Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacotherapy on CRP and IL-6 Levels in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Persistent elevation of inflammatory biomarkers, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been associated with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerotic plaque progression, adverse cardiovascular events, and poor clinical outcomes. Growing evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapies may modulate these biomarkers and improve cardiovascular prognosis.
Objective: To systematically review the available evidence regarding the effects of pharmacological interventions on CRP and IL-6 levels in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 2000 and December 2025. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational studies involving adult patients with cardiovascular disease were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated pharmacological modulation of CRP and/or IL-6. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using standardized methods.
Results: Studies included in the review demonstrated that several pharmacological interventions, including statins, canakinumab, colchicine, and IL-6-targeted therapies, were associated with significant reductions in CRP and/or IL-6 levels. Greater reductions in inflammatory biomarkers were generally associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes and reduced risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, variability in study design, patient populations, therapeutic regimens, and follow-up duration contributed to heterogeneity among findings.
Conclusion: Current evidence supports the role of anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy in reducing CRP and IL-6 levels among patients with cardiovascular disease. Targeted modulation of inflammatory pathways may contribute to improved cardiovascular outcomes. Nevertheless, further large-scale studies are required to establish optimal biomarker-guided therapeutic strategies and long-term clinical benefits.