Mitochondrial Respiratory Function in Mammalian Skeletal Muscle

Subjects diagnosed with advanced (stages III or IV), persistent (recurrence within 6 months) or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) (n=10).

Healthy Controls (n=10).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women, aged 30-60 years.
2. Diagnosed with advanced (stages III or IV), persistent (recurrence within 6 months) or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and being treated at UTMB (n=10).
3. Healthy sex and age matched controls (n=10.)
4. Able to comprehend risks and sign a consent form.
5. Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant renal or heart disease or any acute metabolic disease.
2. Evidence of hepatitis as indicated by a 3-fold increase in of 2 out of 3 liver enzymes.
3. Diabetes mellitus or other untreated endocrine disease.
4. Recent (within 3 months) treatment with anabolic steroids.
5. Ongoing anticoagulant therapy.
6. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and/or hyperthecosis.
7. Non-classical adrenal hyperplasia.
8. Cushing's syndrome.
9. Pregnancy.
10. Hyperprolactinoma, hypothyroidism.
11. Granulocyte Count below 1.5x103/µL
12. Platelet Count below 150 x 103/µL
13. White Blood Cell Count below 1.0x103/µL
14. Hemoglobin below 8.0 g/dL
15. Organ transplant, HIV, or other criteria deemed immunosuppressing by the PI or study physician.
16. Any other circumstance deemed exclusionary by the PI or study physician.