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The exercise IL-6 enigma in cancer.
Samuel T Orange1, Jack Leslie2, Mark Ross3
1Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has dual roles in cancer. Exercise-released IL-6 may prevent cancer, while inflammation-driven IL-6 promotes tumor growth, creating the
Area of Science:
- * Immunology and Cancer Biology
- * Exercise Physiology
Background:
- * Interleukin-6 (IL-6) exhibits context-dependent effects on cancer, termed the 'exercise IL-6 enigma'.
- * Exercise-induced IL-6 from skeletal muscle aids energy regulation and may offer cancer protection.
- * Leukocyte-derived IL-6 in inflammation promotes tumorigenesis and chronic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the multifaceted roles of IL-6 in cancer.
- * To elucidate the mechanisms behind exercise-associated cancer prevention by IL-6.
- * To define factors contributing to the 'exercise IL-6 enigma'.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review of studies on IL-6, exercise, inflammation, and cancer.
- * Analysis of signaling pathways and biological effects of IL-6 in different contexts.
- * Synthesis of evidence regarding IL-6's dual role in tumorigenesis and cancer prevention.
Main Results:
- * Exercise-induced IL-6 demonstrates anticancer effects: improved insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory cytokine production, immune cell mobilization, and reduced DNA damage.
- * Chronic IL-6 production in inflammatory sites drives cancer by promoting inflammation and activating pro-tumor pathways.
- * The context of IL-6 production (e.g., exercise vs. inflammation) dictates its impact on cancer.
Conclusions:
- * IL-6's role in cancer is paradoxical, influenced by its source and biological milieu.
- * Understanding the 'exercise IL-6 enigma' is crucial for developing targeted cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
- * Further research is needed to fully delineate the mechanisms governing IL-6's opposing effects on cancer.
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