Interleukin-18, or IL-18, is a protein that plays a role in inflammation. In people with heart disease, this protein is often found in high amounts within plaques. These are the fatty deposits that build up inside your arteries and can lead to serious heart problems.
Laboratory tests show that IL-18 can contribute to the growth of these plaques. However, its effects can change depending on the stage of the disease and the specific genes a person has. While it is clearly involved in the process, its exact role is still being studied by experts.
Doctors are also looking at whether measuring IL-18 in the blood can help predict heart risks. So far, results have been mixed when compared to other common tests. Additionally, while some genetic studies suggest a link between IL-18 and heart health, more clinical trials are needed to prove if drugs targeting this protein will actually help patients.
Common questions
What role does IL-18 play in heart disease?
Experimental studies show that IL-18 can promote the growth of plaque in arteries. However, its effects can vary based on the stage of the plaque and the specific cellular environment. In human tissues, this protein is consistently found in plaques that are inflamed.
Can doctors use IL-18 levels to diagnose heart problems?
Currently, using circulating IL-18 as a standalone marker for diagnosis or predicting outcomes has shown limited success in large studies. While it is linked to certain heart outcomes in genetic models, it is not yet an established tool for clinical diagnosis.
Is there a drug that targets IL-18 to treat heart disease?
While IL-18 is considered a plausible target for future research, the effectiveness of drugs that directly inhibit IL-18 has not been established yet. More clinical evidence is needed before it can be used as a standard treatment.
