[Interleukin-6: friend or enemy? Latest findings on the clinical aspects of IL-6].

The authors summarize the recent findings obtained in the field of inflammatory cytokines with particular attention on interleukin-6 (IL-6). After a short review of the molecular biology and of the cellular effects of IL-6, the most important clinical relations of IL-6 in hepatic diseases, in non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and in certain autoimmune diseases are provided. The simultaneous discussion of molecular and clinical data contribute to the understanding of pathomechanisms.