[Plasma IL-18 levels are related to insulin and are modulated by IL-18 gene polymorphisms]. / Los niveles plasmáticos de IL-18 se relacionan con la insulinemia y están modulados por polimorfismos del gen de IL-18.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory chronic disease influenced by multiple factors. Different prospective studies have shown that plasmatic levels of inflammatory markers were related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether plasmatic levels of interleukin 18 (IL-18) are modulated by SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) of the IL 18 gene and its possible association with insulin levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: 746 individuals were studied for a period of two years by opportunistic selection in the metropolitan area of Valencia. Parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism were analyzed by standard methodology. IL-18 was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Individuals with insulin resistance showed significant higher levels of IL-18. IL 18 was significantly correlated with insulin levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. The CC genotype of the rs1834481 SNP was significantly associated with lower levels of IL-18. However, the GG genotype of the rs7559479 was associated with significant higher levels of IL-18. CONCLUSION: IL-18 is associated with insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risk factors, being those levels genetically regulated.