Characterization of a murine model of septic cachexia

Muscular loss is a characteristic phenomenon induced by a massive inflammation as occurring in sepsis. Indeed, the early phase of sepsis is responsible for the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, namely TNFα and IL-6, known to be effectors of cachexia. Although cachexia is a morbidity factor in human, there is to date no animal model of septic cachexia. The goal of this study is to create and characterize a murine model of septic cachexia and evaluate endogenous ghrelin variations. Among the factors involved in both sepsis and muscular protection, current research highlights a potential role for ghrelin in muscle protection but there are conflicting data regarding its variations during experimental sepsis. In this study we evaluate its two circulating forms (AG, acylated ghrelin and UAG, unacylated ghrelin).