Paper Title
The interleukin-6 receptor as a target for prevention of coronary heart disease: a mendelian randomisation analysis
Article Type
Research Article
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 379 | Issue: 9822 | Pages: 1214-1224
Published On
April, 2012
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Abstract
Background A high circulating concentration of interleukin 6 is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Blockade of the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) with a monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab) licensed for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis reduces systemic and articular inflammation. However, whether IL6R blockade also reduces risk of coronary heart disease is unknown. Methods Applying the mendelian randomisation principle, we used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene IL6R to evaluate the likely efficacy and safety of IL6R inhibition for primary prevention of coronary heart disease. We compared genetic findings with the effects of tocilizumab reported in randomised trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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