Liver protein synthesis stays elevated after chemotherapy in tumour-bearing mice.
We studied the effect of chemotherapy on liver protein synthesis in mice bearing colon 26 adenocarcinoma (C26). Liver protein mass decreased (-32%; P<0.05) in cachectic mice, but protein synthesis increased (20-35%; P<0.05) in cachectic mice, which is consistent with increased export protein synthesis. Increased protein synthesis in tumour-bearing mice was primarily mediated by increasing ( approximately 15%; P<0.05) the RNA concentration, i.e. the capacity for protein synthesis (Cs; mg RNA/g protein). Cystemustine, a nitrosourea chemotherapy that cures C26 with 100% efficacy, rapidly restored liver protein mass; protein synthesis however stayed higher than in healthy mice ( approximately 15%) throughout the initial and later stages of recovery. Chemotherapy had no significant effect on liver protein mass and synthesis in healthy mice. Reduced food intake was not a factor in this model. These data suggest a high priority for liver protein synthesis during cancer cachexia and recovery.
Samuels
Sue E
SE
Food, Nutrition & Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4. ssamuels@interchange.ubc.ca
McLaren
Teresa A
TA
Knowles
Andrew L
AL
Stewart
Sarah A
SA
Madelmont
Jean-Claude
JC
Attaix
Didier
D
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002100:Cachexia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009607:Nitrosourea Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009607:Nitrosourea Compounds; C051263:N'-(2-chloroethyl)-N-(2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl)-N'-nitrosourea