Elevated UCP-3 mRNA Levels in Cancer Patients with Weight Loss
Author Information
Author(s): Collins P, Bing C, McCulloch P, Williams G
Primary Institution: University Hospital Aintree
Hypothesis
Are UCP-2 and UCP-3 mRNA levels up-regulated in human cancer associated with weight loss?
Conclusion
UCP-3 mRNA levels are significantly higher in the muscle of cancer patients who have experienced weight loss compared to those who have not and healthy controls.
Supporting Evidence
- UCP-3 mRNA levels were significantly higher in cancer patients with weight loss compared to controls.
- UCP-2 mRNA levels did not differ significantly between groups.
- Most cancer patients in the study were male.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called UCP-3 is more active in the muscles of cancer patients who lose weight, which might help explain why they lose weight even when they eat enough.
Methodology
The study measured UCP-2 and UCP-3 mRNA levels in muscle samples from cancer patients and healthy controls using semi-quantitative RT-PCR.
Limitations
The study could not obtain fasting free fatty acid levels in enough subjects to establish a meaningful correlation with UCP-3 levels.
Participant Demographics
12 gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma patients (6 with weight loss, 6 without) and 6 healthy controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.02
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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