Molecular basis of inflammation: relationships between catabolic cytokines, hormones, energy balance, and muscle.

Inflammation alters energy metabolism, macro- and micronutrient balances, and body composition. This review briefly describes the current understanding of how this happens, focusing on the effect of immune system activation on energy balance. Conversely, malnutrition also has a large impact on immune function, with both undernutrition (causing immune suppression) and overnutrition (causing inflammation) now well described. Improved understanding of the interplay of the immune system and metabolism can lead to new treatments for both cachexia and obesity.