Role of intestinal function in cachexia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cachexia is a prominent feature in many chronic diseases, but its pathogenesis is still not fully understood. This article reviews recent research into the role of the gut barrier in the pathogenesis of inflammation and cachexia with special emphasis on two potentially catabolic diseases: liver cirrhosis and chronic heart failure. RECENT FINDINGS: There is increasing evidence that catabolic diseases such as liver cirrhosis and chronic heart failure are associated with increased gut permeability, endotoxemia and enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In liver cirrhosis normalization of portal hypertension by insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt obviously causes improvement not only of gut barrier function, but also of nutritional status. SUMMARY: Although its pathogenesis is not yet completely understood, proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the onset and progression of cachexia. Recent data support the hypothesis that impaired gut barrier function and increased permeability further translocation of endotoxins. Increased endotoxemia might be a potent trigger of systemic inflammatory response which is involved in the pathogenesis of the cachexia syndrome. Thus, it is tempting to speculate that therapeutic strategies for the improvement of gut barrier function will concomitantly improve nutritional status.