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Growth hormone releasing hormone plasmid supplementation, a potential treatment for cancer cachexia, does not increase tumor growth in nude mice.

Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) is known to have multiple anabolic effects and immune-stimulatory effects. Previous studies suggest that treatment with anabolic hormones also has the potential to mitigate the deleterious effects of cancer cachexia in animals. We studied the effects of plasmid-mediated GHRH supplementation on tumor growth and the role of antitumor immune cells with two different human tumor cell lines, NCI-H358 human bronchioalveolar carcinoma and MDA-MB-468 human breast adenocarcinoma, subcutaneously implanted in nude mice. GHRH supplementation by delivery of human GHRH from a muscle-specific GHRH expression plasmid did not increase tumor progression in tumor-bearing nude mice. Male animals implanted with the NCI-H358 tumor cell line and treated with the GHRH-expressing plasmid exhibited a 40% decrease in the size of the tumors (P<.02), a 48% increase in white blood cells (P<.025) and a 300% increase in monocyte count (P<.0001), as well as an increase in the frequency of activated CD3+ and CD4+ cells in the tumors, compared to tumors of control animals. No adverse effects were observed in animals that received the GHRH-plasmid treatment. The present study shows that physiological stimulation of the GHRH-GH-IGF-I axis in mice with cancer does not promote tumor growth and may provide a viable treatment for cancer cachexia in humans.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Neuromedin U is regulated by the metastasis suppressor RhoGDI2 and is a novel promoter of tumor formation, lung metastasis and cancer cachexia.

Most deaths from urinary bladder cancer are owing to metastatic disease. A reduction in Rho GDP Dissociation Inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) protein has been associated with increased risk of metastasis in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, whereas in animal models, RhoGDI2 reconstitution in cells without expression results in lung metastasis suppression. Recently, we noted an inverse correlation between tumor RhoGDI2 and Neuromedin U (NMU) expression, suggesting that NMU might be a target of the lung metastasis suppressor effect of RhoGDI2. Here we evaluated whether NMU is regulated by RhoGDI2 and is functionally important in tumor progression. We used small interfering RNA knockdown of endogenous RhoGDI2 in poorly tumorigenic and non-metastatic human bladder cancer T24 cells and observed increased NMU RNA expression. Although NMU overexpression did not increase the monolayer growth of T24 or related T24T poorly metastatic human bladder cancer cells, it did augment anchorage-independent growth for the latter. Overexpression of NMU in T24 and T24T cells significantly promoted tumor formation of both cell lines in nude mice, but did not alter the growth rate of established tumors. Furthermore, NMU-overexpressing xenografts were associated with lower animal body weight than control tumors, indicating a possible role of NMU in cancer cachexia. NMU overexpression in T24T cells significantly enhanced their lung metastatic ability. Bioluminescent in vivo imaging revealed that lung metastases in T24T grew faster than the same tumors in the subcutaneous microenvironment. In conclusion, NMU is a RhoGDI2-regulated gene that appears important for tumorigenicity, lung metastasis and cancer cachexia, and thus a promising therapeutic target in cancer.

Animals↗

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha, resting energy expenditure and cachexia in cystic fibrosis.

1. We investigated the relationship between circulating tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentrations, resting energy expenditure, cachexia and altered intermediary metabolism in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary infection. 2. Twenty adult patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchial sepsis covering a spectrum of severity of lung disease (forced expiratory volume in 1 s 30-100% of predicted) were compared with 10 age matched, healthy, non-cystic fibrosis subjects. 3. Circulating tumour necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein and neutrophil elastase-alpha 1-antiproteinase complex concentrations were determined simultaneously with glycerol, non-esterified fatty acids, catecholamines, anthropometric indices and resting energy expenditure (ventilated hood method). 4. Weight, body mass index and arm muscle mass were reduced in patients with cystic fibrosis compared with healthy control subjects (P < 0.01), whereas mean resting energy expenditure was increased [121 versus 101% predicted, mean difference 19.2% (95% confidence interval 11.0-27.4%), P < 0.001]. Circulating concentrations of glycerol (P < 0.01), non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.01), adrenaline (P < 0.05), tumour necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein and neutrophil elastase-alpha 1-antiproteinase complex (P < 0.01) were increased in patients compared with control subjects [tumour necrosis factor-alpha 96.9 versus 24.7 pg/ml, mean difference 72.2 pg/ml [95% confidence interval 27.7-116.7 pg/ml), P < 0.001]. Resting energy expenditure was significantly related to tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels and forced expiratory volume in 1 s. 5. In patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary sepsis changes in resting energy expenditure, body composition and intermediary metabolism are consistent with the systemic effects of the host inflammatory response, which may be responsible for cachexia in adult patients. In particular these changes are consistent with the action of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, which was detected in the circulation during a period of apparent clinical stability.

Adult↗

Down-regulation of the acute-phase response in patients with pancreatic cancer cachexia receiving oral eicosapentaenoic acid is mediated via suppression of interleukin-6.

1. Weight loss in pancreatic cancer is associated with persistent elevation of the acute-phase protein response. The effect of oral administration of eicosapentaenoic acid on the regulation of the acute-phase response in weight-losing patients with pancreatic cancer was investigated in vitro and in vivo. 2. Oral supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid, in patients with cancer cachexia, resulted in a significant reduction in the serum concentration of the acute-phase protein C-reactive protein (11.0 +/- 4.8 mg/l before eicosapentaenoic acid compared with 0.8 +/- 0.8 mg/l after 4 weeks of eicosapentaenoic acid, P < 0.05), but no significant reduction in the serum concentration of the hepatocyte-stimulating cytokine interleukin-6. Production of interleukin-6 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from patients was significantly reduced after supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (interleukin-6 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to 10 micrograms of lipopolysaccharide/ml: 10.2 +/- 2.1 ng/ml before supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid compared with 3.5 +/- 1.7 ng/ml after supplementation, P < 0.05) and supernatants from these cells had reduced potential to stimulate C-reactive protein production by isolated human hepatocytes (hepatocyte C-reactive protein production in response to supernatants from peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures exposed to 10 micrograms of lipopolysaccharide/ml: 150.4 +/- 18.6 ng/ml before eicosapentaenoic acid versus 118 +/- 14.9 ng/ml after 4 weeks of eicosapentaenoic acid, P < 0.05). The potential of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell supernatants to stimulate C-reactive protein production by hepatocytes could be attenuated by neutralizing anti-interleukin-6 antibody in control subjects and in patients before, but not after, treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid. 3. In conclusion, eicosapentaenoic acid can down-regulate the acute-phase response in patients with pancreatic cancer cachexia and this process is likely to involve suppression of interleukin-6 production.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

Plasma concentration of total leptin and human lung-cancer-associated cachexia.

1. Adipocyte-derived leptin is postulated to represent the afferent hormonal signal to the hypothalamus in a feedback mechanism that regulates fat mass. In this proposed feedback mechanism, increased fat mass leads to an elevated plasma leptin level that eventually induces a decrease in appetite and an increase in energy expenditure, and vice versa. 2. As anorexia and hypermetabolism play a role in the development of cancer cachexia, we investigated the hypothesis that underlying abnormalities in the leptin feedback mechanism (in particular relatively high plasma leptin levels or, on the other hand, a hypothalamic insensitivity to a fall in leptin levels) might be involved. For this purpose, total plasma leptin, body composition (fat mass and fat-free mass), appetite and resting energy expenditure were assessed in 21 male lung-cancer patients. 3. Total leptin was detectable in six patients and non-detectable in 15. In comparison with the latter, the patients with detectable leptin were characterized by a trend towards less weight loss (3.4% compared with 11.0%, P = 0.07), as being less underweight (body mass index 23.8 kg/m2 compared with 19.4 kg/m2, P = 0.004) and by a higher fat mass (21.4 kg compared with 9.7 kg, P = 0.001). Significant between-group differences in appetite and resting energy expenditure were lacking. 4. Based on these findings, we conclude that in cancer the afferent part of the leptin feedback mechanism functions normally and that, in particular, elevated leptin levels are not involved in the development of cachexia. Since the absence of plasma leptin was not associated with an increased appetite and decreased energy expenditure, disturbances in the hypothalamic part of the feedback mechanism are hypothesized.

Aged↗

Cachexia in MAC16 adenocarcinoma: suppression of hunger despite normal regulation of leptin, insulin and hypothalamic neuropeptide Y.

Weight loss normally stimulates hunger, through mechanisms that include falls in circulating leptin and insulin, leading to stimulation of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY). Here, we investigated the leptin, insulin and NPY to clarify why hunger is suppressed in mice with severe cachexia due to the MAC16 adenocarcinoma. MAC16-bearing mice progressively lost weight (19% below controls) and fat (- 61%) over 16 days after tumour transplantation, while total food intake fell by 10%. Pair-fed mice showed less wasting, with final weight being 9% and fat mass 25% below controls. Plasma leptin fell by 85% in MAC16 and 51% in pair-fed mice, in proportion to loss of fat. Plasma insulin was also reduced by 49% in MAC16 and 53% in pair-fed groups. Hypothalamic leptin receptor (OB-Rb) mRNA was significantly increased in both MAC16 (+ 223%) and pair-fed (+192%) mice. Hypothalamic NPY mRNA was also significantly raised in MAC16 (+152%) and pair-fed (+ 99%) groups, showing negative correlations with plasma leptin and insulin, and a positive association with OB-Rb mRNA. In MAC16-induced cachexia, leptin production and hypothalamic OB-Rb and NPY expression are regulated appropriately in response to fat depletion. Therefore, suppression of hunger is probably due to tumour products that inhibit NPY transport or release, or that interfere with neuronal targets downstream of NPY.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Provision of rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 complex attenuated development of cancer cachexia in an experimental tumor model.

UNLABELLED: Tumor growth is associated with development of cachexia which includes progressive wasting and anorexia. Our previous studies have indicated that insulin like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) in complex with its binding protein 3 (IGFBP 3), but not free IGF-I, was a potent stimulator of muscle protein synthesis in rats with chronic undernutrition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 on the development of cancer cachexia, and to assess safety data on net tumor growth and progression during treatment. METHODS: A methylcholantrene induced sarcoma was implanted s.c. in C 57 bl mice. The animals were provided with rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 (5 microg/g bw) i.v. twice daily (n= 18). Controls were provided with saline (n= 20). Body weight and food intake were registered daily. Net tumor growth was measured over 10 days. Protein synthesis in liver and muscle, as well as plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, IGF-I and amino acids were measured at the end of the study. RESULTS: tumor size did not differ between control mice and rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 treated mice (1.5 +/- 0.1 g wet tumor weight vs 1.6 +/- 0.2 g respectively). Saline treated tumor bearing controls lost 9.1 +/- 1.3 % body weight over 10 days due to rapid tumor growth while rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 provision attenuated weight loss to 5.6 +/- 1.3% of body weight in study mice (P< 0.05). Food intake was improved and blood glucose concentration was reduced from 7.1 +/- 0.5 to 5.8 +/- 0.2 (P< 0.05) in response to treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex did not affect net tumor growth. Moreover rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex improved tumor-host nutritional state by improving food intake, attenuating weight loss and improving glucose metabolism.

Animals↗

Body mass and survival in patients with chronic heart failure without cachexia: the importance of obesity.

BACKGROUND: Cachexia in chronic heart failure carries a poor prognosis, but little is known about the influence of body mass on the prognosis of noncachectic heart failure patients. METHODS: We studied 589 consecutive chronic heart failure patients followed for at least a year, in whom there were accurate baseline data for body mass. RESULTS: Average age was 64.5 +/- 12.4 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 30.9 +/- 0.73%. Cachexia was present in 64. Noncachectic patients were divided into quintiles of body mass index (BMI), Q1 (BMI 22.2 +/- 1.5) to Q5 (BMI 34.1 +/- 2.8). There was no difference among the 5 groups in age, exercise capacity or LVEF. Survival was greatest in Q4 (1-year survival [95% confidence interval (CI)]) 0.91 (0.85-0.96) and 3-year survival 0.81 (0.73-0.89). Relative risks compared with Q4 were Q1: 2.3 (1.4-3.8); Q2: 1.7 (1.1-2.9); Q3: 1.8 (1.1-3.0); and Q5: 1.5 (0.9-2.5). In multivariate analysis of 1 year follow-up, peak oxygen consumption (hazard ratio with 95% CI) (0.89 [0.82-0.97]; P =.006), LVEF (0.94 [0.91-0.97]; P =.0002) and BMI (0.90 [0.82-0.98]; P =.02) independently predicted 1-year survival with a combined Chi;(2) value of 42.4. Age (1.01 [0.98-1.05] and diagnosis (1.56 [0.78-3.11]) was not a predictor of survival. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic heart failure, increasing BMI is not an adverse prognostic feature. Thinner patients appear to have a poorer prognosis.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein, a lipid mobilizing factor, is expressed in adipocytes and is up-regulated in mice with cancer cachexia.

Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein (ZAG), a 43-kDa protein, is overexpressed in certain human malignant tumors and acts as a lipid-mobilizing factor to stimulate lipolysis in adipocytes leading to cachexia in mice implanted with ZAG-producing tumors. Because white adipose tissue (WAT) is an endocrine organ secreting a wide range of protein factors, including those involved in lipid metabolism, we have investigated whether ZAG is produced locally by adipocytes. ZAG mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in the mouse WAT depots examined (epididymal, perirenal, s.c., and mammary gland) and in interscapular brown fat. In WAT, ZAG gene expression was evident in mature adipocytes and in stromal-vascular cells. Using a ZAG Ab, ZAG protein was located in WAT by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Mice bearing the MAC16-tumor displayed substantial losses of body weight and fat mass, which was accompanied by major increases in ZAG mRNA and protein levels in WAT and brown fat. ZAG mRNA was detected in 3T3-L1 cells, before and after the induction of differentiation, with the level increasing progressively after differentiation with a peak at days 8-10. Both dexamethasone and a beta3 agonist, BRL 37344, increased ZAG mRNA levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ZAG gene expression and protein were also detected in human adipose tissue (visceral and s.c.). It is suggested that ZAG is a new adipose tissue protein factor, which may be involved in the modulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. Overexpression in WAT of tumor-bearing mice suggests a local role for adipocyte-derived ZAG in the substantial reduction of adiposity of cancer cachexia.

3T3 Cells↗

Development of cancer cachexia-like syndrome and adrenal tumors in inhibin-deficient mice.

Activins and inhibins, members of the type beta transforming growth factor superfamily of growth regulatory proteins, are produced in multiple tissues and affect diverse physiologic processes. Using embryonic stem cell technology, we previously demonstrated that inhibin can function as a gonadal tumor suppressor. In this study, we show that development of gonadal tumors is rapidly followed by a cancer cachexia-like wasting syndrome. Cachectic inhibin-deficient mice develop hepatocellular necrosis around the central vein and parietal cell depletion and mucosal atrophy in the glandular stomach, are anemic, and demonstrate severe weight loss. The liver pathology is consistent with studies demonstrating an effect of elevated activins on rat hepatocytes. In inhibin-deficient mice with tumors, activins are > 10-fold elevated in the serum and are likely causing some of the cachexia symptoms. In contrast, inhibin-deficient mice gonadectomized at an early age do not develop this wasting syndrome. However, these gonadectomized, inhibin-deficient mice eventually develop adrenal cortical sex steroidogenic tumors with nearly 100% penetrance, demonstrating that inhibin is also a tumor suppressor for the adrenal gland.

Activins↗

Energy-modulating vitamins--a new combinatorial therapy prevents cancer cachexia in rat mammary carcinoma.

Mitochondria are the major intracellular organelles producing ATP molecules via the electron transport chain. Cancer cells have a deviant energy metabolism, and a high rate of glycolysis is related to a high degree of dedifferentiation and proliferation. The overall net ATP production is diminished with cancer, which ultimately leads to cancer cachexia. The present study was designed to investigate the altered energy metabolism in cancer cells and to enhance ATP production in the normal host cell metabolism by enhancing the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, using energy-modulating vitamins, and thus prevent cancer cachexia. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected for the experimental study. Mammary carcinoma was induced by the oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (25 mg/kg body weight), and treatment was started by the oral administration of the energy-modulating vitamins riboflavin (45 mg/kg body weight per d), niacin (100 mg/kg body weight per d) and coenzyme Q10 (40 mg/kg body weight per d) for 28 d. Mitochondria were isolated from the mammary gland and liver of all four groups, and the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes were assayed. In mammary carcinoma-bearing animals, the activities of the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes were significantly decreased. These activities were restored to a greater extent in animals treated with energy-modulating vitamins. From these experimental results, one may hypothesize that the combination therapy of energy-modulating vitamins could be of major therapeutic value in breast cancer.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of cancer cachexia: issues in designing clinical trials of dietary supplements.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly popular, despite the limited evidence of the efficacy and safety of some forms of CAM. Cancer patients often turn to CAM therapies for the relief of treatment- induced side-effects and comorbidities. Cancer-associated weight loss commonly results in decreased functional status, life expectancy, and quality of life. Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with cancer cachexia, mainstream treatments do not sustain weight. Although nutritional supplements are commonly used, many of these have not been tested in clinical trials. The issues faced in dietary supplement research differ from those in pharmaceutical drug trials. These include problems with standardization, contamination, and compliance documentation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is proposed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fish oil supplementation for the treatment of cachexia in pancreatic cancer patients. The primary outcome measure will be lean body mass; secondary outcomes include functional status and quality of life. The methodology of the clinical trial is reviewed here and the unique problems faced by investigators in designing studies of dietary supplements are discussed.

Cachexia↗

Gastro-intestinal protein loss in elderly patients with cardiac cachexia.

Undernutrition resulting from chronic congestive heart failure (cardiac cachexia, CC) increases morbidity and mortality particularly in elderly people. The aetiology of CC is thought to be multifactorial. We have assessed the presence of gastro-intestinal protein loss in a group of patients with CC and a group of healthy age-and sex-matched controls. Gastro-intestinal protein loss was measured using the chromic chloride test in 29 patients with CC [mean age 76.1 (SD4.4) years] and 29 healthy controls [mean age 74.9 (SD 4.8) years]. The patients were undernourished in terms of anthropometric measurements compared to controls. The patients had a significantly lower mean ejection fraction [41.5(18.3)% vs. 65.5(2. 2)%] and higher mean pulmonary artery pressure [89.4(19.9)mmHg vs. 19.3(8.1) mmHg]. The recovery of radioactivity in a 5-day stool collection was similar in the two groups [patients vs. controls: 1. 0(0.7)% vs. 0.98(0.6)%, p=0.9]. These values are within the expected normal range. We conclude that gastro-intestinal protein loss is not a significant factor in the production of cardiac cachexia.

Aged↗

Molecular-based therapeutic approaches in treatment of anorexia of aging and cancer cachexia.

Loss of appetite, or anorexia, has profound implications for older persons, altering social interactions, reducing quality of life, and leading to weight loss with grave health consequences. Two conditions associated with anorexia considered in this article are the multidetermined anorexia of aging and the wasting syndrome termed cachexia induced by cancer. Nutritional interventions may have some benefit in the former, but are of limited value in the latter. Emerging studies at the molecular level relating to appetite regulation and energy balance may offer new approaches to arrest progressive weight loss in the anorexia of aging and cancer cachexia.

Aged↗

An experimental model of cachexia induced by a xenografted human tumor.

A hypernephroma removed from a male patient who had lost 30 kg in weight in the 2 months preceding surgery was established in immunosuppressed CBA/Lac mice as a nonmetastasizing transplantable xenograft. The xenografted tumors, although comprising less than 5% of the total body weight of the mice, produced considerable weight loss (greater than 25%). A slight reduction in food intake of tumor-bearing mice was noted, but some animals bearing mouse or human tumors not inducing cachexia had equally low food intake without accompanying weight losses. No obvious defects in gastrointestinal histology or absorption were observed. The precise mechanism(s) producing the severe cachexia remains to be established.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Controlled trial of megestrol acetate for the treatment of cancer anorexia and cachexia.

Preliminary information has suggested that megestrol acetate leads to appetite stimulation and nonfluid weight gain in patients with breast cancer, other cancers, and AIDS. Pursuant to this, we developed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of megestrol acetate in patients with cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia. We randomly assigned 133 eligible patients to receive 800 mg of megestrol acetate per day or a placebo. Patients assigned to megestrol acetate more frequently reported improved appetite (P = .003) and food intake (P = .009) when compared with patients receiving the placebo. A weight gain of 15 lb or more over baseline was seen in 11 of 67 (16%) patients receiving megestrol acetate compared with one of 66 (2%) given the placebo (P = .003). Patients receiving megestrol acetate reported significantly less nausea (13% vs. 38%; P = .001) and emesis (8% vs. 25%, P = .009). No clinically or statistically significant toxic reactions were ascribed to megestrol acetate, with the exception of mild edema. This study convincingly demonstrated that megestrol acetate can stimulate appetite and food intake in patients with anorexia and cachexia associated with cancer, leading to significant weight gain in a proportion of such patients.

Adult↗

Cancer cachexia.

Cancer cachexia is a severe debilitating disorder for which there are currently few therapeutic options. It is driven by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cachectic factors by both host and tumour. Over the past few years, basic science advances have begun to reveal the breadth and complexity of the immunological mechanisms involved, and in the process have uncovered some novel potential therapeutic targets. The effectiveness of thalidomide and eicosapentaenoic acid at attenuating weight loss in clinical trials also provides a further rationale for modulating the immune response. We are now entering an exciting period in cachexia research, and it is likely that the next few years will see effective new biological therapies reach clinical practice.

Cachexia↗

Journey from cachexia to obesity by TNF.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine involved in the physiological and metabolic abnormalities found in cachectic states. Until very recently, it was inconceivable to think of TNF-alpha in obesity. However, recent studies have shown that TNF-alpha can also play a key role in obesity, the cytokine being overexpressed in adipose tissue of obese rodents and humans. The aim of this review is to reconcile the role of TNF-alpha in these two opposite metabolic situations: obesity and cachexia. It is suggested that TNF-alpha may have a key role in the control of body mass in normal weight-controlled situations and that abnormalities in either its production (during cachexia) or action (during obesity) are responsible for the lack of control of body weight.

Adipocytes↗