Interleukin 6 (IL-6) Blood Test

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a protein produced by various cells. It helps regulate immune responses, which makes the IL-6 test potentially useful as a marker of immune system activation. IL-6 can be elevated with inflammation, infection, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers.

Normally, IL-6 is not detected in the blood or is present in low levels. An elevated IL-6 may mean that the person tested has an inflammatory condition. IL-6 is elevated with a variety of conditions and has been associated in some cases with an increased risk of disease development or worsening prognosis.

What does it mean when your IL-6 is high?

Generally, elevated levels of IL-6 indicate an inflammatory response, which should be compared with the other biomarkers in order to identify a specific inflammatory disorder. For example, in the immune response, the IL-6 levels are elevated along the elevator levels of CRP.

Does stress increase IL-6?

Production of IL-6 and other proinflammatory cytokines can be directly stimulated by depression and other negative emotions and stressful experiences. Indeed, both physical and psychological stressors can provoke transient increases in proinflammatory cytokines.

What can help to reduce IL-6?

Higher doses of diclofenac, ibuprofen, and celecoxib are associated with a more significant reduction in IL-6 levels. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, also substantially lowers IL-6 levels. Additionally, studies suggest that taking additional doses of cardamom may lead to a decrease in inflammatory markers such as CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA. Furthermore, one study found that cardamom raised antioxidant status by 90%.