Reasons for high levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10

Elevated levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 may be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, trauma, or chronic inflammation, and further analysis is needed in conjunction with specific clinical manifestations.

1. Infection factors:

Bacterial or viral infections are common causes of elevated levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. When pathogens invade the human body, the immune system releases these cytokines to activate the immune response. Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as well as viral infections such as EB virus and cytomegalovirus, can significantly stimulate the secretion of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. This type of elevation is usually accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue, and blood tests show a synchronous increase in C-reactive protein. 2. Autoimmune diseases: Patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus often have abnormal levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. In these diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to a sustained low-grade inflammatory state. Interleukin-6 promotes inflammatory response, while interleukin-10 attempts to suppress excessive immune response, and an imbalance between the two may exacerbate joint or organ damage. Laboratory tests often show positive results for biomarkers such as anti nuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor.

3. Tumor related diseases:

Some malignant tumors such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma can secrete large amounts of interleukin-6. Elevated levels of interleukin-10 in the tumor microenvironment may help cancer cells evade immune surveillance. This abnormal elevation is often persistent and may be accompanied by symptoms such as anemia, bone pain, and lymphadenopathy. Imaging examinations such as CT and bone marrow biopsy can help clarify the diagnosis.

4. Tissue damage: After major surgery, severe burns, or trauma, the damaged tissue releases damage related molecular patterns, activating immune cells to produce interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. This elevation is usually temporary and gradually returns to normal as the tissue repairs. Monitoring dynamic changes can help assess the risk of post-traumatic inflammatory response syndrome.

5. Chronic inflammation:

Chronic low-grade inflammatory states such as obesity and atherosclerosis can lead to a slight and continuous increase of interleukin-6. Adipose tissue, especially visceral fat, can secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, while interleukin-10 may be compensatorily increased to regulate inflammation. This type of situation often does not have obvious acute symptoms, but may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term.

When elevated levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 are found, it is recommended to complete blood routine, C-reactive protein, autoantibody spectrum and other tests to clarify the cause. Daily attention should be paid to maintaining a regular schedule and avoiding excessive fatigue; Balanced diet, moderate increase in deep-sea fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids; Moderate exercise helps regulate immune function. If accompanied by warning symptoms such as persistent fever and weight loss, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to investigate serious illnesses. Regular physical examinations and monitoring of changes in indicators are of great significance for evaluating disease progression.