Cleavage of caspases-1, -3, -6, -8 and -9 substrates by proteases in skeletal muscles from mice undergoing cancer cachexia
2001
Caspases and Muscle Breakdown in Cancer Cachexia
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Belizário J E, Lorite M J, Tisdale M J
Primary Institution: Department of Pharmacology of Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo
Hypothesis
Caspases are involved in the proteolytic process of skeletal muscle catabolism in a murine model of cancer cachexia.
Conclusion
The study found that caspases play a significant role in muscle breakdown associated with cancer cachexia.
Supporting Evidence
- Caspase-1 activity increased by 54% in cachexia-affected muscles.
- Caspase-8 activity increased by 84% in cachexia-affected muscles.
- Caspase-3 activity increased by 98% in cachexia-affected muscles.
- Caspase-6 activity increased by 151% in cachexia-affected muscles.
- Caspase-9 activity increased by 177% in cachexia-affected muscles.
- Muscles from MAC16 tumor-bearing mice showed a dual pattern of PARP fragmentation.
Takeaway
When mice have cancer, their muscles can break down a lot, and this study shows that certain proteins called caspases help with that breakdown.
Methodology
The study compared proteolytic activity in the muscles of mice with two different tumors, one that causes cachexia and one that does not.
Participant Demographics
Mice with MAC16 and MAC13 tumors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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