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Cytokines
Small signaling proteins (e.g., interleukins, TNF, interferons) that regulate immune and inflammatory responses.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6) drive the acute-phase response, anorexia, fever, and muscle catabolism. Anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) counterbalance the response. Excessive release (cytokine storm) drives multi-organ failure in sepsis and severe COVID-19. Cytokines mediate the wasting of cancer cachexia, chronic disease anemia, and CKD-related protein-energy wasting.
How each textbook covers it
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary
Small signaling proteins (interleukins, interferons, TNF, chemokines) secreted by immune and other cells to regulate inflammation, immunity, and metabolism. Chronic low-grade cytokine elevation contributes to obesity-related insulin resistance.
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 7
Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6) drive the acute-phase response, anorexia, fever, and muscle catabolism. Anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) counterbalance the response. Excessive release (cytokine storm) drives multi-organ failure in sepsis and severe COVID-19. Cytokines mediate the wasting of cancer cachexia, chronic disease anemia, and CKD-related protein-energy wasting.
Related terms
Cancer Cachexia, Inflammation, Sepsis, Tumor necrosis factor