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IL-6 (interleukin-6)

The role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the body

IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokinethat plays a key role in:
✔ Immune response (activates inflammation in infections).
Hematopoiesis (stimulates the production of platelets and white blood cells).
✔ Metabolism (affects insulin resistance, lipolysis).
✔ Tissue regeneration (wound healing, muscle recovery).
✔ Neuroprotection and neuroinflammation (associated with depression, Alzheimer’s disease).

Symptoms and consequences of IL-6 imbalance

In excess (hyperimmune response)

  • Acute inflammation:
  • Fever, joint pain (for COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis).
  • Cytokine storm (a dangerous condition in severe infections).
  • Chronic diseases:
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).
  • Atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes (IL-6 increases insulin resistance).
  • Depression, dementia (due to neuroinflammation).

When deficient (rare)

  • Susceptibility to infections (reduced immune response).
  • Anemia (violation of the production of red blood cells).
  • Delayed wound healing.

Note: Complete absence of IL-6 is extremely rare (genetic mutations).

IL-6 standards in assays

The level of IL-6 is measured in the blood serum (less often-in the cerebrospinal fluid).

ConditionIL-6 level (pg / ml)
Healthy people< 7
Mild inflammation7–20
Acute inflammation20–100
Severe infections/cytokine storm> 100 (can reach 1000+)

When is the test scheduled?

  • Suspected sepsis, COVID-19.
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis).
  • Assessment of the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Diagnosis of depression (at a high level).

What should I do if there are deviations?

With high IL-6

  1. Anti-inflammatory therapy:
  • IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab – for rheumatoid arthritis, cytokine storm).
  • Corticosteroids (dexamethasone).
  1. Lifestyle correction:
  • Omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin (reduce inflammation).
  • Intermittent fasting (reduces IL-6).

When IL-6 is low

  • Treatment of the underlying disease (for example, immunodeficiency).
  • Vaccination (if you are prone to infections).

Interesting facts

  • IL-6 and aging: Chronically elevated levels accelerate aging.
  • Sports: A short-term increase in IL-6 after exercise stimulates muscle growth.

Conclusion

IL-6 – ‘two-faced’ cytokine: protects against infections, but in excess harms the body.
Норма Norm: < 7 pg / ml (blood).
🔹 Increase:

  • >20 pg / ml – acute inflammation,
  • >100 pg / ml – threat of a cytokine storm.
    Correction: medications (tocilizumab), diet, control of chronic diseases.