What is that
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a protein molecule produced by various types of cells, in particular by immunocompetent ones - such as T lymphocytes and macrophages - in response to traumas or tissue damage. Other cell types can synthesize and secrete interleukin-6; this is the case, for example, of mature white adipocytes, "fathers" of about 1/3 of the circulating IL-6. The visceral adipose tissue is more active in this sense, while lower levels of interleukin-6 are found in the subcutaneous tissue.
IL-6 High
Excessive concentrations of interleukin-6 in the blood are predictive of cardiovascular disease and diabetes; this protein, in turn, probably stimulates the hepatic production of another important inflammatory marker, the C-reactive protein, which further increases the patient's cardiovascular risk.
As anticipated, interleukin 6 is produced at high concentrations in the presence of visceral fat (android or apple obesity). Therefore, in the prevention of diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction, it is extremely important to prevent the accumulation of abdominal fat.
IL-6 was classified with cytokine with both pro and anti-inflammatory action.
Interleukin 6 is also a myokine, a cytokine produced by skeletal muscle, since its levels rise significantly in response to muscle contraction. However, while the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and those of C-reactive protein increase in obesity, they do not increase during exercise.
