What is Interleukin-6? What is the relation between COVID and Interleukin-6? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the Interleukin-6 Test?
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a group of naturally occurring proteins that mediate communication between cells and also a multifunctional cytokine that acts as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an anti-inflammatory myokine. It is encoded by the IL6 gene in humans. The test is done to measure the amount of IL-6 in the blood.IL-6 is expressed on hepatocytes, monocytes, B cells, and neutrophils in humans.
What is the role of Interleukin-6?
Interleukin-6 is a large group of molecules called cytokines. Cytokines play multiple roles within the body and act especially within the immune system to help direct the body’s immune response. IL-6 protein acts on a variety of cells and tissues. IL-6 supports Growth of B-cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies) that promotes cell growth in some cells, and inhibits growth in others. It stimulates the production of acute-phase proteins. IL-6 also plays a role in, bone maintenance, body temperature regulation, and brain function. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory but can also have anti-inflammatory effects.
What is the need to do this test?
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can be used to help evaluate a person who has a condition associated with inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or with infection, such as sepsis. It may also be used in the evaluation of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. In the lungs, this inflammation causes fluid to accumulate in the air spaces which then leads to ARDS.
How Interleukin-6 is related to Covid-19?
The interleukin 6 (IL-6) protein is an anti-inflammatory myokine and a pro-inflammatory cytokine that helps the body regulate immune responses. IL-6 test is done to know how to treat serious hyper-immune reactions in some patients with COVID-19. A cytokine storm is characterized by the profound and uncontrolled release of cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6). In this condition, the body’s immune system is thrown into overdrive, essentially overwhelming the body’s organs. In patients with COVID-19 and other severe respiratory viruses, the resulting pulmonary inflammation makes oxygenation even more difficult and can eventually lead to acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), among other conditions.
Also Read: Deadly Coronavirus
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