0·003), S I ( r = 0·36, P = 0·011), serum triglycerides ( r = −0·32, P = 0·018) and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL)‐cholesterol ( r = 0·40, P = 0·003). When these variables were entered into a regression model, serum IL‐18 (β = −0·26, P = 0·04), triglycerides (β = −0·29, P = 0·02) and HDL‐cholesterol (β = 0·34, P = 0·01) levels were independently associated with LDL size, accounting for 42% of the variance ( P < 0·001). Serum hs‐CRP levels and S I were not significant independent predictors of LDL size in this model. Conclusions This is the first report showing that elevated IL‐18 levels are associated with reduced LDL size, independent of other inflammatory and metabolic risk factors. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the predictive role of IL‐18 as an inflammatory marker of LDL size and the development of subclinical and/or clinical atherosclerosis.