Catabolysis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Catabolysis
| image          = [[File:Starved_Vietnamese_man,_1966.JPEG|250px]]
| caption        = A starved Vietnamese man, 1966, illustrating the effects of severe malnutrition and catabolysis.
| field          = [[Metabolism]]
| symptoms        = Muscle wasting, weakness, fatigue
| complications  = [[Organ failure]], [[immunodeficiency]]
| onset          = During prolonged [[starvation]]
| duration        = Until [[nutritional rehabilitation]]
| causes          = Lack of [[nutrients]] and [[calories]]
| risks          = [[Malnutrition]], [[anorexia nervosa]], [[famine]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation, [[biochemical tests]]
| treatment      = [[Nutritional support]], [[rehabilitation]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depending on severity and duration
| frequency      = Common in areas with [[food scarcity]]
}}
== Catabolysis ==
== Catabolysis ==
 
[[File:Starved_Vietnamese_man,_1966.JPEG|left|thumb|A starved Vietnamese man, 1966, illustrating the effects of catabolysis.]]
[[File:Starved_Vietnamese_man,_1966.JPEG|thumb|right|A starved Vietnamese man, 1966, illustrating the effects of catabolysis.]]
 
'''Catabolysis''' is a metabolic process that occurs in the body during periods of [[starvation]] or severe [[caloric restriction]]. It involves the breakdown of [[muscle tissue]] and other body components to release [[energy]] and maintain vital functions. This process is crucial for survival when [[nutrient]] intake is insufficient to meet the body's energy demands.
'''Catabolysis''' is a metabolic process that occurs in the body during periods of [[starvation]] or severe [[caloric restriction]]. It involves the breakdown of [[muscle tissue]] and other body components to release [[energy]] and maintain vital functions. This process is crucial for survival when [[nutrient]] intake is insufficient to meet the body's energy demands.
== Mechanism ==
== Mechanism ==
During catabolysis, the body prioritizes the use of available [[glycogen]] stores and [[lipid]] reserves. Once these are depleted, the body begins to break down [[proteins]] from muscle tissue into [[amino acids]]. These amino acids are then converted into [[glucose]] through a process called [[gluconeogenesis]], which occurs primarily in the [[liver]]. This glucose is used to supply energy to the [[brain]] and other vital organs.
During catabolysis, the body prioritizes the use of available [[glycogen]] stores and [[lipid]] reserves. Once these are depleted, the body begins to break down [[proteins]] from muscle tissue into [[amino acids]]. These amino acids are then converted into [[glucose]] through a process called [[gluconeogenesis]], which occurs primarily in the [[liver]]. This glucose is used to supply energy to the [[brain]] and other vital organs.
 
[[File:Starved_Vietnamese_man,_1966.JPEG|left|thumb|The physical effects of prolonged catabolysis can be severe.]]
[[File:Starved_Vietnamese_man,_1966.JPEG|thumb|left|The physical effects of prolonged catabolysis can be severe.]]
 
== Effects on the Body ==
== Effects on the Body ==
The effects of catabolysis can be severe, leading to significant [[muscle wasting]], [[weight loss]], and [[organ dysfunction]]. Prolonged catabolysis can result in [[cachexia]], a condition characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy. This is often seen in individuals suffering from chronic illnesses or severe malnutrition.
The effects of catabolysis can be severe, leading to significant [[muscle wasting]], [[weight loss]], and [[organ dysfunction]]. Prolonged catabolysis can result in [[cachexia]], a condition characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy. This is often seen in individuals suffering from chronic illnesses or severe malnutrition.
== Clinical Significance ==
== Clinical Significance ==
Understanding catabolysis is important in the management of patients with conditions such as [[anorexia nervosa]], [[cancer]], and [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD), where muscle wasting is a common complication. Interventions may include nutritional support and therapies aimed at preserving muscle mass and function.
Understanding catabolysis is important in the management of patients with conditions such as [[anorexia nervosa]], [[cancer]], and [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD), where muscle wasting is a common complication. Interventions may include nutritional support and therapies aimed at preserving muscle mass and function.
 
== See also ==
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Metabolism]]
* [[Metabolism]]
* [[Starvation]]
* [[Starvation]]
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* [[Cachexia]]
* [[Cachexia]]
* [[Anorexia nervosa]]
* [[Anorexia nervosa]]
[[Category:Metabolism]]
[[Category:Metabolism]]

Latest revision as of 21:14, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Catabolysis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Muscle wasting, weakness, fatigue
Complications Organ failure, immunodeficiency
Onset During prolonged starvation
Duration Until nutritional rehabilitation
Types N/A
Causes Lack of nutrients and calories
Risks Malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, famine
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, biochemical tests
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Nutritional support, rehabilitation
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depending on severity and duration
Frequency Common in areas with food scarcity
Deaths N/A


Catabolysis[edit]

A starved Vietnamese man, 1966, illustrating the effects of catabolysis.

Catabolysis is a metabolic process that occurs in the body during periods of starvation or severe caloric restriction. It involves the breakdown of muscle tissue and other body components to release energy and maintain vital functions. This process is crucial for survival when nutrient intake is insufficient to meet the body's energy demands.

Mechanism[edit]

During catabolysis, the body prioritizes the use of available glycogen stores and lipid reserves. Once these are depleted, the body begins to break down proteins from muscle tissue into amino acids. These amino acids are then converted into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis, which occurs primarily in the liver. This glucose is used to supply energy to the brain and other vital organs.

The physical effects of prolonged catabolysis can be severe.

Effects on the Body[edit]

The effects of catabolysis can be severe, leading to significant muscle wasting, weight loss, and organ dysfunction. Prolonged catabolysis can result in cachexia, a condition characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy. This is often seen in individuals suffering from chronic illnesses or severe malnutrition.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Understanding catabolysis is important in the management of patients with conditions such as anorexia nervosa, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where muscle wasting is a common complication. Interventions may include nutritional support and therapies aimed at preserving muscle mass and function.

See also[edit]