Interleukins and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Interleukins are important inflammatory cytokines involved in cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) pathogenesis, particularly in atherosclerosis, by regulating inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, plaque formation, thrombosis, immune responses, and hematopoiesis. High levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β are strongly associated with plaque progression, adverse CV events, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, and mortality, rendering them key therapeutic targets. Lowering IL-6 activity shows promising potential to reduce CV risk without raising the risk of infection. These molecules also seem to have a role in hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and stroke. They can be useful biomarkers for CVD and also targets for the development of cardioprotective therapies. Their inhibitors have important protective influences in CVD. All these issues are herein detailed and pictorially illustrated.