Our ongoing efforts are focused on understanding systemic metabolic changes that occur during cancer-induced cachexia using human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) xenografts, since the syndrome occurs with the highest frequency and severity in PDAC. We used 1H MRS to analyze brain metabolite levels in mice with and without cachexia inducing human PDAC xenografts. Spectra revealed depletion of several metabolites, including neurotransmitters, in cachectic mice. These findings provide new insights into disruption of brain metabolism that may compromise central nervous system (CNS) function. Identifying alterations of brain metabolism may provide novel interventions to prevent or reduce CNS injury and cachexia.
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