For example, the growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a stress responsive cytokine of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) family [201], has been shown to be elevated in the blood plasma of cardiothoracic ICU patients who developed muscle wasting [202], or were diagnosed with ICUAW [203], and was in the blood serum of critically ill patients with sepsis [204]. This evidence concerns the gene GDF15 and Sepsis.