Discovery and characterization of a monoclonal antibody targeting a conformational epitope of IL-6/IL-6Rα to inhibit IL-6/ IL-6Rα/gp130 hexameric signaling complex formation

Functional role of skeletal muscle-derived interleukin-6 and its effects on lipid metabolism

The detrimental impact of obesity on human health is increasingly evident with the rise in obesity-related diseases. Skeletal muscle, the crucial organ responsible for energy balance metabolism, plays a significant role as a secretory organ by releasing various myokines. Among these myokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6) is closely associated with skeletal muscle contraction. IL-6 triggers the process of lipolysis by mobilizing energy-storing adipose tissue, thereby providing energy for physical exercise. This phenomenon also elucidates the health benefits of regular exercise. However, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue maintain a constant interaction, both directly and indirectly. Direct interaction occurs through the accumulation of excess fat within skeletal muscle, known as ectopic fat deposition. Indirect interaction takes place when adipose tissue is mobilized to supply the energy for skeletal muscle during exercise. Consequently, maintaining a functional balance between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue becomes paramount in regulating energy metabolism and promoting overall health. IL-6, as a representative cytokine, participates in various inflammatory responses, including non-classical inflammatory responses such as adipogenesis. Skeletal muscle influences adipogenesis through paracrine mechanisms, primarily by secreting IL-6. In this research paper, we aim to review the role of skeletal muscle-derived IL-6 in lipid metabolism and other physiological activities, such as insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. By doing so, we provide valuable insights into the regulatory function of skeletal muscle-derived myokines in lipid metabolism.

In Silico Prediction of the Bioactive Profile and Metabolites of Satureja nepeta in Diseases Related to the Excessive Production of Interleukin-6

Inflammatory bowel diseases are caused by an abnormal reaction of the immune system, which becomes hyperactive because the mechanisms responsible for regulating it get out of control. For an effective immune response, many proinflammatory cytokines are secreted, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6) keystone cytokine inflammation. Many synthetic and natural compounds targeting IL-6 have been studied. The genus Satureja of the Lamiaceae family is generally known for its many virtues, in particular anti-inflammatory properties. However, the mechanism of action is unclear. This study aims to predict the impact of characterized bioactive molecules of Moroccan Satureja nepeta in the potential control of inflammatory response mediated by IL-6 cytokine. A list of 9 previously characterized natural compounds of S. nepeta was compiled, and a list of 6 potential protein targets involved in intestinal inflammation was made. The 2 lists of natural compound-target proteins were analyzed by the STITCH software (http://stitch.embl.de/) to develop protein-compound and protein-protein interaction networks (PPINs). An ontological enrichment (GO) analysis was performed by the Clue GO plugin to evaluate the PPIN generated by STITCH; finally, the molecular docking to predict the mode underlying the anti-inflammatory effects. STITCH results revealed direct and indirect interactions of S. nepeta chemical compounds with a key protein target IL-6. The array results by ClueGO showed that most compounds involved in the regulation of several biological processes related to IL-6 such as inflammation apoptosis, cell differentiation, and metabolic regulation. The targets directly related to IL-6 have been used for molecular docking. Quercetin, catechin, and gallic acid have a strong affinity with the IL-6 receptor (respectively −7.1; −6.1; −5.3). This study strongly suggests that the bioactive compounds of S. nepeta could constitute a new therapeutic alternative in the treatment of diseases related to IL-6. However, to validate the results obtained in this work, it is necessary to explore the mechanism of action of potential bioactive molecules by experimentation.

Effects of Fermented Green Tea Waste Extract Gels on Oxidative Damage in Short-Term Passive Smoking Mice

Passive smoking is extensively studied because of its harmfulness to human health. In this study, the effects of fermented green tea waste extract gels (GTEG) on oxidative damage in mice exposed to short-term cigarette smoke (CS) were investigated. The GTEG is prepared from green tea waste extract and microbial transglutaminase (MTGase). The lung injury model of mice was established through passive smoking for 5 days. The experimental results revealed the following findings. (1) The GTEG induced by MTGase has obvious gel properties; (2) GTEG has strong biological activity and antioxidant properties in vitro; (3) The passive smoking model was established successfully; specifically, the lung tissue of the model mice exhibited inflammatory symptoms, oxidative stress response appeared in their bodies, and their inflammatory indicators increased; (4) Compared with the passive smoking model group, the mice, which were exposed to CS and received GTEG treatment, exhibited increased food intake and body weight; increased total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in serum; significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the content levels of the inflammatory factors malondialdehyde, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); and inhibited expression of IL-6, IL-33, TNF-α, and IL-1β inflammatory genes. The results indicated that taking GTEG can relieve the oxidative stress injury of mice caused by short-term CS and has antioxidant properties.