p42/p44-MAPK and PI3K are sufficient for IL-6 family cytokines/gp130 to signal to hypertrophy and survival in cardiomyocytes in the absence of JAK/STAT activation

► IL-6 signals independently of soluble IL-6 receptor in cardiomyocytes. ► IL-6 activates MAPK and PI-3-kinase in the absence of JAK/STAT activation. ► IL-6 induces hypertrophy and cytoprotection in the absence of JAK/STAT activation. ► IL-6 induced Erk-1 and 2 MAPK activation is necessary and sufficient for cytoprotection.