Muscles are an essential part of the human body that are responsible for many things such as movement, posture, protection of internal organs, and insulation.  The human body does not have the ability to function without this very important tissue.  Therefore, the body needs the ability to repair muscle fibers when they become damaged.  This is done through the process of hyperplasia, cell division of any adult cell. If this process cannot occur, then it becomes a critical emergency for the body (Tortora).  So, what can prevent hyperplasia?

In a study conduct by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, they closely observed the cells used during hyperplasia, satellite cells.  The cells were viewed from a body that contained cancer and from animal models.  During certain types of cancers, substances are released into the blood stream by the tumor or main cancer area.   These substances prevent muscle fibers from repairing themselves which is called cancer cachexia.

Cancer cachexia causes a loss of muscle and body weight which can lead to death.  The article states, that about twenty-five percent of cancer related deaths are due to cancer cachexia. (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center).  During this process, satellite cells are present and active, but the substances from the tumor prevent the cells from doing their job.  However, there is no known cure for this disorder. So, how does it affect the medical community and world?

The study has helped the medical community and patients understand the process of muscle degeneration during cancer cachexia.  Dr. Guttridge said, that finding the agents that cause cancer cachexia presents possibility of restoring muscle mass and better a person’s quality of life.( Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center). This study is the first one to show that things outside the muscles can affect hyperplasia. In conclusion, this information has placed us in the right direction for the future.

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (2013, October 23). Cancer wasting due in part to tumor factors that block muscle repair, study shows. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 1, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2013/10/131023153742.htm

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons