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Nutrition & Metabolism
Published in: Nutrition & Metabolism 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Circulating interleukin-18: A specific biomarker for atherosclerosis-prone patients with metabolic syndrome

Authors: Minako Yamaoka-Tojo, Taiki Tojo, Kazuki Wakaume, Ryo Kameda, Shinji Nemoto, Naonobu Takahira, Takashi Masuda, Tohru Izumi

Published in: Nutrition & Metabolism | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with an increased risk of the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interleukin-18 (IL-18), which is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine with important regulatory functions in the innate immune response system, plays a crucial role in vascular pathologies. IL-18 is also a predictor of cardiovascular death in patients with CVD and is involved in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization.

Results

In order to determine if circulating levels of IL-18 can serve as a specific biomarker for distinguishing MetS patients from pre-MetS subjects, we studied 78 patients with visceral fat deposition and 14 age-matched control subjects. Increased levels of IL-18 were observed more frequently in patients with MetS than in pre-MetS subjects and were positively associated with waist circumference. Serum levels of IL-18 were significantly reduced by a change in weight caused by lifestyle modifications. There was a significant interaction between waist circumference and serum IL-18 concentration. Weight loss of at least 5% of the body weight caused by lifestyle modification decreased IL-18 circulating levels relative to the reduction in waist circumference and blood pressure, suggesting that this degree of weight loss benefits the cardiovascular system.

Conclusion

IL-18 may be a useful biomarker of the clinical manifestations of MetS and for the management of the risk factors of CVD.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Circulating interleukin-18: A specific biomarker for atherosclerosis-prone patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors
Minako Yamaoka-Tojo
Taiki Tojo
Kazuki Wakaume
Ryo Kameda
Shinji Nemoto
Naonobu Takahira
Takashi Masuda
Tohru Izumi
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Nutrition & Metabolism / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1743-7075
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-8-3

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