Cachexia
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Recent findings in heart failure described by researchers from University of Porto
2009 JUL 20 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to recent research from Oporto, Portugal, "Cardiac cachexia (CC) is a complication of chronic heart failure (CHF). Little is known about the mechanisms leading to CC." "Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin are important regulators of energy metabolism and body weight. Previous studies of CHF and CC had great differences in body mass index (BMI) between cachectic and non-cachectic patients. To assess serum adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin concentrations in cachectic and non-cachectic patients. We conducted a case-control study in CHF patients matched for BMI. (n = 33) were cachectic patients with unintentional weight loss of >= 7.5% of the previous baseline weight. Controls (n = 33) had no history of weight loss and were individually matched with cases for age, sex, and BMI. Cachectic patients had significantly higher adiponectin levels than controls: 25.0 +/- 12.3 vs. 14.7 +/- 8.8 mu g/mL (P = 0.002). Leptin concentration was lower in the cachectic group: 7.5 (IQR 4.0-10.8) vs. 8.0 (IQR 7.1-10.5) ng/mL. Differences in leptin lost significance once adjusted for fat mass. Adiponectin remained higher in cachectics after such adjustment. Ghrelin was not significantly different between groups. Adiponectin correlated positively with weight loss and BNP. Cachexia in CHF was associated with an increase in adiponectin, irrespective of BMI," wrote J. Pauloaraujo and colleagues, University of Porto. The researchers concluded: "This suggests a role of adiponectin in the wasting process of cachectic patients." Pauloaraujo and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Heart Failure (Adiponectin is increased in cardiac cachexia irrespective of body mass index. European Journal of Heart Failure, 2009;11(6):567-572). For additional information, contact J. Pauloaraujo, University of Porto, Faculty Medical, Hospital S Joao, Heart Failure Clinic, Service Med Interna, Unidade I&D C, Alameda Prof Hernani Monteiro, P-4202451 Oporto, Portugal. Publisher contact information for the European Journal of Heart Failure is: Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon St., Oxford OX2 6DP, England. Keywords: Portugal, Oporto, Cachexia, Cardiology, Chronic Heart Failure, Clinical Trial Research, Cytokines, Heart Attack, Metabolism, Weight Loss, Weight Management, Wellness, University of Porto. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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