Mitochondrial-targeted plastoquinone therapy prevents early onset muscle weakness that occurs before atrophy during ovarian cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Muscle loss with cancer causes weakness, worsens quality of life, and predicts reduced overall survival rates. Recently, muscle weakness was identified during early-stage cancer before atrophy develops. This discovery indicates that mechanisms independent of muscle loss must contribute to progressive weakness. While mitochondrial stress responses are associated with early-stage 'pre-cachexia' weakness, a causal relationship has not been established.

Methods and results

Here, using a mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer cachexia, we identified that the well-established mitochondrial-targeted plastoquinone SkQ1 partially prevents muscle weakness occurring before the development of atrophy in the diaphragm. Furthermore, SkQ1 improved force production during atroph

SUBMITTER: Delfinis LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12340566 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature