Mediation analysis showed that IL6 (serum and leukocyte expression) accounted for approximately 20% of the UACR-SA association, serum IL1β mediated 17%, and leukocyte <i>TLR2</i> mediated 7%.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Albuminuria was positively associated with heightened systemic and cellular inflammation, and several inflammatory markers were also associated with greater CIMT and the presence of early atherosclerosis. Here, IL1B is linked to atherosclerosis.