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The role of interleukin-6 in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism

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Abstract

Low-grade inflammation is recognized as an important factor in the development and progression of a multitude of diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The potential of using antibody-based therapies that neutralize key players of low-grade inflammation has gained scientific momentum as a novel therapeutic strategy in metabolic diseases. As interleukin-6 (IL-6) is traditionally considered a key pro-inflammatory factor, the potential of expanding the use of anti-IL-6 therapies to metabolic diseases is intriguing. However, IL-6 is a molecule of a very pleiotropic nature that regulates many aspects of not only inflammation but also metabolism. In this review, we give a brief overview of the pro- and anti-inflammatory aspects of IL-6 and provide an update on its role in metabolic regulation, with a specific focus on glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue metabolism. Finally, we shall discuss the metabolic implications and clinical potential of blocking IL-6 signaling, focusing on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Helga Ellingsgaard for providing us the opportunity to write this review. The Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS) is supported by a grant from TrygFonden.

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  1. The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism (CIM) and the Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet 7641, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Louise Lang Lehrskov & Regitse Højgaard Christensen

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Correspondence to Louise Lang Lehrskov.

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This article is a contribution to the special issue on Inflammation and Type 2 Diabetes - Guest Editor: Marc Y. Donath

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Lehrskov, L.L., Christensen, R.H. The role of interleukin-6 in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Semin Immunopathol 41, 491–499 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-019-00747-2

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