May be involved in the regulation of the inflammatory network. Its role as pro- or anti-inflammatory seems to be context dependent (PubMed:21658842, PubMed:27086950). Seems to have some role in regulating food intake and energy balance when administered in the brain. This effect is sustained over a two-day period, and it is accompanied by decreased expression of orexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalamus 3 hours post-injection (By similarity). Homomultimer. Forms trimers, hexamers and high molecular weight oligomers (By similarity). Widely expressed at low levels (PubMed:21658842). Highest levels in adipocyte tissue and brain (PubMed:24366864). Up-regulated by IL6. There are conflicting results in its involvement in the inflammatory network. It was first described to be a pro-inflammatory cytokine by inducing the activation of NF-kappa-B signaling pathway and up-regulates IL6 production in liver carcinoma cells (PubMed:21658842). While it seems to have the opposite effect in macrophages (PubMed:27086950). Involvement in food intake and energy was only observed when the protein was externally administered in the brain, but not when this protein was overexpressed in vivo.