interleukin-6
noun
in·ter·leu·kin-6
ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən-ˈsiks 
: an interleukin that is produced by various cells (such as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells) and that induces the maturation of B cells and growth of myeloma cells, activates and induces the proliferation of T cells, stimulates synthesis of plasma proteins (such as fibrinogen), and plays a role in producing fever
Last year, researchers discovered that older women who were socially active had lower levels of interleukin-6, a substance linked to chronic inflammation that is found at high levels in people with Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and cancer.—
Andrew Weil
—abbreviation IL-6
Andrew WeilExamples of interleukin-6 in a Sentence
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Another study found that refined olive oil was more effective than raw, unheated canola oil in lowering the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) in people with heart disease risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
—Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 10 July 2024
Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 10 July 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interleukin-6.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Interleukin-6.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interleukin-6. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
interleukin-6
noun
: an interleukin that is produced by various cells (as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells) and that acts as a pyrogen, induces maturation of B cells and growth of myeloma cells, activates and induces proliferation of T cells, and stimulates synthesis of plasma proteins (as fibrinogen)
—abbreviation IL-6
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