Project description:Doxorubicin (DOX) induces oxidative stress leading to cardiotoxicity. Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin of Dioscorea opposita, has been reported to have antioxidant activity. Our study was aimed to find out the protective effect of diosgenin against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. DOX treatment led to a significant decrease in the ratio of heart weight to body weight, and increases in the blood pressure and the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and creatine kinase myocardial bound (CK-MB), markers of cardiotoxicity. In the heart tissue of the DOX-treated mice, DOX reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were recovered by diosgenin. Diosgenin also decreased the serum levels of cardiotoxicity markers, cardiac levels of thiobarbituric acid relative substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3 activation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), an inflammatory factor. Moreover, diosgenin had the effects of increasing the cardiac levels of cGMP via modulation of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) activity, and in improving myocardial fibrosis in the DOX-treated mice. Molecular data showed that the protective effects of diosgenin might be mediated via regulation of protein kinase A (PKA) and p38. Our data imply that diosgenin possesses antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities, and cGMP modulation effect, which in turn protect the heart from the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
Project description:Cardioprotection of dexrazoxane (DZR) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity is contentious and the indicator is controversial. A pairwise comparative metabolomics approach was used to delineate the potential metabolic processes in the present study. Ninety-six BALB/c mice were randomly divided into two supergroups: tumor and control groups. Each supergroup was divided into control, DOX, DZR, and DOX plus DZR treatment groups. DOX treatment resulted in a steady increase in 5-hydroxylysine, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 2-oxoglutarate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and decrease in glucose, glutamate, cysteine, acetone, methionine, asparate, isoleucine, and glycylproline.DZR treatment led to increase in lactate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glutamate, alanine, and decrease in glucose, trimethylamine N-oxide and carnosine levels. These metabolites represent potential biomarkers for early prediction of cardiotoxicity of DOX and the cardioprotective evaluation of DZR.
Project description:This study investigated transcriptomic changes in mouse cardiac tissues following doxorubicin and hesperitin treatments. Cardiac tissues were collected at 16 and 72 hours post-treatment, and RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways involved in drug response and cardioprotection.
Project description:The chemotherapeutic effect of doxorubicin (Dox) is limited by cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity in cancer survivors. Dexrazoxane (DRZ) is approved to prevent Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Humanin and its synthetic analog HNG have a cytoprotective effect on the heart. To investigate the cardioprotective efficacy of HNG alone or in combination with DRZ against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, 80 adult male mice were randomly divided into 8 groups to receive the following treatments via intraperitoneal injection: saline dailym HNG (5 mg/kg) daily, DRZ (60 mg/kg) weekly, Dox (3 mg/kg) weekly, DRZ + HNG, Dox + HNG, Dox + DRZ, and Dox + HNG + DRZ. Echocardiograms were performed before and at 4, 8, and 9.5 wk after the beginning of treatment. All mice were euthanized at 10 wk. In the absence of Dox, HNG, DRZ, or DRZ + HNG had no adverse effect on the heart. Dox treatment caused decreases in ejection fraction and cardiac mass and increases in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and intracardiac fibrosis. HNG or DRZ alone blunted the Dox-induced decrease in left ventricle posterior wall thickness and modestly ameliorated the Dox-induced decrease in ejection fraction. HNG + DRZ significantly ameliorated Dox-induced decreases in ejection function, cardiac fibrosis, and cardiac mass. Using a targeted analysis for the mitochondrial gene array and protein expression in heart tissues, we demonstrated that HNG + DRZ reversed DOX-induced altered transcripts that were biomarkers of cardiac damage and uncoupling protein-2. We conclude that HNG enhances the cardiac protective effect of DRZ against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. HNG + DRZ protects mitochondria from Dox-induced cardiac damage and blunts the onset of cardiac dysfunction. Thus, HNG may be an adjuvant to DRZ in preventing Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Doxorubicin (Dox) is commonly used for treating a wide range of human cancers. However, cumulative dosage-dependent carditoxicity often limits its clinical applications. We demonstrated in this study that treating young adult male mice with synthetic humanin analog enhanced the cardiac protective effect of dexrazoxane against chemotherapeutic agent Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction. Thus, humanin analog can potentially serve as an adjuvant to dexrazoxane in more effectively preventing Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyopathy.
Project description:ContextShengmai injection (SMI) has been used to treat heart failure.ObjectiveThis study determines the molecular mechanisms of SMI against cardiotoxicity caused by doxorubicin (DOX).Materials and methodsIn vivo, DOX (15 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected in model, Dex (dexrazoxane), SMI-L (2.7 mL/kg), SMI-M (5.4 mL/kg), and SMI-H (10.8 mL/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to evaluate histological changes, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was identified using TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL). Enzymatic indexes were determined. mRNA and protein expressions were analysed through RT-qPCR and Western blotting. In vitro, H9c2 cells were divided into control group, model group (2 mL 1 μM DOX), SMI group, ML385 group, and SMI + ML385 group, the intervention lasted for 24 h. mRNA and protein expressions were analysed.ResultsSMI markedly improved cardiac pathology, decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, increased creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD). Compared with the model group, the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (SMI-L: 2.42-fold, SMI-M: 2.67-fold, SMI-H: 3.07-fold) and haem oxygenase-1(HO-1) (SMI-L: 1.64-fold, SMI-M: 2.01-fold, SMI-H: 2.19-fold) was increased and the protein expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) (SMI-L: 0.90-fold, SMI-M: 0.77-fold, SMI-H: 0.66-fold) was decreased in SMI groups and Dex group in vivo. Additionally, SMI dramatically inhibited apoptosis, decreased CK, LDH and MDA levels, and enhanced SOD activity. Our results demonstrated that SMI reduced DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway.ConclusionsThis study revealed a new mechanism by which SMI alleviates DOX-induced 45 cardiomyopathy by modulating the Nrf2/Keap1 signal pathway.
Project description:This study investigated the protective effect of glutathione (GSH), an antioxidant drug, against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. Human cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs) treated with DOX (250 to 500 nM) showed increased viability and reduced ROS generation and apoptosis with GSH treatment (0.1 to 1 mM) for 24 h. In contrast to the 500 nM DOX group, pERK levels were restored in the group co-treated with GSH and suppression of ERK signaling improved hCPCs' survival. Similarly to the previous results, the reduced potency of hCPCs in the 100 nM DOX group, which did not affect cell viability, was ameliorated by co-treatment with GSH (0.1 to 1 mM). Furthermore, GSH was protected against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in the in vivo model (DOX 20 mg/kg, GSH 100 mg/kg). These results suggest that GSH is a potential therapeutic strategy for DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, which performs its function via ROS reduction and pERK signal regulation.
Project description:Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient antineoplastic agent with a broad antitumor spectrum; however, doxorubicin-associated cardiotoxic adverse effect through oxidative damage and apoptosis limits its clinical application. Cafestol (Caf) is a naturally occurring diterpene in unfiltered coffee with unique antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities by activating the Nrf2 pathway. The present study aimed to investigate the potential chemoprotective effect of cafestol on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Wistar albino rats of both sexes were administered cafestol (5 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days by oral gavage alone or with doxorubicin which was injected as a single dose (15 mg/kg intraperitoneally at day 14) to induce toxicity. The result showed that Caf significantly improved cardiac injury induced by doxorubicin, decreased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, ALP, and ALT, and improved histopathological changes. In addition, cafestol significantly inhibited DOX-induced cardiac oxidative stress as seen in the reduced level of MDA and increased GSH, SOD, CAT, and Gpx-1 cardiac tissue levels; cafestol significantly enhanced Nrf2 gene and protein expression and promoted the expression of downstream antioxidant genes HO-1 and NQO-1 and downregulated Keap1 and NF-κB genes' expression; in addition, Caf significantly reduced inflammatory mediators, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels and inhibited cardiac apoptosis by modulating Bax and Casp 3 tissue levels and reduced TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that cafestol improved the cardiotoxic effects induced by doxorubicin through the regulation of apoptosis and oxidative stress response through the Nrf2 pathway; this study suggests that cafestol may serve as a potential adjuvant in chemotherapy to alleviate DOX-induced toxicities.
Project description:IntroductionAdriamycin (ADR) is an efficient and common broad-spectrum anticancer drug. However, the cumulative and dose-dependent toxicity induced by ADR severely limits its application in the clinic. Previous studies found that psoralidin (PSO) exhibits remarkable therapeutic effects against multiple cancers.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine if PSO has beneficial effects on ADR-induced cardiotoxicity and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsADR-induced cardiotoxicity models were established in BALB/c mice and HL-1 cardiomyocytes. A series of experimental methods were used to evaluate the effects of PSO on cardiac function indicators, blood biochemical parameters, histopathology, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, fibrosis, and SIRT1/PPARγ signaling.ResultsPSO significantly improved cardiac function indicators, blood biochemical parameters, and mitochondrial function and reduced the degree of myocardial fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in ADR-injured mice. PSO significantly increased cell viability, inhibited the release of LDH, reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and improved mitochondrial function in ADR-injured HL-1 cells. Moreover, we also demonstrated there was cross-talk between SIRT1 and PPARγ, as shown by SIRT1 siRNA significantly decreasing the expression of PPARγ and GW9662 (a PPARγ antagonist), which remarkably reduced the expression of SIRT1.ConclusionIn summary, this study proved for the first time the beneficial effect of PSO on ADR-induced cardiotoxicity through activation of the SIRT1/PPARγ signaling pathway. Therefore, these findings may favor PSO as a potential cardioprotective drug candidate to alleviate ADR-induced cardiotoxicity in the clinic and improve the application of ADR in oncotherapy.
Project description:BackgroundDoxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antitumor agent, but its clinical usage is limited due to adverse cardiotoxic effects. Several compounds have been studied to reduce DOX cardiotoxicity to improve its therapeutic index. This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of sodium thiosulfate (STS) pre-treatment against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy in rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups: control (saline), DOX (2.5 mg/kg, 3 times per week, intraperitoneal [i.p.]), STS (300 mg/kg, 3 times per week, i.p), and DOX + STS (30 min prior to DOX injection, 3 times per week, i.p.) over a period of 2 weeks. The body weight, electrocardiography, histopathology, papillary muscle contractility, and oxidative stress biomarkers in heart tissues were assessed.ResultsThe results indicated that STS significantly improved the body weight (P < 0.01), decreased QRS complex and QT interval on ECG (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), as well as declined the papillary muscle excitation, and increased its contraction (P < 0.01) compared to DOX-treated rats. STS strongly suppressed oxidative stress induced by DOX through the significant improvement of the cardiac tissue antioxidant capacity by increasing glutathione, superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001), and decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation (P < 0.01).ConclusionTaken together, the results of this study demonstrated that STS showed potent cardioprotective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress.
Project description:Hippophae rhamnoides L. is a deciduous shrub that contains many unique bioactive substances. This sea buckthorn possesses anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective properties. Herein, the effects of phenylpropyl compounds extracted from H. rhamnoides L. on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity were evaluated in zebrafish. Cardiac injury in zebrafish was induced using 35 μM Dox for 96 h, and 30 μM phenylpropanoid compounds were used as the protective treatment. The cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of the four phenylpropanoids were investigated using microscopy, behavioral analysis, acridine orange staining, western blotting, flow cytometry, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The extracted phenylpropanoids could significantly relieve Dox-induced cardiac injury in zebrafish and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The mechanisms of action were mainly related to the stability of mitochondrial biogenesis and function maintained by phenylpropanoids in zebrafish. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the protective effect of sea buckthorn against myocardial injury in zebrafish. Our findings provide support for the further research and development of sea buckthorn and its components.