Proteolysis-inducing factor is expressed in tumours of patients with gastrointestinal cancers and correlates with weight loss

Br J Cancer. 2001 Jun 15;84(12):1599-601. doi: 10.1054/bjoc.2001.1830.

Abstract

Proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF), a novel cachectic factor, is detectable in the urine of cancer patients experiencing weight loss. We report the expression of PIF in gastrointestinal cancers, and a correlation between PIF expression in tumours, its detection in urine and weight-loss. These data provide the first direct evidence that tumours are the source of PIF in humans.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Appetite
  • Blood Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Blood Proteins / urine
  • Cachexia / etiology*
  • Cachexia / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Proteoglycans
  • Weight Loss*

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Proteoglycans
  • proteolysis-inducing peptide