IL6 and colorectal cancer: In addition, the Sphk1 inhibitor N′-(3-(benzyloxy) benzylidene)-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzohydrazide also decreased expression of interleukin IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and significantly inhibited ulcerative colitis—a precancerous lesion of colorectal cancer—in a DSS-induced rodent model [60].