The human interferon-beta 2 gene (IFNB2) product is identical to that for the B-cell stimulation factor-2 (BSF-2), the hybridoma growth factor (HGF) ("interleukin-6"), and the hepatocyte stimulating factor (HSF). Proteins derived from this gene mediate the plasma protein response to tissue injury (acute-phase response) and regulate the growth and differentiation of both B and T cells. Interleukin-6 (IL6) has come to be regarded as a potential osteoporotic factor because it has stimulatory effects on cells of the osteoclast lineage, and, thus, may play a role in the pathogenesis of bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency. IL-6 has many roles essential to the regulation of the immune response, hematopoiesis, and bone resorption. It is involved not only in the hepatic acute phase response but also in adipose tissue metabolism, lipoprotein lipase activity, and hepatic triglyceride secretion. Overproduction of IL-6, a proinflammatory cytokine, is associated with a spectrum of age-related conditions including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, periodontal disease, frailty, and functional decline. BSF-2 is a novel interleukin consisting of 184 amino acids. The standard product used in this kit is recombinant human IL-6, consisting of 184 amino acids with the molecular mass of 20.3kDa.

ScienCell's human IL-6 ELISA Kit is based on standard sandwich enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay technology. Human IL-6-specific monoclonal antibodies are precoated onto 8 x 12 strips. The human specific detection polyclonal antibodies are biotinylated. The test samples and biotinylated detection antibodies are subsequently added to the wells and then washed with PBS or TBS buffer. Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex is added and unbound conjugates are washed away with PBS or TBS buffer. HRP substrate TMB is used to visualize HRP enzymatic reaction. TMB is catalyzed by HRP to produce a blue color product that changes into yellow after adding acidic stop solution. The intensity of yellow is proportional to the amount of human IL-6 in the sample that is captured in the strips.