Muscle weakness precedes atrophy during cancer cachexia and is linked to muscle-specific mitochondrial stress

Overview

Cancer-induced cachexia is a complex syndrome marked by skeletal muscle mass loss, critically impacting functional independence, quality of life, and cancer treatment outcomes. While muscle wasting has traditionally been attributed to circulating factors generated during cancer, recent research suggests mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role, as it has been found to precede muscle atrophy in some instances. This study examines the relationship between muscle dysfunction and mitochondrial bioenergetics in the quadriceps and diaphragms of Colon-23 cancer mice, revealing heterogeneous responses. The results underscore the need for tailored approaches to improving muscle health in cancer cachexia.