Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, classically associated with orchestrating an immune response to invading pathogens. However, IL-6 can also directly or indirectly modify central nervous system function, and thereby alter higher-order functions, such as learning and the consolidation of memories. IL-6 is chronically elevated in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a neuromuscular disorder arising when a mutation causes the loss of the structural protein, dystrophin. Absence of dystrophin leads to progressive immobility, chronic inflammation and premature death. However, the role of dystrophin as a mechano-transducing signalling molecule is unnecessary in non-contracting cells such as neurons, where it may play a role in synapse formation. Specific brain regions, including the hippocampus, which is the site of memory acquisition, expresses dystrophin and therefore, loss of this protein may underlie variable deficits in cognitive function that are common in individuals with DMD. This review will evaluate the potential role of IL-6 in cognitive dysfunction in dystrophin-deficient DMD.

中文翻译：

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白细胞介素 6：一种导致杜氏肌营养不良症认知障碍的神经活性细胞因子？

白细胞介素 6 (IL-6) 是一种促炎细胞因子，通常与协调对入侵病原体的免疫反应有关。然而，IL-6 也可以直接或间接地改变中枢神经系统功能，从而改变更高阶的功能，例如学习和记忆的巩固。IL-6 在杜氏肌营养不良症 (DMD) 中长期升高，DMD 是一种神经肌肉疾病，由突变导致结构蛋白肌营养不良蛋白丢失而引起。缺乏抗肌萎缩蛋白会导致进行性不动、慢性炎症和过早死亡。然而，肌营养不良蛋白作为机械转导信号分子的作用在非收缩细胞（如神经元）中是不必要的，它可能在突触形成中发挥作用。特定的大脑区域，包括海马体，这是获得记忆的部位，表达抗肌萎缩蛋白，因此，这种蛋白质的缺失可能是 DMD 患者常见的认知功能缺陷的基础。本综述将评估 IL-6 在肌营养不良蛋白缺陷型 DMD 认知功能障碍中的潜在作用。