Interleukin 6 (IL6) is a cytokine with a wide variety of biological functions. It is a potent inducer of the acute phase response and plays an essential role in the final differentiation of B-cells into Ig-secreting cells. IL6 is involved in lymphocyte and monocyte differentiation and IL-6 induces myeloma and plasmacytoma growth as well as nerve cells differentiation. B-cells, T-cells, hepatocytes, hematopoeitic progenitor cells and cells of the CNS are all responsive to IL6. IL6 is discharged into the bloodstream after muscle contraction and acts to increase the breakdown of fats and to improve insulin resistance.
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