Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Why this test?
This test is used for early diagnosis of acute inflammatory reactions, infections, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, neoplasms. It is used as a marker of cytokine storm during the treatment of coronavirus. Depending on the results of this analysis, a decision is made on the further treatment of a patient suffering from coronavirus.
In what cases is it prescribed?
In-depth study of immune status in severe inflammatory diseases, bacterial infections, malignant neoplasms;
ovarian cancer (assessment of the aggressiveness of the course of the disease);
acute pancreatitis (early assessment of the severity of the pathological process);
thrombocytosis;
autoimmune diseases.
Testing preparation
Blood for research is taken only on an empty stomach;
On the eve of donating venous blood for research, fatty foods should be excluded from the diet;
Stress, emotional excitement, physical exertion (even climbing stairs) affect the conduct of tests and distort the results of research. Before the blood sampling procedure, it is recommended to sit quietly for 15-30 minutes.
Medicines can affect the results of testing.
Test information
Immunity is a set of body reactions aimed at protection against infections and substances that differ in biological properties (antigens). Innate factors of protection are proteins-cytokines, which are produced by blood and tissue cells (monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, lymphocytes) and transmit signals between cells.
One of the cytokine proteins is interleukin-6 (IL-6), which performs many functions. It activates the production of proteins of the acute phase of inflammation, participating in the immune defense of the body; affects the endocrine system, stimulating the secretion of vasopressin, somatotropic hormone, activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and suppressing the function of the thyroid gland; has a thermogenic effect (locally raising the temperature). In addition, it takes part in the differentiation of nerve cells, stimulation of hepatocytes, proliferation and differentiation of B- and T-cells, plays a significant role in the development of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, oncological and other diseases.
The level of IL-6 in the blood increases with severe inflammatory processes, infections, and injuries.
The IL-6 protein is encoded by the IL6 gene. The region of DNA in the gene regulatory region of this gene at position -597, in which the substitution of guanine (G) for adenine (A) occurs, is called the genetic marker G (-597) A. The IL6 gene can exist in the form of two allelic variants, which include both G-allele and A-allele.
hyperandrogenism
In healthy women, carriers of the G allele on the marker G (-597) A and the allele G on another marker of the IL-6 gene - the marker G (-174) C, higher levels of circulating IL-6 and basal cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, in comparison with carriers of alleles A and c according to these genetic markers. Thus, G (-597) A- and G (-174) C-polymorphisms are involved in the pathogenesis of hyperandrogen disorders.
