Muscle UCP-3 mRNA levels are elevated in weight loss associated with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in humans.
The mitochondrial uncoupling proteins-2 and -3 are putative mediators of thermogenesis and energy expenditure. We measured the mRNA levels of uncoupling proteins-2 and -3 in skeletal muscle from 12 gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma patients, of whom six had stable weight and six had lost 2-18 kg, and from six healthy controls undergoing elective surgery. Uncoupling proteins-3 mRNA levels were significantly higher in the muscle of the cancer patients with weight loss (2.2 +/- 0.47 arbitrary units) compared both with controls (0.39 +/- 0.20) and with cancer patients who had not lost weight (0.47 +/- 0.23; P<0.02). Uncoupling proteins-2 mRNA levels did not differ significantly between groups. Elevations in muscle uncoupling proteins-3 activity may enhance energy expenditure and this in turn could contribute to tissue catabolism.
Collins
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P
Gastroenterology Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK. petecolins@aol.com
Bing
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C
McCulloch
P
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Williams
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G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000368:Aged; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D008875:Middle Aged; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism*; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D022722:Thermogenesis; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2; D000071247:Uncoupling Protein 3; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000235:genetics*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D007473:Ion Channels; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C000604392:UCP3 protein, human; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2; D000071247:Uncoupling Protein 3