Catabolysis
Catabolysis | |
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A Vietnamese man, showing signs of starvation. | |
Specialty | Endocrinology |
Causes | Malnutrition |
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Catabolysis is a biological process in which the body breaks down fat and muscle tissue in order to stay alive. Catabolysis occurs only when there is no longer any source of protein, carbohydrate, or vitamin nourishment feeding all body systems; it is the most severe type of malnutrition.
Mechanism
Due to the normal metabolic rate of humans catabolysis becomes life-threatening only after 1–2 months from the cessation of nutrition going into the body. After this time, the damage to muscles and organs can be permanent and can also eventually cause death, if left untreated. Catabolysis is the last metabolic resort for the body to keep itself — particularly the nervous system—functional.
Protein stores, especially in muscle tissue, provide the amino acids needed for the process. Amino acids are released into the blood and converted in the liver to
The situation can become dire when one begins to lose
The body has a natural store of fat (also called adipose tissue) that stores reserve energy. One can still stay alive while the body breaks down the fatty tissue (hence people wasting away from starvation).
The person may, during catabolysis, have large amounts of
Treatment
While catabolysis can be deadly over time, if the person is given medical treatment early enough, the effects of catabolysis can be reversed. However, the person may require
See also
- Anorexia nervosa
- Conatus | Wiktionary
- Metabolism
- Starvation
- Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
- Wasting
References
External links
- "Metabolic Pathways | NIDDK". National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved 23 June 2018.