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Background Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) loss is common in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients and associated with poor clinical outcomes, including increased treatment‐related toxicities and reduced survival. Muscle loss may contribute to reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), including fatigue. Our aim was to study associations between changes in SMM and concomitant changes in patient‐reported HRQoL. Methods This was a secondary analysis of mCRC patients in the CAIRO3 randomized clinical trial who were—after initial treatment—randomized between maintenance treatment with capecitabine plus bevacizumab (CAP‐B) and observation until first disease progression (PD1). Included patients had computed tomography images for SMM quantification, together with HRQoL assessments available at randomization and PD1. Changes in SMM (categorized as >2% loss, stable, and >2% gain) and HRQoL were computed between randomization and PD1. Changes in HRQoL score >10 points were considered clinically relevant. Associations between SMM and HRQoL changes were studied by multiple linear regression models. We also investigated whether associations differed by treatment arm for global health and the 13 other HRQoL subscales. Results Of 221 patients included (mean age 63.5 ± 8.4 years), 24% lost, 27% remained stable, and 49% gained SMM. At randomization, mean global health status was 73.5 ± 15.9 in the CAP‐B arm and 75.1 ± 17.5 in the observation arm (P = 0.48). A stable or gain in SMM was significantly associated with a clinically relevant improvement in global health status (9.9 and 14.7 points, respectively), compared with patients who lost SMM. From the subscales that did not show significant differences between the two treatment arms, we found significant and clinically relevant associations for stable or gain in SMM with improved role functioning (12.0 and 17.9, respectively) and with less fatigue (−10.0 and −15.0, respectively) and pain (−16.3 for SMM gain). From the subscales that did show significantly different associations with SMM between the two treatment arms, we only found significant results in the observation arm. Here, associations were found for stable or gain in SMM with clinically relevant improved physical (12.4 for SMM gain), cognitive (10.7 and 9.7, respectively), and social functioning (15.5 and 15.6, respectively) as well as reduced appetite loss (−28.5 and −30.7, respectively). Conclusions In mCRC, SMM preservation during CAP‐B and observation treatment is associated with significant and clinically relevant improvements in global health status and multiple functional and symptom scales. Studies are warranted to investigate whether interventions targeting SMM lead to improved HRQoL, fewer symptoms, and better functioning.

Background Low skeletal muscle index (SMI) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients is associated with poor outcomes. The prognostic impact of SMI changes during consecutive palliative systemic treatments is unknown. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of the phase 3 CAIRO3 study. The CAIRO3 study randomized 557 patients between maintenance capecitabine + bevacizumab (CAP‐B) or observation, after six cycles capecitabine + oxaliplatin + bevacizumab (CAPOX‐B). Upon first disease progression (PD1), CAPOX‐B was reintroduced until second progression (PD2). SMI was assessed by computed tomography (CT) (total 1355 scans). SMI and body mass index (BMI) changes were analyzed for three time‐periods; p1: during initial CAPOX‐B, p2: randomization to PD1, and p3: PD1 to PD2. The association between absolute and change in SMI and BMI (both per 1 standard deviation) during p1‐p3, with PD1, PD2, and survival was studied by Cox regression models. Results This analysis included 450 of the 557 patients randomized in the CAIRO3 study. Mean SMI decreased during p1: mean −0.6 SMI units [95% CI −1.07;‐0.26] and p3: −2.2 units [−2.7;‐1.8], whereas during p2, SMI increased + 1.2 units [0.8‐1.6]. BMI changes did not reflect changes in SMI. SMI loss during p2 and p3 was significantly associated with shorter survival (HR 1.19 [1.09‐1.35]; 1.54 [1.31‐1.79], respectively). Sarcopenia at PD1 was significantly associated with early PD2 (HR 1.40 [1.10‐1.70]). BMI loss independent of SMI loss was only associated with shorter overall survival during p3 (HR 1.35 [1.14‐1.63]). Conclusions In mCRC patients, SMI loss during palliative systemic treatment was related with early disease progression and reduced survival. BMI did not reflect changes in SMI and could not identify patients at risk of poor outcome during early treatment lines.

© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders.

Background Increasing evidence suggests that severe skeletal muscle index (SMI) loss (sarcopenia) is associated with poor overall survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients, but its mechanisms are unknown. We recently found, using data of the randomized phase 3 CAIRO3 study, that SMI loss was related with shorter time to disease progression and overall survival during first‐line maintenance treatment with capecitabine + bevacizumab (CAP‐B) or observation and during more intensive capecitabine + oxaliplatin + bevacizumab (CAPOX‐B) reintroduction treatment. As a potential risk factor for reduced survival, we explored whether sarcopenia and SMI loss were associated with dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) during CAP‐B and CAPOX‐B. Methods Sarcopenia status and SMI loss were assessed by using consecutive computed tomography scans. DLTs were defined as any dose delay/reduction/discontinuation of systemic treatment because of reported CTCAE (version 3.0) toxicities at the start or during treatment. Poisson regression models were used to study whether sarcopenia and body mass index (BMI) at the start of treatment and SMI and BMI loss during treatment were associated with DLTs. Results One hundred eighty‐two patients (mean age 63.0 ± 8.8 years, 37% female) received CAP‐B, and 232 patients (mean age 63.0 ± 9.0 years, 34% female) received CAPOX‐B. At the start of CAP‐B and CAPOX‐B, 54% and 46% of patients were sarcopenic, respectively. Mean BMI was lower in sarcopenic patients, although patients were on average still overweight (sarcopenic vs. non‐sarcopenic at the start of CAP‐B 25.0 ± 3.9 vs. 26.7 ± 4.1 and CAPOX‐B 25.8 ± 3.8 vs. 27.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2). Sarcopenia at the start of CAP‐B was not associated with DLTs [relative risk 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.64–1.19)], whereas patients with >2% SMI loss had a significantly higher risk of DLTs [1.29 (1.01–1.66)]. At the start of subsequent CAPOX‐B, 25% of patients received a dose reduction, and the risk of dose reduction was significantly higher for patients with preceding SMI loss [1.78 (1.06–3.01)] or sarcopenia [1.75 (1.08–2.86)]. After the received dose reductions, sarcopenia or SMI loss was not significantly associated with a higher risk of DLTs during CAPOX‐B [sarcopenia vs. non‐sarcopenic: 0.86 (0.69–1.08) and SMI loss vs. stable/gain: 0.83 (0.65–1.07)]. In contrast, BMI (loss) at the start or during either treatment was not associated with an increased risk of DLTs. Conclusions In this large longitudinal study in metastatic colorectal cancer patients during palliative systemic treatment, sarcopenia and/or muscle loss was associated with an increased risk of DLTs. BMI was not associated with DLTs and could not detect sarcopenia or SMI loss. Prospective (randomized) studies should reveal whether normalizing chemotherapeutic doses to muscle mass or muscle mass preservation (by exercise and nutritional interventions) increases chemotherapeutic tolerance and improves survival.

Antioxidant (AOX) deficiencies are commonly observed in older adults and oxidative stress has been suggested to contribute to sarcopenia. Here we investigate if 1) low levels of dietary antioxidants had a negative impact on parameters of muscle mass, function and quality, and 2) to study if nutritional interventions with AOX and/or leucine-enriched whey protein could improve these muscle parameters in aged mice. 18-months-old mice were fed a casein-based antioxidant-deficient (lowox) diet or a casein-based control-diet (CTRL) for 7 months. During the last 3 months, lowox-mice were subjected to either: a) continued lowox, b) supplementation with vitamin A/E, Selenium and Zinc (AOX), c) substitution of casein with leucine-enriched whey protein (PROT) or d) a combination of both AOX and PROT (TOTAL). After 7 months lowox-mice displayed lower muscle strength and more muscle fatigue compared to CTRL. Compared to lowox-mice, PROT-mice showed improved muscle power, grip strength and less muscle fatigue. AOX-mice showed improved oxidative status, less muscle fatigue, improved grip strength and mitochondrial dynamics compared to lowox-mice. The TOTAL-mice showed the combined effects of both interventions compared to lowox-mice. In conclusion, nutritional intervention with AOX and/or leucine-enriched whey protein can play a role in improving muscle health in a AOX-deficient mouse model.

Background: Evidence is increasing that severe skeletal muscle (SM) loss (sarcopenia) is associated with reduced overall survival (OS) in mCRC pts. We recently found, using data of the randomized phase 3 CAIRO3 study (Lancet, 2015), that SM loss was related to shorter time to progression during first line maintenance treatment (Tx) with capecitabine+bevacizumab (CAP-B) or observation. Subsequently, SM loss during more intensive reinduction Tx by adding oxaliplatin (CAPOX-B) was associated to shorter overall survival (ASCO, 2017). As a potential risk factor for reduced survival we explored whether sarcopenia was associated with dose reductions at start of CAPOX-B reinduction Tx and dose limiting toxicities (DLT) during CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. Methods: Here, CAIRO3 pts were included who received CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. DLT were defined as any dose delay, reduction, or discontinuation of systemic treatment because of reported CTCAE (v3.0) toxicities at start or during Tx. Poisson regression models adjusted for relevant confounders were used to study the association between sarcopenia and DLT. Results: A total of 254 pts received CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. 39% of pts were sarcopenic and compared to normal SM pts we found no statistically significant differences in age and sex (sarcopenic vs normal SM: mean age 63.6±9.1 vs 61.9±8.5 yrs, p=.20 and 39% vs 31% females p=.31). BMI was significantly lower in sarcopenic pts, but pts were on average still overweight (25.9±3.8 vs 27.2±3.8 p=.01). Overall, 67% experienced ≥1 DLT. At start of CAPOX-B, 25% had already received a dose reduction and the risk of dose reduction at start was significantly higher for sarcopenic compared to normal SM pts (RR 1.8 95%CI 1.08-2.90). Despite more frequent dose reductions at start, sarcopenic pts did not have a significantly lower risk of DLT during CAPOX-B Tx (RR sarcopenic vs normal SM pts 0.86 95% CI 0.46-1.45). Conclusions: Sarcopenia was significantly associated with dose reductions at start of CAPOX-B reinduction Tx, and not with DLT during CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. Possible explanations for dose reductions at start might be more frequent toxicities during previous Tx including neuropathy.

Background: A promising strategy to help older adults preserve or build muscle mass is to optimize muscle anabolism through providing an adequate amount of high-quality protein at each meal.Objective: This "proof of principle" study investigated the acute effect of supplementing breakfast with a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein medical nutrition drink on postprandial muscle protein synthesis and longer-term effect on muscle mass in healthy older adults.Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted in 24 healthy older men [mean ± SD: age 71 ± 4 y; body mass index (in kg/m2) 24.7 ± 2.8] between September 2012 and October 2013 at the Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France. Participants received a medical nutrition drink [test group; 21 g leucine-enriched whey protein, 9 g carbohydrates, 3 g fat, 800 IU cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), and 628 kJ] or a noncaloric placebo (control group) before breakfast for 6 wk. Mixed muscle protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) was measured at week 0 in the basal and postprandial state, after study product intake with a standardized breakfast with the use of l-[2H5]-phenylalanine tracer methodology. The longer-term effect of the medical nutrition drink was evaluated by measurement of appendicular lean mass, representing skeletal muscle mass at weeks 0 and 6, by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results: Postprandial FSR (0-240 min) was higher in the test group than in the control group [estimate of difference (ED): 0.022%/h; 95% CI: 0.010%/h, 0.035%/h; ANCOVA, P = 0.001]. The test group gained more appendicular lean mass than the control group after 6 wk (ED: 0.37 kg; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.72 kg; ANCOVA, P = 0.035), predominantly as leg lean mass (ED: 0.30 kg; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.57 kg; ANCOVA, P = 0.034).Conclusions: Supplementing breakfast with a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein medical nutrition drink stimulated postprandial muscle protein synthesis and increased muscle mass after 6 wk of intervention in healthy older adults and may therefore be a way to support muscle preservation in older people. This trial was registered at www.trialregister.nl as NTR3471.

Background TSAs are common side effects among cancer pts undergoing chemotherapy and may lead to inadequate dietary intake and reduced quality of life. Here, we investigate the incidence of multiple components of self-reported TSAs and its etiological determinants in a homogeneous group of pts with stage II-III CC. Methods We used data collected in an ongoing observational study within the Prospective Dutch Colorectal Cancer Cohort, designed to study nutritional factors and oncological outcomes. Pts receive questionnaires on dietary intake by food-frequency questionnaire (past month average intake), dietary supplement use and TSAs at diagnosis (T0), and at 6, 12, 24 months post-diagnosis. Here, we selected pts with stage II-III CC, with completed T6 questionnaires and available clinical data. Results We included 87/468 pts for analysis (updated for ESMO) with a mean age 64.0±7.6 years, 70% male and 70% current/former smokers. Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT), received by 52% of pts, consisted of CAPOX (90%), FOLFOX (5%), or CAP (5%) as initial regimen. TSAs were reported at T0 (4% of pts) and at T6 (32% of pts). TSA presence was significantly related to receiving ACT (RR 13.8, 95%CI: 3.5-54.3), but not to age, sex, education and smoking status. ACT treated pts more often reported a change in taste ability (49%, p Conclusions TSAs are more prevalent in CC pts who received ACT compared to pts who did not, with taste more affected than smell. Pts had caloric intake below guideline recommendations at T6. The influence of TSAs on caloric intake appears to be limited when caloric intake is already insufficient. More pts, follow-up, and data on macronutrients and quality of life are needed to confirm and enrich these preliminary findings and ultimately help improve supportive care. Legal entity responsible for the study University Medical Center Utrecht. Funding Province of Utrecht, The Netherlands. Disclosure B. Dorresteijn: Full / Part-time employment: Danone Nutricia Research. M. Jourdan: Full / Part-time employment: Danone Nutricia Research. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

The authors gratefully acknowledge all members of the animal facilities from Theix's INRA center for their valuable assistance in conducting this study; We investigated the impact of vitamin D deficiency and repletion on muscle anabolism in old rats. Animals were fed a control (1 IU vitamin D3/g, ctrl, n=20) or a vitamin D-depleted diet (VDD; 0 IU, n=30) for 6 months. A subset was thereafter sacrificed in the control (ctrl6) and depleted groups (VDD6). Remaining control animals were kept for 3 additional months on the same diet (ctrl9), while a part of VDD rats continued on a depleted diet (VDD9) and another part was supplemented with vitamin D (5 IU, VDS9). The ctr16 and VDD6 rats and the ctr19, VDD9 and VDS9 rats were 21 and 24 months old, respectively. Vitamin D status, body weight and composition, muscle strength, weight and lipid content were evaluated. Muscle protein synthesis rate (fractional synthesis rate; FSR) and the activation of controlling pathways were measured. VDD reduced plasma 25(OH)-vitamin D, reaching deficiency (

10087 Background: Evidence for a strong link between skeletal muscle depletion and poor outcomes in mCRC is growing. However, the impact of SMI changes over time on progression and OS during palliative systemic Tx is not known. The CAIRO3 study (Simkens et al. Lancet 2015) randomized 556 mCRC patients after 6 cycles capecitabine+oxaliplatin+bevacizumab (CAPOX-B) to maintenance CAP-B Tx (Main) vs. observation (Obs). Upon 1st disease progression (PD1), CAPOX-B or other treatment was reintroduced until 2nddisease progression (PD2). This is the first analysis using scan data of multiple time-points to investigate SMI changes during palliative systemic treatment Tx and its association with survival. Methods: 1227 CT-scans of a random selection of 416 CAIRO3 patients (mean age 64±9 years, Main n = 206; Obs n = 210) were analyzed for SMI (skeletal muscle area at the L3 level in cm2/m2). Using mixed model analysis, SMI changes were analyzed for two intervals; interval 1: from randomization to PD1, and interval 2: from PD1 to PD2. Three Cox regression models were used to study the association between SMI loss and time to PD2 and death for interval 1, and time to death for interval 2. Main and Obs groups were combined in the analyses since the p-value for interaction was not significant. Hazard ratios (HR) were reported per 2 units change in SMI. Results: Median times from randomization to PD1, PD2 and death were 7.7, 13.5 and 24 months resp. During interval 1 (less intensive or no Tx) patients gained SMI on average (1.2 units; 95%CI 0.6-1.8), but 23% of patients still lost SMI. SMI loss was associated with shorter time to PD2 (HR 0.88; 0.81-0.98, p= .01), but not with shorter OS (HR 0.94; 0.86-1.02, p= .17). During interval 2 (more intensive Tx) average SMI loss was -2.2 units ( 1.5-2.8) and 63% of patients lost SMI. SMI loss was associated with shorter OS (HR 0.73; 0.62-0.86, p< .00). Conclusions: Loss of SMI was related to shorter time to progression during first line less intensive main Tx or obs and shorter overall survival during more intensive reinduction Tx. This large longitudinal study suggests that SMI preservation may be a therapeutic goal. Clinical trial information: NCT00442637.

Summary Background & aims Amino acid (AA) availability is critical to maintain protein homeostasis and reduced protein intake causes a decline in protein synthesis. Citrulline, an amino acid metabolite, has been reported to stimulate muscle protein synthesis in malnourished rats. Methods To determine whether citrulline stimulates muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults while on a low-protein diet, we studied 8 healthy participants twice in a cross-over study design. Following a 3-days of low-protein intake, either citrulline or a non-essential AA mixture (NEAA) was given orally as small boluses over the course of 8 h. [ring-13C6] phenylalanine and [15N] tyrosine were administered as tracers to assess protein metabolism. Fractional synthesis rates (FSR) of muscle proteins were measured using phenylalanine enrichment in muscle tissue fluid as the precursor pool. Results FSR of mixed muscle protein was higher during the administration of citrulline than during NEAA (NEAA: 0.049 ± 0.005; citrulline: 0.060 ± 0.006; P = 0.03), while muscle mitochondrial protein FSR and whole-body protein turnover were not different between the studies. Citrulline administration increased arginine and ornithine plasma concentrations without any effect on glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and IGF-1 levels. Citrulline administration did not promote mitochondria protein synthesis, transcripts, or citrate synthesis. Conclusions Citrulline ingestion enhances mixed muscle protein synthesis in healthy participants on 3-day low-protein intake. This anabolic action of citrulline appears to be independent of insulin action and may offer potential clinical application in conditions involving low amino acid intake.

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ScopeIn recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence pointing to an effect of vitamin D on muscle mass and function. Our aim was to investigate the combined effect of 1,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D-3 (1,25(OH)(2)D-3) with anabolic factors insulin and leucine on protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) and regulation in the mouse C2C12 myotube. Methods and resultsAfter differentiation, myotubes were cultured in 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 solutions at 0, 1, or 10 nM for 72 h. Cells were treated by l-[1-C-13]valine and puromycin in presence or not of leucine and insulin, and protein FSR was determined by measuring tracer enrichments and puromycin incorporation in proteins, respectively. Protein expression and phosphorylation state of insulin receptor (IR), Akt, GSK3, mTOR, p70 S6 kinase, rpS6, and 4EBP1 were measured by Western blot. Transcript levels of IR and 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 receptor (VDR) were determined by qPCR. 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 (10 nM) with leucine and insulin increased protein FSR in C2C12 myotubes (14-16%). IR and VDR mRNA expression was increased with 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 treatment. The Akt/mTOR-dependent pathway was activated by insulin and leucine and further enhanced by 1,25(OH)(2)D-3. Conclusion1,25(OH)(2)D-3 sensitizes the Akt/mTOR-dependant pathway to the stimulating effect of leucine and insulin, resulting in a further activation of protein synthesis in murine C2C12 skeletal myotubes.

Background Glucocorticoids levels are high in catabolic conditions but it is unclear how much of the catabolic effects are due to negative energy balance versus glucocorticoids and whether there are distinct effects on metabolism and functions of specific muscle proteins. Methodology/Principal Findings We determined whether 14 days of high dose methylprednisolone (MPred, 4 mg/kg/d) Vs food restriction (FR, food intake matched to MPred) in rats had different effects on muscle mitochondrial function and protein fractional synthesis rates (FSR). Lower weight loss (15%) occurred in FR than in MPred (30%) rats, while a 15% increase occurred saline-treated Controls. The per cent muscle loss was significantly greater for MPred than FR. Mitochondrial protein FSR in MPred rats was lower in soleus (51 and 43%, respectively) and plantaris (25 and 55%) than in FR, while similar decline in protein FSR of the mixed, sarcoplasmic, and myosin heavy chain occurred. Mitochondrial enzymatic activity and ATP production were unchanged in soleus while in plantaris cytochrome c oxidase activity was lower in FR than Control, and ATP production rate with pyruvate + malate in MPred plantaris was 28% lower in MPred. Branched-chain amino acid catabolic enzyme activities were higher in both FR and MPred rats indicating enhanced amino acid oxidation capacity. Conclusion/Significance MPred and FR had little impact on mitochondrial function but reduction in muscle protein synthesis occurred in MPred that could be explained on the basis of reduced food intake. A greater decline in proteolysis may explain lesser muscle loss in FR than in MPred rats.

Background: In the postprandial state, splanchnic extraction of leucine is two-fold higher in elderly humans and in old rats compared with adults. This splanchnic sequestration of Leu (SSLeu) reduc...