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Interleukin-6 as a "metabolic hormone"
Abdelaziz Ghanemi1, Jonny St-Amand1
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada; Functional Genomics Laboratory, CREMI, Québec Genome Center, CHUL-CHU de Québec Research Center, Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada.
Cytokine
|July 10, 2018
Summary
Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a cytokine, influences metabolic pathways and energy balance. Understanding its non-immune roles could redefine IL-6 as a metabolic hormone, aiding obesity and metabolic disorder research.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine primarily known for its roles in immune responses.
- Emerging evidence suggests IL-6 also exerts significant non-immune functions.
- These functions are increasingly linked to metabolic regulation and homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the non-immune functions of IL-6.
- To highlight IL-6's specific effects on metabolic pathways.
- To explore the potential classification of IL-6 as a metabolic hormone.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating IL-6's role in metabolism.
- Analysis of research linking IL-6 to metabolic pathways and energy balance.
- Synthesis of findings to support the concept of IL-6 as a metabolic regulator.
Main Results:
- IL-6 actively mediates, controls, and modifies key metabolic pathways.
- Evidence supports IL-6's involvement in energy homeostasis.
- Selected non-immune functions of IL-6 are detailed.
Conclusions:
- IL-6's metabolic functions warrant its consideration as a metabolic hormone.
- Further research into IL-6's endocrine roles can advance understanding of metabolic disorders like obesity.
- This perspective opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic and energy imbalances.