Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-6 elicits both anticancer and procancer effects depending on the context, which we have termed the 'exercise IL-6 enigma'. IL-6 is released from skeletal muscles during exercise to regulate short-term energy availability. Exercise-induced IL-6 provokes biological effects that may protect against cancer by improving insulin sensitivity, stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, mobilising immune cells, and reducing DNA damage in early malignant cells. By contrast, IL-6 continuously produced by leukocytes in inflammatory sites drives tumorigenesis by promoting chronic inflammation and activating tumour-promoting signalling pathways. How can a molecule have such opposing effects on cancer? Here, we review the roles of IL-6 in chronic inflammation, tumorigenesis, and exercise-associated cancer prevention and define the factors that underpin the exercise IL-6 enigma.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 749-763 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 11 |
Early online date | 24 Aug 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2023 |
Keywords
- cancer
- exercise
- inflammation
- interleukin-6
- muscle
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism