Cytokines and cancer anorexia cachexia syndrome

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2008 Oct-Nov;25(5):407-11. doi: 10.1177/1049909108315518. Epub 2008 Apr 10.

Abstract

Cancer anorexia cachexia syndrome is frequent yet still a not well understood cancer-related problem. The pathophysiology of cancer cachexia is multifactorial. It is suggested to be the result of tumor-host interactions and studies of the disturbances seen during cancer anorexia cachexia syndrome, such as anorexia, hyper-metabolism, tissue wasting, metabolic abnormalities, and hormonal changes, all point to the involvement in one way or another of one key factor: cytokines. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest developments in the field of cytokines and their role in cancer anorexia cachexia syndrome. The emphasis is on the role of cytokines in anorexia and tissue wasting.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Anorexia / etiology*
  • Anorexia / metabolism
  • Anorexia / physiopathology
  • Cachexia / etiology*
  • Cachexia / metabolism
  • Cachexia / physiopathology
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Ghrelin / physiology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1 / physiology
  • Interleukin-6 / physiology
  • Leptin / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Proteoglycans / physiology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Ghrelin
  • Interleukin-1
  • Interleukin-6
  • Leptin
  • Proteoglycans
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • proteolysis-inducing peptide