IL6 and atherosclerosis: 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.