Azaftig, a proteoglycan for monitoring cachexia and for control of obesity

摘要

A proteoglycan ("azaftig") with a molecular weight of approximately 24,000 Dalton has been isolated and partially characterized from the urine of cachectic cancer and non-cancer patients. Azaftig has been shown to bind to receptors on fat cell membranes, and to cause lipolysis. Azaftig does not bind to muscle cell membranes, or cause proteolysis in muscle tissue. Azaftig detection in urine or other body fluids will allow early identification of patients in which weight loss may become a problem. Azaftig may also aid fat loss in humans in which obesity is a threat to health.