C-Reactive protein/interleukin-6 ratio as marker of the size of the uncomplicated thoracic aortic aneurysms

Abstract

This report shows that serum CRP, IL-6 levels and the ratio CRP/IL-6 are associated with descending aortic aneurysmal dimensions. Also values of the ratio CRP/IL-6 above 0.8 are associated with aneurysmal dimensions for both ascending and descending aortic aneurysms. It is still early to establish the clinical significance of those findings, and further studies with larger groups of patients with longer follow-up are required in order to truly assess the usefulness of the serum CRP and IL-6 as markers in relation to the progression of the disease.

Evaluation of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in newly diagnosed nondiabetic hypertensive patients with ascending aortic dilatation

“…One of the most likely mechanisms that can explain the association between NLR and AAD is that inflammation can lead to elevated arterial thickness or resistance by impairing endothelial functions [26]. The tissue environment of the aneurysm includes proinflammatory cytokines capable of stimulating macrophage expression of connective tissue proteinases, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and interferon-γ [6]. Other lower lymphocyte counts are the histological basis of this relative lymphopenia because of the release of cortisol in response to the stress and immune activation [22].…”

“…In patients with AAD, the aortic wall is weakened by cystic media degeneration, which is associated with degradation of elastic fibers and smooth muscle cell apoptosis [4]. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 are increased in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases has been described in the media of thoracic aortic aneurysm, which results in aortic wall weakening [5,6].…”

Interleukin-6 Receptor Inhibition Prevents Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Formation

“…Although less well defined, IL-6 appears to be implicated in human TAA as well. Serum IL-6 and Creactive protein to IL-6 ratios have been shown to correlate with TAA size [12]. Given the observational studies linking IL-6 to human aneurysmal disease, we believe that it represents an optimal target for potential disruption of the inflammatory cascade that leads to aortic aneurysm formation.…”

“…Additionally, serum levels of IL-6 have been linked to both thoracic and abdominal aortic disease [12][13][14]. We hypothesized there is differential expression of inflammatory cytokines in TAA and AAA.…”

Etiology and Pathogenesis of Aortic Aneurysm

“…Supplementary, a higher incidence of atherosclerosis in type B dissections compared to type A dissection has been identified, in autopsy studies (Nakashima et al, 1990). There is a statistical difference demonstrated in Creactive protein (CRP)/Interleukin-6 (IL-6) ratio in cases of descending aortic aneurysms when compared to ascending aortic aneurysms (Artemiou et al, 2012). Moreover, CRP/IL-6 ratio shows a positive correlation to the size of aneurysms (in both ascending and descending aorta), with the cut-off value of 0.8 (Artemiou et al, 2012).…”