ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN CACHEXIA

Cachexia is a muscle wasting syndrome leading to muscle atrophy and weakness associated to most chronic diseases, including cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure. Cachexia is a critical issue in the comprehensive approach to chronic patients since it affects morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Physical exercise has important effects on secondary prevention or intervention against several diseases. Although there are good reasons to recommend regular physical activity in patient populations, recommending exercise is not a straightforward endeavor in patients with chronic diseases. Oxidative stress may be a pivotal etiological factor in the onset of cachexia. Expression of muscle specific ubiquitin ligase responsible for muscle wasting is increased by oxidative stress, whereas nitric oxide may protect against muscle atrophy. Also, endurance exercise causes oxidative stress. Thus the question arises whether to exercise or not to exercise in cachexia.