Metabolic Pathways Linked to Weight Loss and Muscle Function in Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Anderson Lindsey, Xia Lu, Kerr Haiming, Wu Peter, Dash Atreya, Gharib Sina, Garcia Jose
Primary Institution: VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, United States; University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
Hypothesis
Metabolomic signatures in plasma and muscle would be associated with poorer handgrip strength and stair climb power.
Conclusion
The study found that lipid metabolism is associated with cancer-related weight loss and low muscle mass.
Supporting Evidence
- Lipid metabolism was disrupted in muscle with lower cross-sectional area.
- Metabolomic analyses have only previously examined weight loss and/or muscle mass in cancer cachexia.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain substances in the blood and muscles of cancer patients relate to their strength and ability to move, finding links to weight loss and muscle issues.
Methodology
Metabolomic analyses were performed on plasma and abdominal wall skeletal muscle, with associations tested using Spearman correlations and pathway analyses.
Limitations
The study did not detect significant dysregulation in plasma with worse handgrip strength or in muscle/plasma with worse handgrip strength.
Participant Demographics
Men with cancer, median age 65.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.045; p=0.018
Statistical Significance
p=0.045; p=0.018
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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