260 OLIVE OILS AND HEALTH · interleukin – 6 (IL-6) A cytokine produced by various types of immune cells (leukocytes, T lymphocytes, macrophages) as well as by endothelial and fibroblast cells. Interleukin-6 acts on a broad range of cells and tissues. In some cells it enhances cell growth whilst inhibiting it in others. Although primarily pro-inflammatory, it also has some anti-inflammatory effects. Measuring its levels can be useful to assess immune system activation, as interleukin-6 concentrations increase in cases of infections, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. It is also a potential inflammatory marker for severe CoViD-19 cases with poor prognosis. Since IL-6 stimulates inflammatory and autoimmune processes in conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer, there is growing interest in developing anti-IL-6 therapies. Some are already in use, such as tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis or IL-6 inhibitors in cancer treatment. Others remain under clinical investigation. - proinflammatory compounds Molecules produced by various body cells which promote inflammation as a defensive response to an infection. - inflammation markers Markers are molecules used to predict disease risk, onset, prognosis, or progression. Common inflammatory markers in clinical use include C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count. - systemic inflammatory response Inflammatory response triggering an uncontrolled release of inflammatory mediators which may cause tissue damage, and multiple organ failure, and is associated with high mortality (~30%). It may result from infection or other types of injury (e.g. burns, trauma, pancreatitis). - tocilizumab An anti-inflammatory drug that prevents interleukin-6 from binding to cells, and is therefore used effectively to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis. Tocilizumab blocks the inflammatory protein IL-6, reducing joint pain, swelling, and other symptoms caused by inflammation. (Other related items which can be consulted in this glossary: inflammatory adipokines, diclofenac, eicosanoids, inflammatory bowel diseases, α-1 acid glycoprotein, pancreatitis, periodontitis, piroxicam, and immune system). INFLAMMATION MARKERS (See INFLAMMATION) INFLAMMATORY ADIPOKINES Cell signalling molecules produced by adipose tissue (body fat) that participate in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation.
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