Cachexia involves wasting of which tissues?

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Multiple Choice

Cachexia involves wasting of which tissues?

Cachexia is a catabolic state driven by chronic illness and inflammation, leading to loss of lean body mass and fat tissue. The tissues most characteristically wasted are skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Inflammation and cytokines promote muscle proteolysis and increased lipolysis, causing weight loss that often persists despite nutrition. This pattern helps distinguish cachexia from simple starvation, where fat loss can occur but lean mass is better preserved with adequate intake. Other tissues like bone, cartilage, nerves, or internal organs may be affected in various conditions, but the hallmark wasting in cachexia targets muscle and fat.

Cachexia is a catabolic state driven by chronic illness and inflammation, leading to loss of lean body mass and fat tissue. The tissues most characteristically wasted are skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Inflammation and cytokines promote muscle proteolysis and increased lipolysis, causing weight loss that often persists despite nutrition. This pattern helps distinguish cachexia from simple starvation, where fat loss can occur but lean mass is better preserved with adequate intake. Other tissues like bone, cartilage, nerves, or internal organs may be affected in various conditions, but the hallmark wasting in cachexia targets muscle and fat.

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