Interleukin-6 (IL-6) | Laboratory research

General Information

The influence of interleukin 6 (IL-6) on lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells is represented by modulatory mechanisms of immune and inflammatory processes. Although interleukin 6 (IL-6) shares many of the functions of interleukin 1 (IL-1), it also has anti-inflammatory effects.
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a polypeptide (protein) consisting of 184 amino acids. Like interleukin 1, interleukin 6 is produced by macrophages, as well as T and B lymphocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, synovial cells, chondrocytes, and epithelial cells. Its synthesis is carried out in response to bacterial and viral processes in plasma (unlike other interleukins).
Interleukin 6 is considered the most important factor in the synthesis of acute phase proteins in the liver: fibrinogen, serum A amyloid, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, complement.
By acting on B and T lymphocytes, interleukin 6 stimulates both humoral and cellular immunity. It also ensures the process of growth and differentiation of B lymphocytes, and their production of immunoglobulins. It also promotes the growth and differentiation of T lymphocytes. Interleukin 6 is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and is a prognostic factor of the disease.
Interleukin 6 stimulates hemopoiesis (together with interleukin 3). It also induces the synthesis of various pituitary hormones: adrenocorticotropic, growth hormone, prolactin, malutheinizing hormone.
In addition to participating in pro-inflammatory processes, interleukin 6 also participates in anti-inflammatory processes.

At the level of bone tissue, interleukin-6 causes the formation of osteoclasts, which leads to osteoporosis. An abnormal amount of interleukin-6 has been found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - an increase in the concentration of interleukin 6 and IgG in synovial fluids.
The specific interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) belongs to the superfamily of cytokine receptors. It is a membrane protein consisting of 2 structural and functional subunits.

When is the survey conducted?

Determining the interleukin titer in various biological fluids together with basic clinical and laboratory data is an additional diagnostic opportunity for immune disorders.

Patient preparation – The research is carried out on an empty stomach or after a meal.

Material for examination: Venous blood

Reference norm:   <7 picograms/ml

Interpretation of results

An increase in the interleukin-6 titer is characteristic of the following pathologies:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple myeloma (is a prognostic factor)
• Autoimmune processes
• lymphomas
• Sepsis
• Alcoholic liver damage
• Viral infections
• Graft removal reaction
• Preeclampsia