Using Mice Models For Potential Cachexia Treatment

Cancer in itself is one of the deadliest diseases known to humanity, killing over 500,000 Americans annually. Until a definitive cure is found for cancer, efforts need to also be directed to maximizing the comfort and well-being of current patients. While most early-stage cancers can be identified and addressed with techniques such as chemotherapy, there are also unfortunately those who are diagnosed too late or forced to deal with more aggressive forms of cancer. Patients with severe and terminal types of cancer typically experience a condition called cachexia, where defective metabolism regulation in the human body causes a significant loss in muscle mass and body weight. Initial experimentation with immune-protein inhibition in the brains of mice species has shown potential for a similar result in humans. Specifically, the inhibition of this immune protein in the brains of the mice resulted in them resuming consummation of food and fluids, as well as a return to normal muscle mass levels.

Prior research has suggested that it is the interleukin-6 protein in high levels in the immune system that can directly induce cachexia. However, even with this knowledge in mind, researchers have also identified that completely inhibiting the interleukin-6 protein could cause unwanted symptoms in a patient (such as an irregular heartbeat). Scientist Bo Li and his team at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York thus decided to directly inoculate interleukin-6 into mice with cancer, where they observed a large protein build-up in the area postrema region of the brain stem. After initial observations, Li and his team then inoculated the mice with an antibody that clumps on the binding region of interleukin-6, preventing cell binding from occurring. Additionally, the team used CRISPR gene-editing techniques to corrupt the binding regions of the nerve cells in the area postrema region.

Presently, roughly 80% of patients with late-stage cancer experience cachexia, and without any cure, the excruciating symptoms can even cause death. Li and his team are hopeful that this initial experimentation with mice can be met with similar results in humans, although it will likely be more difficult to inhibit any cell-binding pathway in humans. Regardless of any potential obstacles, Li and his team will continue researching in search of much-needed relief for patients with cachexia.

Author: Abhinav Katyal

Reference: 1. Tjandra K. Stopping cachexia at its source could reverse wasting from cancer. Science News. July 30, 2024. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/stop-cachexia-reverse-wasting-cancer.