The role of interleukin-6 in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism
Abstract
Low-grade inflammation is recognized as an important factor in the development and progression of a multitude of diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The potential of using antibody-based therapies that neutralize key players of low-grade inflammation has gained scientific momentum as a novel therapeutic strategy in metabolic diseases. As interleukin-6 (IL-6) is traditionally considered a key pro-inflammatory factor, the potential of expanding the use of anti-IL-6 therapies to metabolic diseases is intriguing. However, IL-6 is a molecule of a very pleiotropic nature that regulates many aspects of not only inflammation but also metabolism. In this review, we give a brief overview of the pro- and anti-inflammatory aspects of IL-6 and provide an update on its role in metabolic regulation, with a specific focus on glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue metabolism. Finally, we shall discuss the metabolic implications and clinical potential of blocking IL-6 signaling, focusing on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism.
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Chronic exposure to IL-6 impairs hepatic lipid metabolism.
“Many studies have highlighted that chronic exposure to IL-6 impaired hepatic lipid metabolism [54–56].”
From The double-edged effects of IL-6 in liver regeneration, aging, inflammation, and diseases (2024) · cites this paper as [55]
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Role of Insulin Resistance in MAFLD
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- Authors
- Lehrskov, L. L., & Christensen, R. H.
- Affiliations
- University of Copenhagen (DK)
- Corresponding author
- Lehrskov, Louise Lang
- Venue
- Seminars in Immunopathology
- Published
- 2019-05-17
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 491-499
- ISSN
- 1863-2297 (ISSN-L)
- 1863-2300
- OpenAlex
- W2946437991
- Cited by
- 114
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2026: 9 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 1
- FWCI
- 1.71
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Seminars in Immunopathology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Adipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic Diseases
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cytokine Signaling Pathways and Interactions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
- Keywords
- interleukin-6, glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, low-grade inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, IL-6 inhibition, adipose tissue metabolism, IL-6 signaling, metabolic disorders
- MeSH terms
- Adipose Tissue, Animals, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Glucose, Humans, Signal Transduction, Interleukin-6, Lipid Metabolism, Diabetic Cardiomyopathies
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