Role of interleukin‑6 in muscle hypertrophy is poorly understood

Elucidate the mechanistic role of interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) in mediating skeletal muscle hypertrophy in humans undergoing resistance training, identifying causal signaling pathways and functional effects on muscle fiber growth.

Background

Although exercise‑induced changes in IL‑6 are associated with hypertrophy, the causal mechanisms by which IL‑6 might regulate muscle growth are not established. Determining whether IL‑6 is necessary and/or sufficient for hypertrophic signaling could refine recovery and training strategies.