Figure 2
From: Imaging opens possibilities both to target and to evaluate nutrition in critical illness
Muscle protein turnover in fed critically ill patients and healthy volunteers. Muscle protein turnover data from fed critically ill patients (n = 7) and fed healthy volunteers (n = 8). Both groups were fed according to energy expenditure. Muscle protein turnover was measured and calculated using isotopically labelled phenylalanine (Phe) and employing a two-pool model of the leg. Bars demonstrate a similar muscle protein synthesis rate, but a different protein degradation rate (P < 0.05), resulting in a different protein balance (P < 0.05). Data illustrate the underlying mechanism behind the rapid development of sarcopenia in critical illness. Data with permission from [22]. *Statistically different from healthy controls, P < 0.05.