Geographical segregation and Interleukin-6, a marker of chronic inflammation in older adults

Aim To examine environmental sociodemographic risks of high IL-6, a marker of chronic inflammation in older adults. Methods We spatially linked 1990 USA Census tract demographic and economic measures to a prospective cohort study of representative community residents aged 71 years and older, from over 1700 of whom a cytokine protein and biological marker of chronic inflammation. IL-6, was collected. Using generalized interactive mixed models, we modeled 1989–1990 individual and census level risk factors for the dependent variable high IL-6 between 1992–1993 (high IL-6 = upper quartile: >2.96 pg/ml). Results After individual health risk adjustment, IL-6 remained elevated in communities with greater densities of poor older adults (odd ratio [OR]: 1.25 per 10% increase in exposure. 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 1.48) and in racially segregated communities (OR: 1.14 per 10% increase in exposure. 95% CI: 1.04, 1.25). Conclusions Socially disadvantaged environments may influence IL-6, a biomarker of age-associated inflammation.