MEDIATORS OF INFLAMMATION, vol.11, no.6, pp.363-365, 2002 (SCI-Expanded)
BACKGROUND: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) results from food insufficiency as well as from poor social and economic conditions. Development of PEM is due to insufficient nutrition. Children with PEM lose their resistance to infections because of a disordered immune system. It has been reported that the changes occurring in mediators referred to as cytokines; in the immune system may be indicators of the disorders associated with PEM.