Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

4918

Date

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Nutrition

Concentration

Nutrition Science

Committee Chair

Melissa Puppa

Committee Member

Randal Buddington

Committee Member

Marie van der Merwe

Abstract

The hallmarks of cachexia include the loss of leans mass due to disruption in muscle maintenance. Leucine has been shown to improve protein synthesis and mitochondrial biogenesis, key signaling pathways influenced by cachexia. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of leucine supplementation on mitochondrial biogenesis, within the Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) implantation model of cancer cachexia. Twenty mice were divided into four equal groups (n = 5): Chow, leucine (Leu), LLC, LLC+Leu. At the age of 9-10 weeks, mice received a subcutaneous injection of 1x106 LLC cells or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Leu groups were then switched to diet supplemented with 5% leucine (w/w) for 4 weeks. Within the gastrocnemius, protein synthesis and mitochondrial content were decreased in LLC. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Gamma Co-activator 1-α (PGC-1α) within LLC+Leu was increased relative to LLC. Leucine was unable to preserve protein synthesis, mitochondrial content, and reduce inflammation associated with LLC implantation.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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