PCM

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Effect of Protein-Calorie Malnutrition:

PCM can affect a series of organs and tissues. There is evidence in

humans and especially in experimental animals that PCM can cause

damage to the cardiovascular system. PCM can promote the following

alterations: 1) clinical changes that vary from bradycardia to heart

failure; 2) functional changes, such as reduction in cardiac output,

in ventricular compliance, and in myocardial contractility; 3)

biochemical changes, such as the activation of calcium-dependent

proteinase, reduction of the protein synthesis and of the RNA/DNA

ratio, and an increase in DNA; and 4) morphological changes, such as

dilation of the cardiac chambers, atrophy and/or degeneration of

myocytes, interstitial and mitochondrial edema, and increase in

colagen 3-6.

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext & pid=S0066-782X1999000400004

Kat.