Interleukin-1 resets glucose homeostasis at central and peripheral levels: relevance for immunoregulation.

We briefly discuss here evidence showing that the capacity of IL-1beta to mediate adjustments of glucose homeostasis can be added to the already well-known pleiotropic effects of this cytokine. Such adjustments, which are necessary for satisfying the high energetic demands of immune/inflammatory responses, can be mediated by effects of endogenous IL-1 exerted at peripheral and brain levels in a concerted action with other cytokines and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.