Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation reduces tumor growth and tumor cell proliferation ex vivo and prevents cachexia in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats by modifying nuclear factor-kappaB expression.

Cancer cachexia syndrome contributes to wasting and weight loss leading to inefficacy of anticancer therapy. In this study, the anticatabolic agent beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) was supplemented to adult Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats during 8 weeks aiming to determine if tumor burden could be reduced. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to nontumor and tumor-bearing groups and fed regular chow or regular chow plus HMB supplemented (76 mg/kg body weight).