Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which is a prognostic marker associated with left ventricular contractile dysfunction and heart failure. On the other hand, IL-6 activates signalling pathways which mediate delayed ischemic preconditioning. We have therefore studied the cellular mechanisms of IL-6-induced cardioprotection.
Cardiovascular Division, King's College London School of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, The Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK.