Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

Overview:

Interleukin-6 is a cytokine released by immune cells early in an inflammatory response. One of its effects is to instruct the liver to produce C-reactive protein, which is why IL-6 rises before CRP does. That earlier signal is useful in some acute settings, and IL-6 has also been studied in relation to cardiovascular risk and to inflammation associated with aging. In routine practice CRP is usually preferred, because it is more stable, cheaper and well established. IL-6 levels change quickly and are sensitive to sample handling, so interpretation depends on careful collection.

Categories:

Inflammation

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker