Differences in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) between healthy dextral and non-dextral subjects

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Human physiology

Background:

• Cerebral hemispheres are known to regulate various bodily functions.
• Asymmetric immune function regulation by brain hemispheres is an emerging area of research.
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine involved in immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between hand preference (laterality) and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in healthy individuals.
• To explore potential links between cerebral hemisphere dominance and immune system activity.

Main Methods:

• Serum IL-6 levels were quantified using an immunoassay (ELISA) in 148 healthy participants.
• Participants were categorized as dextral (right-handed) or non-dextral based on a laterality questionnaire.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare IL-6 levels between the two groups.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher proportion of dextral individuals (46%) had detectable serum IL-6 levels compared to non-dextral individuals (15%) (P < 0.013).
• No significant correlations were found between IL-6 levels and previously measured interleukin-2 production or autoantibodies.
• The findings suggest a potential link between handedness and immune system regulation.

Conclusions:

• Serum IL-6 levels are significantly associated with laterality in healthy individuals.
• This study provides further evidence for the asymmetric regulation of immune functions by the cerebral hemispheres.
• While causality cannot be inferred, the results highlight a potential neuro-immune interaction related to brain lateralization.