Resumen
Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome, caused by both tumor growth and chemotherapy. The skeletal muscle is one of the main tissues affected during cachexia, presenting with altered metabolism and function, leading to progressive tissue wasting. In the current study we aimed at counteracting cachexia by pharmacologically improving metabolic function with the mitochondria-targeted compound SS-31. Experimental cancer cachexia was obtained using C26-bearing mice either receiving chemotherapy (oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil) or not. SS-31 proved effective in rescuing some of the metabolic impairments imposed by both tumor and chemotherapy in the skeletal muscle and the liver, improving systemic energy control. Unfortunately, such effects were no longer present at late disease stages when refractory cachexia ensued. Overall, we provide evidence of potential new treatments targeting mitochondrial function in order to counteract or delay cancer cachexia.