Glucocorticoids and Zinc-α2-Glycoprotein in Cancer Cachexia
Author Information
Author(s): Russell S T, Tisdale M J
Primary Institution: Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Institute, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
Hypothesis
This study investigates the role of glucocorticoids in ZAG expression in WAT and BAT during the development of cachexia and investigates the mechanisms involved.
Conclusion
Glucocorticoids stimulate lipolysis through an increase in ZAG expression, which contributes to the loss of adipose tissue in cancer cachexia.
Supporting Evidence
- Serum cortisol concentrations increased in parallel with weight loss in mice bearing the MAC16 tumour.
- Dexamethasone administration produced a six-fold increase in ZAG expression in both WAT and BAT.
- RU38486 treatment attenuated both the loss of body weight and ZAG expression in WAT.
Takeaway
This study shows that a hormone called glucocorticoids helps a protein called ZAG to break down fat in mice with cancer, which leads to weight loss.
Methodology
Mice bearing the MAC16 tumour were treated with glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486 and dexamethasone, and ZAG expression was measured in adipose tissue.
Participant Demographics
Pure strain NMRI mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website