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Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Pleiotropic cytokine secreted by macrophages, T cells, and adipocytes that drives hepatic acute-phase response (including CRP and hepcidin synthesis), B cell differentiation, and chronic inflammatory disease.
Also: IL-6
IL-6 mediates much of the anemia-of-inflammation phenotype by inducing hepcidin via STAT3. Chronic IL-6 elevation is a feature of obesity, sarcopenia, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Tocilizumab (anti-IL-6R) is used in rheumatoid arthritis and cytokine release syndromes. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids and weight loss modestly lower IL-6.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 65: Nutrition and Inflammatory Processes
IL-6 mediates much of the anemia-of-inflammation phenotype by inducing hepcidin via STAT3. Chronic IL-6 elevation is a feature of obesity, sarcopenia, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Tocilizumab (anti-IL-6R) is used in rheumatoid arthritis and cytokine release syndromes. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids and weight loss modestly lower IL-6.
Related terms
CRP, Hepcidin, Inflammation, TNF-alpha