Interleukin-6 Signaling in Liver-Parenchymal Cells Suppresses Hepatic Inflammation and Improves Systemic Insulin Action

SummaryThe contribution of interleukin (IL)-6 signaling in obesity-induced inflammation remains controversial. To specifically define the role of hepatic IL-6 signaling in insulin action and resistance, we have generated mice with hepatocyte-specific IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) α deficiency (IL-6RαL-KO mice). These animals showed no alterations in body weight and fat content but exhibited a reduction in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Impaired glucose metabolism originated from attenuated insulin-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle and fat. Surprisingly, hepatic IL-6Rα-disruption caused an exaggerated inflammatory response during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp analysis, as revealed by increased expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10, as well as enhanced activation of inflammatory signaling such as phosphorylation of IκBα. Neutralization of TNF-α or ablation of Kupffer cells restored glucose tolerance in IL-6RαL-KO mice. Thus, our results reveal an unexpected role for hepatic IL-6 signaling to limit hepatic inflammation and to protect from local and systemic insulin resistance.

► Hepatic IL-6 signaling improves local and systemic insulin action
► Hepatocyte IL-6 signaling limits inflammatory cytokine expression in liver
► Heptocyte IL-6 signaling controls TNF-α secretion from Kupffer cells
► Kupffer cell-derived cytokines can affect systemic insulin sensitivity