An overview of amines as nutritional supplements to counteract cancer cachexia

Author(s)

de Campos-Ferraz, Patricia Lopes ; Andrade, Isabel ; das Neves, Willian ; Hangai, Isabela ; Rodrigues Alves, Christiano Robles ; Lancha, Antonio Herbert, Jr.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE; v. 5, n. 2, p. 6-pg., 2014-06-01.

Abstract

Cancer cachexia is a complex multifactorial syndrome characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass (with or without loss of fat mass) that cannot be fully reversed by conventional nutritional support and leads to progressive functional impairment. Recently, some amino acids and other amine dietary supplements have been highlighted in medical field due to positive effects upon diseases evolving skeletal muscle atrophy. Therefore, the aim of this brief review is to discuss the putative application of amines as dietary supplements to counteract skeletal muscle wasting on cancer cachexia. Specifically, we focus in two nutritional supplements: (1) branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and (2) creatine. Both BCAAs and creatine may attenuate proteolysis and enhance proteins synthesis in skeletal muscle. Although more experimental studies and clinical trials are still necessary to elucidate this therapeutic application, several evidences have demonstrated that amines supplementation is a promising coadjuvant treatment to cancer cachexia. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/02682-9 - Creatine supplementation in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats
• Grantee: Patricia Lopes de Campos-Ferraz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/04744-4 - Effects of strength training on skeletal muscle in mice with cachexia induced cancer.
• Grantee: Willian das Neves Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 12/07319-0 - Effect of an alimentary supplement used in order to improve bone mineral density
• Grantee: Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• FAPESP's process: 12/25240-1 - Effects of high-intensity interval training on skeletal muscle of Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats
• Grantee: Christiano Robles Rodrigues Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree