IL6 and heart failure: Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family including cardiotropin-1 and C reactive protein (CRP) are highly expressed in cardiac failure.43 Similar to other macrovascular complications of diabetes, the development of diabetic cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is associated with various mechanisms including vascular endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and systemic inflammation.