Effects of the PPARgamma agonist GW1929 on muscle wasting in tumour-bearing mice

Administration of the PPARgamma agonist GW1929 (10 mg/kg body weight) results in amelioration of muscle loss in tumour-bearing mice experimental cachexia. The effect of the agonist, which seems to be specific for white muscle extensor digitorum longus (EDL), is accompanied by an increase in the levels of the transcription factor MyoD and also the GLUT-4 glucose transporter. In addition, the effects of GW1929 on skeletal muscle are direct since incubation of isolated rat skeletal muscles in its presence results in a decreased rate of protein degradation. Collectively, the results presented suggest a potential clinical application - possibly in combination with other anabolic strategies - of GW1929 in restoring muscle waste during Cancer cachexia.