Aggravated Atherosclerosis and Vascular Inflammation With Reduced Kidney Function Depend on Interleukin-17 Receptor A and Are Normalized by Inhibition of Interleukin-17A

Abstract

Effective therapy of atherosclerotic complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an unmet clinical need. Cardiovascular events are the most common cause of death. At a glomerular filtration rate ≤60 ml/min, these events are increased also after correction for common risk factors. Previous studies have reported enhanced vascular inflammation in mice and recently also in humans. Our current data show, in a mouse model of atherosclerosis in moderate renal impairment, that interleukin-17 receptor A is instrumental in this condition, and blockade of this pathway can normalize arterial inflammation even in advanced atherosclerosis.