# Silybin as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent in cancer cachexia

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · 2022 · $178,619

## Abstract

Unintentional body weight loss (cachexia) in chronic diseases, such as cancer can lead to the 
deterioration of quality of life, lack of response to treatment, and ultimately death. Cancer cachexia is 
characterized by systemic inflammation, muscle and fat loss, and reduced physical function. Tissue 
fibrosis or scarring has been observed in cancer cachectic patients. Muscle fibrosis is one of the most 
consistent findings among people with reduced muscle function due to myopathies, neuromuscular 
disorders, trauma, and sarcopenia. Blocking inflammation and fibrosis in the pre-cachectic and cachectic 
stages is critical to positively impact muscle health, locomotion, and performance. Silybin, one of the 
active compounds of the medicinal plant Silybum marianum has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic 
properties in cardiac and liver disorders. Since there are no approved therapies for cancer cachexia and 
silybin has been associated to improve factors associated with cachexia, we propose to assess whether 
silybin reduces skeletal muscle fibrosis. Furthermore, we will determine if TGF-􀈕 is involved in initiating or 
maintaining loss of muscle mass and function. Our findings could lead to the discovery of a new 
mechanism and novel strategies to prevent and/or treat cachexia.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10665485
- **Project number:** 5P20GM103641-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Mitzi Nagarkatti
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $178,619
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-06-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10665485

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10665485, Silybin as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent in cancer cachexia (5P20GM103641-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10665485. Licensed CC0.

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