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Which protein is thought to contribute to the development of cachexia in cancer patients?
Insulin
Albumin
Tumour necrosis factor
C-Reactive protein
The correct answer is: Tumour necrosis factor
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), commonly referred to as TNF-alpha, is a cytokine that plays a significant role in systemic inflammation and is often elevated in cancer patients, particularly in those experiencing cachexia. Cachexia is a complex syndrome characterized by severe body weight, muscle mass, and fat loss, significantly impacting a patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes. TNF-alpha contributes to cachexia through several mechanisms. It promotes the breakdown of muscle protein (a process known as muscle catabolism) and inhibits the synthesis of new proteins. This cytokine can alter metabolic pathways, leading to increased energy expenditure and decreased appetite, which further exacerbates weight loss. The elevated levels of TNF-alpha in patients with cancer can also influence the central nervous system, triggering signals that affect satiety and the desire to eat. In contrast, while insulin, albumin, and C-reactive protein are important proteins in various physiological processes, they do not have the same direct and significant role in the development and progression of cachexia associated with cancer as TNF-alpha does. Insulin is primarily involved in glucose metabolism and energy storage rather than directly causing muscle loss. Albumin, often used as a marker of nutritional status, may decrease in cachexia but is