Scientists from Peking University have found that elevated levels of lactate (lactic acid) in the body can lead to the development of cachexia (unexplained weight loss) in cancer. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Metabolism.
It is noted that cachexia is a metabolic syndrome characterized by loss of fat and muscle mass. It occurs in approximately 50-80% of cancer patients. This condition leads to a deterioration in the quality of life, poor results of anticancer therapy and an increased risk of death.
To identify the mechanisms of cachexia development, scientists implanted human cancer cells into laboratory mice. They found that elevated levels of lactate in the body can trigger extensive transformation of white adipose tissue (fat deposits), including increased darkening and lipolysis (the breakdown of fat), through a specific receptor GPR81.
Lactate is lactic acid, which is formed as a result of the breakdown of glucose in tissues. During physical activity, for example, lactate is produced in the muscles and then enters the bloodstream and is utilized by the liver, kidneys, heart and brain. If the body does not have time to process and eliminate lactic acid, it accumulates.
In additional research, scientists discovered that lactate can bind to the GPR81 receptor and activate intracellular signals to increase metabolic activity in adipose tissue, which initiates fat loss and muscle mass and, ultimately, overall body weight.
Scientists are now planning to find out why the concentration of lactate in the body increases in cancer. The researchers also intend to test whether artificially suppressing the activity of GPR81 can prevent cachexia.
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