The role of interleukin-6 in the failing heart.
Clinical studies have shown that circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and other IL-6 related cytokines are increased in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Plasma IL-6 concentrations are related to decreasing functional status of the patient and provide important prognostic information. Experimental studies have produced compelling evidence that IL-6 and IL-6 related cytokines play a pivotal role in the regulation of cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis. This review summarizes clinical and experimental data from this rapidly evolving field, which, taken together, strongly suggest that IL-6 and IL-6 related cytokines are intricately involved in the pathophysiology of the failing heart.
Wollert
K C
KC
Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany. wollert.kai@mh-hannover.de
Drexler
H
H
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis; D050822:Cytokine Receptor gp130; D018450:Disease Progression; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D015703:Antigens, CD; C494199:IL6ST protein, human; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D050822:Cytokine Receptor gp130