The Role of IL-6 in Ischemic Stroke

Biomolecules. 2025 Mar 23;15(4):470. doi: 10.3390/biom15040470.

Abstract

The pathophysiology of a stroke is a complex process involving oxidative stress and inflammation. As a result of the actions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), not only does vascular damage occur, but the brain tissue is also damaged. It is a dynamic process, induced by a cellular-molecular immune response, focused on the development of an immediate reaction. During ischemia, inflammatory mediators are released, among which IL-6 plays a particularly important role in the acute phase of a stroke. Recently, a lot of attention has been devoted to this pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine, which enhances the migration of leukocytes and is controlled by chemokines and the expression of adhesion handlers. The impact of IL-6 on the severity of neurological treatment and on patient prognosis in AIS is of interest to many researchers. More and more data indicate that it may be a reliable prognostic factor in strokes.

Keywords: biomarker; interleukin 6; ischemic stroke.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Interleukin-6* / metabolism
  • Ischemic Stroke* / metabolism
  • Ischemic Stroke* / pathology
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Prognosis
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • Reactive Oxygen Species