Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
The role of IL-6 in exercise-induced immune changes and metabolism
1Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, Section 7641 Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark, SBERG@RH.DK
Abstract:
Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 are proteins, which were originally discovered within the immune system. Recent studies, however, demonstrate that IL-6 is produced by, and released from contracting skeletal muscles during exercise. This release occurs in the absence of muscle damage and is related to both contraction per se and low muscle glycogen. IL-6 seems to work as an energy sensor within the muscle cells. Other organs also release IL-6 during exercise; however, muscle-derived IL-6 seems to play an important role in signalling between the muscles and other organs in order to maintain energy supply. IL-6 can enhance lipolysis in humans and might play a role in glucose metabolism. In addition, muscle-derived IL-6 is likely to initiate many of the exercise associated immune changes, as IL-6 can increase plasma levels of the cytokines IL-1 ra and IL-10, together with cortisol and blood neurtrophils. Also, the observed shift towards Th2 lymphocyte dominance during exercise may be mediated by IL-6. Because carbohydrate ingestion during exercise has been demonstrated to blunt the IL-6 and hormonal response, it might also blunt other beneficial adaptations. This review discusses the possible beneficial biological role of high plasma levels of IL-6 during exercise.
More Related Videos
07:52Assessment of Murine Exercise Endurance Without the Use of a Shock Grid: An Alternative to Forced Exercise
Published on: August 14, 2014
06:28A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats
Published on: April 28, 2023
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects