III.2.B.f. Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

Its synthesis: 30% of IL-6 is produced in the adipocytes (mainly in the abdominal region) and in the skeletal muscles.

Its main effects:   It increases lipolysis.

It enhances the blood Glu level and causes insulin resistance.

It inhibits glycogen synthesis in the liver, and eliminates the insulin-induced inhibition of Glu production in the liver.

It has both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

It has a role in the regulation of eating.

It increases CRP production in the liver.

It decreases the HDL and LPL levels.

The increase in its peripheral level correlates well with the levels of obesity and insulin resistance.

Obesity and T2DM develop in the lack of IL-6 in mice.  

A decrease in the level of IL-6 in the brain correlates well with the BMI, which points to the difference in the central and peripheral effects.