Biologically active material characterized by catabolic activity generally associated with cachexia-inducing tumors, preparations, production and uses thereof

摘要

A biologically active lipolytic factor having an average molecular weight substantially less than 5000 daltons and comprising active molecular species having molecular weights of about 3000 daltons, 1500 daltons and 700-800 daltons is disclosed. The factor can be isolated, using chromatographic methods, from cachexia-inducing tumours, cultures of tissue cells of cachexia-inducing tumours especially cultures of a MAC16 tumour cell line, or from body fluids such as serum or urine of mammals bearing cachexia-inducing tumours. Cancer diagnostic applications in relation to human individuals are described as well as uses for screening and identifying potential anti-cachetic and/or antitumour therapeutic agents.