Figure 1.

PLA attenuates cachexia in Ctns^−/− mice. We have performed the following two studies. Ctns^−/− and WT mice were given PLA (7 mg/kg/day, IP) or vehicle (normal saline), respectively. The study period was 28 days and all mice were fed ad libitum. We calculated ad libitum caloric intake (A) and recorded weight change in mice (B). In another experiment, to assess the beneficial effects of PLA beyond its nutritional effects, we employed a pair-feeding strategy. Ctns^−/− and WT mice were given PLA (7 mg/kg/day, IP) or vehicle (normal saline) for 28 days. Vehicle-treated Ctns^−/− mice were given an ad libitum amount of food whereas other groups of mice were given an equivalent amount of food (C). Weight gain, fat and lean content, resting metabolic rate (RME), left gastrocnemius wet weight and in vivo muscle function (grip strength and rotarod) were measured in mice (D–J). Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. For weight change in mice (B,D), results of vehicle-treated WT mice were compared to PLA-treated WT mice while vehicle-treated Ctns^−/− mice were compared to PLA-treated Ctns^−/− mice. For other data (A,C,E–J), results of vehicle-treated Ctns^−/− mice were compared to vehicle-treated WT mice while results of PLA-treated Ctns^−/− mice were compared to those of PLA-treated WT mice. In addition, results of PLA-treated Ctns^−/− mice were compared to vehicle-treated Ctns^−/− mice and specific p-values are shown above the bar. ns signifies not significant, * p < 0.05, *** p < 0.001.