Abstract
Background and aimsThe aim of the present investigation was to examine the anti-wasting effects of theophylline (a methylxantine present in tea leaves) on a rat model of cancer cachexia.MethodsThe in vitro effects of the nutraceuticals on proteolysis were examined on muscle cell cultures submitted to hyperthermia. Individual muscle weights, muscle gene expression, body composition and cardiac function were measured in rats bearing the Yoshida AH-130 ascites hepatoma, following theophylline treatment.ResultsTheophylline treatment inhibited proteolysis in C2C12 cell line and resulted in an anti-proteolytic effect on muscle tissue (soleus and heart), which was associated with a decrease in circulating TNF-alpha levels and with a decreased proteolytic systems gene expression. Treatment with the nutraceutical also resulted in an improvement in body composition and cardiac function.ConclusionTheophylline - alone or in combination with drugs - may be a candidate molecule for the treatment of cancer cachexia.
Highlights
Background and aimsThe aim of the present investigation was to examine the anti-wasting effects of theophylline on a rat model of cancer cachexia
We have investigated the effects of theophylline treatment both in vitro, in an hyperthermia model which we previously reported as a suitable model for studying the antiproteolytic potential of drugs used in the treatment of muscle wasting [14], and in vivo, in rats bearing the Yoshida AH-130 ascites hepatoma, a tumour which induces a high degree of muscle wasting associated with cachexia
In order to test the proteolytic modulatory capacity of theophylline, we chose the model of hyperthermia [19]
Summary
The aim of the present investigation was to examine the anti-wasting effects of theophylline (a methylxantine present in tea leaves) on a rat model of cancer cachexia. The development of cancer cachexia is the most common manifestation of advanced malignant disease. The abnormalities associated with cancer cachexia include anorexia, weight loss, muscle loss and atrophy, anaemia and alterations in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism [2]. Some of these effects are associated with anti-tumour treatment. Perhaps one of the most relevant characteristics of cachexia is that of asthenia, which reflects the important muscle wasting that takes place in the cachectic cancer patient [4].
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