Inflammation and Energy

This chapter examines the energy expenditure of the immune system in more detail. The spectrum from normal to massive inflammation is covered. It is shown that there is a continuum between normal and sepsis when looking at the cytokine interleukin-6 in the blood, for example. During the aging process, there is a very slight increase in interleukin-6. The higher the inflammation, the higher the energy expenditure. This relationship was demonstrated by simultaneous injection of interleukin-6 and measurement of energy expenditure. The experimental injection of interleukin-6 immediately and temporarily increases energy expenditure. In contrast, energy expenditure is permanently increased in chronic inflammatory diseases.