Increased levels of systemic iron content in adult-onset interleukin-6 knockout mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in multiple metabolic disorders. IL-6 is well recognized to induce hepcidin expression and decreased serum iron through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway under inflammatory conditions. Targeted inhibition of IL-6 represents a potential therapeutic regimen for multiple diseases. The current study aimed to explore the physiological concentration of IL-6 in sustaining systemic iron homeostasis.

Methods

IL-6-knockout mice (IL-6-/-) were established in the current study. Western blot measured the expression of key iron-related proteins in liver, kidney, spleen and duodenum, as well as hepatic hepcidin mRNA expression. Serum iron and hematologic parameters were detected. ELISA and Masson's trichrome staining were per

SUBMITTER: Zhang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12713224 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature