Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diaphragm Muscle Precedes the Cachectic Phenotype in LLC Tumor-Bearing Mice.

Authors

Conner A. Benson, University of Texas at TylerFollow
David E. Lee, University of ArkansasFollow
Jacob L. Brown, University of ArkansasFollow
Megan E. Rosa-Caldwell, University of ArkansasFollow
Tyrone A. Washington, University of ArkansasFollow
Nicholas P. Greene, University of ArkansasFollow
Michael P. Wiggs, University of Texas at TylerFollow

Abstract

The defining feature of cancer cachexia is extensive weight loss and skeletal muscle atrophy. It is clinically important because cachexia reduces patient survival, results in functional impairment, and is estimated to be directly responsible for 20-40% of cancer deaths. Unfortunately, no clinical therapy exists and therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for rapid muscle wasting. Compared to limb muscles, the diaphragm is relatively understudied in cancer cachexia, but is likely to be adversely affected because cachexia is a systemic disease. Wasting of the primary inspiratory muscle may result in difficulty breathing and inability to adjust minute ventilation in response to a respiratory challenge. Based on emerging evidence, it is clear that oxidative stress is present in cachexia-induced wasting of the diaphragm; PURPOSE: we developed the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction in the diaphragm precedes cachexia. METHODS: 1X10⁶ Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells (LLC) or Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS, control) were implanted to the hind-flank of C57BL6/J mice at 8 wks of age. Tumors were allowed to develop for 1, 2, 3, or 4 wks. At designated time points diaphragms were collected and mitochondrial function was assessed by respiration and ROS production. RESULTS: Cancer cachexia was evident only at the 4 wk time point demonstrated by decrease in body mass and muscle atrophy in several limb muscles. Mitochondrial respiration, assessed by respiratory control ratio (state3/state 4 respiration), was significantly lower at 1 wk (pCONCLUSIONS:The molecular events that lead to muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia are unknown. We demonstrate that two hallmarks of mitochondrial dysfunction, altered respiration and ROS production, occur in the diaphragm well before the cancer cachexia phenotype is evident in the LLC model. These data suggest that the mitochondria are likely a suitable target to treat or prevent cancer cachexia-induced muscle wasting in the diaphragm.

Recommended Citation

Benson, Conner A.; Lee, David E.; Brown, Jacob L.; Rosa-Caldwell, Megan E.; Washington, Tyrone A.; Greene, Nicholas P.; and Wiggs, Michael P. (2017) "Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diaphragm Muscle Precedes the Cachectic Phenotype in LLC Tumor-Bearing Mice.," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 9, Article 84.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss9/84