What does this gene do?

IL-6 gene plays an important role in inflammation. It is a major regulator in the production of specific proteins, known as acute phase proteins, by the liver when the body is experiencing some sort of inflammation.

Fat cells are a storage place for IL-6, meaning that you are more likely to have higher levels or chronic levels of IL-6 if you are overweight or obese. Higher levels of circulating IL-6 have been associated with chronic inflammatory conditions: obesity, belly fat, poor glucose control and high blood pressure to name a few.

Recent studies have shown that the IL-6 receptor, also has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, IL-6 protein has been classified as having both pro and anti-inflammatory properties.

The G and C allele variants of IL-6  both have different impacts.

The GG genotype, it has been associated with increased serum lipids but may not increase the CRP- levels (another indicator of inflammation) which is easily measure in the blood in our HS-CRP test.

The GG allele is observed in African and Asians, nearly completely at 95-100%, so very common

The C allele, it has been linked to raised IL-6 and CRP levels linked to risk of belly fat, increases risk of poor sugr control, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The CC genotype is mainly observed in European population.

Increasing consumption of anti-inflammatory foods and dietary pattern such as the mediterranean diet and reducing the intake of inflammatory foods such as processed foods or excessive intake of take-away, is recommended. Consult your registered dietitian or healthcare professional for dietary intervention and lifestyle recommendations.

Other genes working together with IL-6; CRP, TNFA and HO-1 genotypes.