Interleukin 12

High levels of Interleukin 12 (IL-12) in your body could indicate that your immune system is working overtime. This could be due to an ongoing infection where your body is producing more IL-12 to guide more defense cells to fight off the invading pathogens. Alternatively, it could be a sign of an autoimmune disease, where your body mistakenly attacks its own cells, causing an overproduction of IL-12. Additionally, certain medications, such as immunosuppressants or biologics, could potentially affect IL-12 production. High IL-12 levels are essentially a sign that your body is in a heightened state of defense, which could be due to a variety of internal or external factors.

Symptoms of high levels of IL-12 could include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and a general feeling of being unwell, as these are common responses when your immune system is highly active. However, it's important to note that these symptoms are quite general and could be associated with many different conditions, not just high IL-12 levels.

Low levels of Interleukin 12 (IL-12) could indicate that your immune system isn't performing at its best. IL-12 is like a coach for your body's defense cells, directing them where to go to fight off infections or diseases. If your IL-12 levels are low, it could mean that your body's defense team isn't getting the guidance it needs. This could be due to a variety of reasons. For instance, you might be fighting an ongoing infection that's overwhelming your immune system. Alternatively, you could have an autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. Certain medications, like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, can also lower IL-12 levels. So, low IL-12 levels could be a sign that something is affecting your immune system's ability to do its job.

Symptoms of low levels of Interleukin 12 may not be specific and can vary widely, as they are often related to the underlying condition affecting the immune system. These could include frequent infections, fatigue, or symptoms related to a specific autoimmune disease.