IL-6 Regulation of Substrate Metabolism and Influence of Obesity

Summary

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of blocking IL-6 signaling with tocilizumab on lipid, glucose and protein metabolism during rest and exercise in healthy and obese humans. Interleukin-6 is a molecule produced by a variety of cells and impacts on energy metabolism during fasting and fed conditions. Systemic IL-6 levels are low but increase acutely in response to fasting, exercise and infection, and also chronically in response to obesity and other conditions of lowgrade inflammation.Our recent human intervention study showed that IL-6 receptor blockade prevents exercise training from reducing visceral fat mass. Whether IL-6 receptor blockade directly regulates lipolysis and/or lipid oxidation in humans is however unclear. Therefore, this study will be performed to investigate the physiological role of IL-6 on lipid, glucose and protein metabolism in humans.

Timeline

Start

2019-06-12

Primary completion

2020-04-03

Completion

2020-04-03

Publications

• Trinh B, Peletier M, Simonsen C, Plomgaard P, Karstoft K, Pedersen BK, van Hall G, Ellingsgaard H. Amino Acid Metabolism and Protein Turnover in Lean and Obese Humans During Exercise-Effect of IL-6 Receptor Blockade. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Jun 16;107(7):1854-1864. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgac239.
• Trinh B, Peletier M, Simonsen C, Plomgaard P, Karstoft K, Klarlund Pedersen B, van Hall G, Ellingsgaard H. Blocking endogenous IL-6 impairs mobilization of free fatty acids during rest and exercise in lean and obese men. Cell Rep Med. 2021 Sep 9;2(9):100396. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100396. eCollection 2021 Sep 21.

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Indications