In a nested case-control study of 55 PWH with first-time Myocardial Infarction (MI) (cases) and 182 PWH with no CVD (controls), we measured soluble markers of IL-1 activation at 4 different timepoints before the case´s MI.
We discuss clinical evidence, experimental approaches and lastly lend a perspective on currently developing therapeutic strategies involving the IL-1 family in CVD.
Most advanced are clinical studies with IL-1 antagonists showing improved β-cell function and glycemia and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and heart failure.
These data suggest that the dual genetic contributions of elevated Lp(a) levels and IL-1(+) genotypes may identify younger subjects at particularly high risk for CVD events.
Blocking the IL-1 pathway is a possible new therapeutic strategy, potentially leading to innovative therapies in many acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases.
The hyperglycemia can directly promote an inflammatory state where the increase C-reactive (CRP) and cytokines, such as interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6), which contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Although it has been suggested that cytokines are involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases only few informations exist regarding the endogenous production and function of IL-1 and the associated enzyme(s) of the caspase family in the cardiovascular system.