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The role of interleukin-6 in the failing heart

K C Wollert1, H Drexler

  • 1Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany. wollert.kai@mh-hannover.de

Heart Failure Reviews
|April 20, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and related cytokines are linked to worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiac cell changes. These molecules are key players in the development of heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and related cytokines are elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Higher plasma IL-6 concentrations correlate with reduced functional capacity and offer prognostic insights in CHF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize clinical and experimental evidence on the role of IL-6 and related cytokines in the pathophysiology of CHF.
  • To highlight the intricate involvement of IL-6 signaling in the failing heart.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical studies examining IL-6 levels in CHF patients.
  • Analysis of experimental research investigating the effects of IL-6 on cardiac myocytes.

Main Results:

  • Clinical data show increased IL-6 and related cytokines in CHF, associated with disease severity.
  • Experimental evidence indicates IL-6 and related cytokines regulate cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • IL-6 and associated cytokines are critically involved in the mechanisms driving heart failure.
  • Targeting IL-6 pathways may offer potential therapeutic strategies for CHF.

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