How Do Cytokines Cause Cachexia Through Systemic Inflammation?
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5 min read
According to the National Cancer Institute, cachexia is a severe wasting syndrome marked by weight and muscle loss, often associated with chronic diseases like cancer and AIDS. In this process, the immune system's cytokine response drives systemic inflammation, which fundamentally alters the body's metabolism and energy use. This aggressive inflammatory state is how cytokines cause cachexia, leading to an involuntary breakdown of muscle and fat tissue.
