Muscle wasting in cancer: the role of mitochondria.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the present review is to examine the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cachexia.

RECENT FINDINGS: Oxidative pathways are altered in this tissue during muscle wasting and this seems to be a consequence of mitochondrial abnormalities that include altered morphology and function, decreased ATP synthesis and uncoupling.

SUMMARY: An alteration of energy balance is the immediate cause of cachexia. Both alterations in energy intake and expenditure are responsible for the wasting syndrome associated with different types of pathological conditions, such as cancer. Different types of molecular mechanisms contribute to energy expenditure and, therefore, involuntary body weight loss, one of which is mitochondrial dysfunction.