Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. The study shows that the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells are releasing this cytokine, contributing to the inflammation seen in PH. The research suggests that IL-6 is a better marker of diease severity and prognosis and so could help with diagnosis. It is a biomarker of the disease, but it can also be targeted as a therapeutic.
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