Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cachexia is a multiorganic syndrome associated with cancer, characterized by body weight loss, muscle and adipose tissue wasting and inflammation. METHODS: The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of the soluble receptor antagonist of myostatin (sActRIIB) in cachectic tumor-bearing animals analyzing changes in muscle proteolysis and in quality of life. RESULTS: Administration of sActRIIB resulted in an improvement in body and muscle weights. Administration of the soluble receptor antagonist of myostatin also resulted in an improvement in the muscle force. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that blocking myostatin pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer cachexia.