interleukin-6

noun

in·​ter·​leu·​kin-6 ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən-ˈsiks 

: an interleukin that is produced by various cells (such as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells) and that induces the maturation of B cells and growth of myeloma cells, activates and induces the proliferation of T cells, stimulates synthesis of plasma proteins (such as fibrinogen), and plays a role in producing fever

Last year, researchers discovered that older women who were socially active had lower levels of interleukin-6, a substance linked to chronic inflammation that is found at high levels in people with Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and cancer.

—Andrew Weil

—abbreviation IL-6

Examples of interleukin-6 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Studies show that regular omega-3 intake can reduce levels of inflammatory molecules associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

With multiple myeloma, levels of the chemical messenger interleukin-6 (IL-6) increase. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Examples of those markers include interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in people with conditions known to increase inflammation in the body, like type 2 diabetes.4 2. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

The nutrients in whole grains like bulgur wheat may help lower inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factors (TNF). —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 2 Oct. 2024

This immune malfunction is typically accompanied by the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Another study found that refined olive oil was more effective than raw, unheated canola oil in lowering the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) in people with heart disease risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 10 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

interleukin-6

noun

-ˈsiks 

: an interleukin that is produced by various cells (as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells) and that acts as a pyrogen, induces maturation of B cells and growth of myeloma cells, activates and induces proliferation of T cells, and stimulates synthesis of plasma proteins (as fibrinogen)

—abbreviation IL-6