Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
Altered pulmonary interleukin-6 signaling in preterm infants developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Philipp von Bismarck1, Andreas Claass, Carsten Schickor
1Department of General Pediatrics, Universitatsklinikum Schleswig Holstein, Kiel, Germany. v.bismarck@pediatrics.uni-kiel.de
Abstract:
Interleukin (IL)-6 signaling depends on the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and the soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130). To investigate the impact of IL-6 signaling on the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia of prematurity (BPD), IL-6, sIL-6R, and sgp130 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique in tracheal aspirates of mechanically ventilated preterm infants. Infants developing BPD showed increased concentrations of IL-6, sIL-6R, and sgp-130 in their first week of life. These infants also had significantly higher molar ratios for IL-6/sIL-6R and IL-6/sgp130. The authors conclude that altered interleukin-6 signaling via the soluble receptors sIL-6R and sgp130 may play an important role in pulmonary inflammation of preterm infants.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction