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Defining IL-6 levels in healthy individuals: A meta-analysis
Elias A Said1, Iman Al-Reesi2, Nawal Al-Shizawi2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoudh, Sultanate of Oman.
Journal of Medical Virology
|November 6, 2020
Summary
This study establishes normal blood Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in healthy adults. The meta-analysis determined a reference range, crucial for clinical decisions, especially in conditions like COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine involved in immune responses and inflammation.
- IL-6 plays a role in various diseases and viral infections, including COVID-19.
- Normal blood IL-6 reference values for healthy individuals were previously unreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal blood Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in healthy adults through a comprehensive meta-analysis.
- To provide a reliable reference range for IL-6 in healthy populations for clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on 140 studies comprising 12,421 IL-6 blood values from healthy adult donors.
- Statistical analysis utilized data from 57 studies (3166 values) that reported mean and standard deviation.
- Pooled estimate and age-related changes in IL-6 levels were calculated.
Main Results:
- The pooled estimate for blood IL-6 in healthy adults was 5.186 pg/ml (95% CI: 4.631, 5.740).
- Reported IL-6 values ranged from 0 to 43.5 pg/ml.
- A slight increase in IL-6 was observed with age (0.05 pg/ml per year, p < .01).
Conclusions:
- This is the first meta-analysis to report blood IL-6 levels in healthy donors.
- The determined 95% confidence interval serves as a valuable reference range for clinical interventions.
- These findings are particularly relevant for IL-6-targeted therapies, including those for COVID-19.
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