Cockayne Syndrome
An inherited version of extreme wasting syndromes can affect children. Cockayne Syndrome is a rare disease which causes children to suffer severe malnutrition and wasting similar to cachexia. It is also characterized by deficient neurological development and severe sensitivity to sunlight.
The Weatherall Institute research suggests a means of treating cachexia and Cockayne syndrome. Discovering GDF15 allows scientists to target and counter its effects. They can administer an antibody that neutralizes GDF15 to block the messages for the brain and prevent cachexia from happening.
Can it be Reversed?
“Cachexia is more than losing your appetite and weight loss, and doctors struggle to reverse this condition when it takes hold,” added Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK.
“It is a complex problem that has an enormous impact on people with cancer, damaging their well-being and lowering their energy at a time when they need it most,” she added. “Research that can tell us more about the mechanisms behind cachexia is essential if we want to find a way to manage it.”
Cachexia is a wasting syndrome that causes massive weight loss in your body even if you eat normally. Cancer patients sometimes suddenly manifest cachexia effects to an alarming degree. Scientists in the UK have linked a hormone that messages the brain to suppress appetite and cause cachexia. The hormone GDF15 could be damaging DNA and triggering signals to suppress appetite. For more on other Cancers, click here.
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