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Relationship between interleukin-1 and cancer anorexia
A Laviano1, T Renvyle, M M Meguid
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse 13210, USA.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) directly causes cancer anorexia by acting on the brain. Blocking IL-1 receptors in the hypothalamus improved food intake in tumor-bearing rats, confirming IL-1
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is implicated in cancer-associated anorexia.
- IL-1 receptors are present in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH).
- VMH ablation reverses anorexia in tumor-bearing rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if blocking IL-1 receptors in the VMH can alleviate cancer anorexia.
- To determine the role of central IL-1 in the pathogenesis of cancer-associated anorexia.
Main Methods:
- Tumor-bearing (TB) rats were induced using methylcholanthrene sarcoma cells.
- Anorectic TB rats received bilateral intra-VMH injections of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) or saline.
- Food intake was monitored before and after injections.
Main Results:
- TB rats receiving intra-VMH IL-1ra showed significantly improved food intake compared to saline controls.
- The severity of cancer anorexia was reduced by blocking IL-1 action in the VMH.
- Histological analysis confirmed accurate injection sites in the VMH.
Conclusions:
- Centrally acting IL-1 plays a significant role in the development of cancer anorexia.
- Targeting IL-1 in the VMH may be a therapeutic strategy for managing cancer anorexia.