Interleukin-6 gene polymorphism, chronic stress and atherosclerosis: Interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism, chronic stress and risk of early atherosclerosis in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

ObjectiveInterleukin-6 protein has been suggested as a mediator connecting chronic stress and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether the functional G174C polymorphism (rs1800795) of interleukin-6 gene is associated with vital exhaustion, a measure of chronic stress, or with preclinical atherosclerosis.MethodsAssociations between the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism, preclinical atherosclerosis, and vital exhaustion were examined in 1673 women and men aged 24–39 years participating in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study. Vital exhaustion was measured using Maastricht Questionnaire. Preclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by carotid intima-media thickness using ultrasound techniques. DNA was genotyped for the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism (rs1800795).ResultsThe GG genotype of the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism was associated with higher vital exhaustion. Moreover, higher vital exhaustion was associated with greater intima-media thickness in men carrying G alleles, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors.ConclusionOur findings support a role for the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism in increased risk of atherosclerosis in individuals with chronic stress. In addition, individuals carrying the G allele of the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism may be more prone to adverse effects of psychosocial stress.