THE INFLAMMATORY LINK BETWEEN OBESITY, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: THE ROLE OF INTERLEUKIN-6

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common condition that impairs women's quality of life and is frequently associated with obesity. Beyond hormonal and vascular mechanisms, chronic low-grade inflammation, particularly elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been proposed as a biological mediator of this association. This systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251046082), aimed to evaluate the role of IL-6 in mediating the association between obesity and FSD. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2018 and 2025, focusing on obese women, quantitative IL-6 measurements, and validated assessments of sexual function such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Eight eligible studies, comprising cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort designs, were included and appraised using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, with all scoring ≥ 7, indicating good methodological quality. The study results consistently demonstrated that elevated IL-6 levels were associated with impaired FSFI outcomes, particularly in desire, arousal, and orgasm domains, independent of body mass index. Weight-loss interventions that reduced IL-6, such as bariatric surgery and lifestyle modification, corresponded with significant improvements in sexual function. These findings highlight IL-6 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in obesity-related FSD, supporting future trials on anti-inflammatory interventions.