[Role of IL-6 and its -174G>C polymorphism in weight management and in the metabolic comorbidities associated with obesity].
Obesity and its comorbidities have been associated with a low grade proinflammatory state, in which the adipose tissue seems to be involved. In fact, this tissue produces different proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and others. High circulating concentrations of IL-6 have been related to high body mass index, to diabetes mellitus type 2, to lipid abnormalities and to high blood pressure. There are some studies, which reported a relationship between IL-6 and energy metabolism, so this cytokine and its -174G>C gene polymorphism could be factors involved in the development of obesity. Different studies have associated the G allele of the IL-6 gene with obesity, with insulin resistance and with different cardiovascular risk factors. However, other published reports have associated the C allele of this gene to these metabolic disturbances and pathologies. This paper reviews recently published evidences about IL-6 and its physiopathological involvement in obesity and comorbidities, with emphasis on the role of the -174G>C polymorphism in the aetiology of these disturbances, in which obesity is a major risk factor.
Goyenechea
E
E
Departamento de Fisiología y Nutrición, Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Spain.
Parra
M D
MD
Martínez Hernández
J A
JA
D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D015850:Interleukin-6