Potential role of interleukin-18 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated carotid intima-media thickness but not insulin resistance.

Objective: Plasma interleukin-18 (IL-18) has been reported to be associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). It also has been described as one of the factors that, in addition to insulin resistance, may also contribute to atherosclerosis. Parameters of systemic inflammation are also significantly associated with circulating IL-18.