Interleukin 6 increases dysfunction of organs in sepsis rats through sirtuin 1

Sepsis-induced organ failure is the major cause of death, and is characterized by a massive dysregulated inflammatory response. The present study was to determine whether interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression was increased in sepsis rats and the roles of IL-6 in the damage of cardiac, liver and renal function in the sepsis rats. Sepsis rat models were elicited by intravenous injection of LPS. The mRNA and protein of IL-6 levels were increased in the sepsis rats. The Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and average ±dP/dt were significantly reduced in sepsis rats compare with sham group. ALT and AST activities and creatinine level were increased in the sepsis rats. IL-6 significantly reduced LVDP and average ±dP/dt, increased the activities of ALT and AST, and increased the concentration of creatinine in the sepsis rats. EX527, a sirtuin 1 (SIRT 1) inhibitor, blocked the effects of IL-6 in the sepsis rats. These results indicate that IL-6 plays important roles in the damage of cardiac, liver and renal function in the sepsis rats through SIRT 1.