Ricerc@Sapienza

Anorexia represents a common and debilitating symptom in patients with cancer, but its mechanism(s) are not completely understood. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a pleiotropic mediator of inflammatory and metabolic processes that is secreted into circulation during diseases associated with wasting conditions, including cancer. It was recently identified as an endogenous ligand of the type 4 melanocortin receptor (MC4R), a critical regulator of appetite. In particular, LCN2 is increased in murine models of pancreatic cancer and its expression was associated with reduced food consumption. Interestingly, Lcn2 deletion was protective from anorexia and cachexia.
By the present project, we aim at evaluating primarily the association between LCN2 circulating levels and anorexia in different cohorts of cancer patients (gastrointestinal and lung) and in healthy controls; secondarily, we will assess the association(s) between LCN2 levels and body weight loss and with body composition changes in the same cohorts of patients. We will enroll lung and gastrointestinal (gastric, pancreatic and colorectal) cancer patients at their first oncology visit naïve to any anticancer treatments. We will collect data on nutritional status, i.e., current weight, usual weight and involuntary body weight loss in the previous 6 months. Anorexia will be assessed interviewing patients using specific appetite tools, including the FAACT questionnaire, which consists of 12 questions investigating different domains of anorexia, including the presence of nausea or vomiting. In cancer patients, we will analyze body composition by CT-scan (performed for cancer diagnosis and staging) calculating subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and the skeletal muscle index, as appropriate. LCN2 will be measured in sera of cancer patients and controls by ELISA kits.
The results of this project will provide important novel translational information on the role of LCN2 in the pathophysiology of cancer-associated anorexia.