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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

L-Carnitine induces recovery of liver lipid metabolism in cancer cachexia

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Author(s):
Silverio, Renata [1] ; Laviano, Alessandro [2] ; Rossi Fanelli, Filippo [2] ; Seelaender, Marilia [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Canc Metab Res Grp, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Roma La Sapienza, Dept Clin Med, Rome - Italy
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Amino Acids; v. 42, n. 5, p. 1783-1792, MAY 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 11
Abstract

Cancer cachexia causes metabolic alterations with a marked effect on hepatic lipid metabolism. l-Carnitine modulates lipid metabolism and its supplementation has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy in many diseases. In the present study, the effects of l-carnitine supplementation on gene expression and on liver lipid metabolism-related proteins was investigated in cachectic tumour-bearing rats. Wistar rats were assigned to receive 1 g/kg of l-carnitine or saline. After 14 days, supplemented and control animals were assigned to a control (N), control supplemented with l-carnitine (CN), tumour-bearing Walker 256 carcinosarcoma (TB) and tumour-bearing supplemented with l-carnitine (CTB) group. The mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and II (CPT I and II), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) and organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2) was assessed, and the maximal activity of CPT I and II in the liver measured, along with plasma and liver triacylglycerol content. The gene expression of MTP, and CPT I catalytic activity were reduced in TB, who also showed increased liver (150%) and plasma (3.3-fold) triacylglycerol content. l-Carnitine supplementation was able to restore these parameters back to control values (p < 0.05). These data show that l-carnitine preserves hepatic lipid metabolism in tumour-bearing animals, suggesting its supplementation to be of potential interest in cachexia. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 05/01445-0 - The role of PPARs in cancer cachexia
Grantee:Marilia Cerqueira Leite Seelaender
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants