Trehalose alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in female Swiss albino mice by suppression of oxidative stress and autophagy

Early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity

Although anthracyclines are important anticancer agents, their use is limited due to various adverse effects, particularly cardiac toxicity. Mechanisms underlying anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) are complex. Given the irreplaceable role of anthracyclines in treatment of malignancies and other serious diseases, early monitoring of AIC is paramount. In recent years, multiple studies have investigated various biomarkers for early detection of AIC. Currently, the two most common are cardiac troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide. In addition, a range of other molecules, including RNAs, myeloperoxidase (MPO), C-reactive protein (CRP), various genes, and others, also play roles in AIC prediction. Unfortunately, current research indicates a need to validate their sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers especially in large study populations. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms and potential biomarkers of AIC, although some remain preliminary.

The potential therapeutic impacts of trehalose on cardiovascular diseases as the environmental-influenced disorders: An overview of contemporary findings

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as environmental-influenced disorders, are a major concern and the leading cause of death worldwide. A range of therapeutic approaches has been proposed, including conventional and novel methods. Natural compounds offer a promising alternative for CVD treatment due to their ability to regulate molecular pathways with minimal adverse effects. Trehalose is natural compound and disaccharide with unique biological functions and cardio-protective properties. The cardio-protective effects of trehalose are generated through its ability to induce autophagy, which is mediated by the transcription factors TFEB and FOXO1. The stimulation of TFEB plays a significant role in regulating autophagy genes and autophagosome formation. Activation of FOXO1 through dephosphorylation of Foxo1 and blocking of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) also triggers autophagy dramatically. Trehalose has been shown to reduce CVD risk factors, including atherosclerosis, cardiac remodeling after a heart attack, cardiac dysfunction, high blood pressure, and stroke. It also reduces structural abnormalities of mitochondria, cytokine production, vascular inflammation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and pyroptosis. This review provides a molecular overview of trehalose's cardioprotective functions, including its mechanisms of autophagy and its potential to improve CVD symptoms based on clinical evidence.

Puerarin activates adaptive autophagy and protects the myocardium against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via the 14–3-3γ/PKCε pathway

Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) seriously threatens the health of related patients. Studies have confirmed that 14-3-3γ and protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) are the endogenous protective proteins. Puerarin (Pue) is a bioactive ingredient isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata. It possesses many pharmacological properties, which have been widely used in treating and adjuvant therapy of cardiovascular diseases. In the study, we intended to explore the effects and mechanism of Pue pretreatment to protect the myocardium against DIC injury. Adult mice and H9c2 cells were pretreated with Pue, and the injury model was made with Dox. Results showed that Pue pretreatment alleviated DIC injury, as revealed by increased cell viability, decreased LDH activity and apoptosis, inhibited excess oxidative stress, maintained mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, and improved myocardial function. Furthermore, Pue pretreatment upregulated 14-3-3γ expression, interacted with PKCε, phosphorylated and impelled migration to mitochondria, activated adaptive autophagy, and protected the myocardium. However, pAD/14-3-3γ-shRNA or εV1-2 (a PKCε activity inhibitor) or 3-methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) could weaken the above effects of Pue pretreatment. Together, Pue pretreatment could activate adaptive autophagy by the 14-3-3γ/PKCε pathway and protect the myocardium against DIC injury.

Cardiomyocyte Atrophy, an Underestimated Contributor in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Left ventricular (LV) mass loss is prevalent in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and is responsible for the progressive decline of cardiac function. Comparing with the well-studied role of cell death, the part of cardiomyocyte atrophy (CMA) playing in the LV mass loss is underestimated and the knowledge of the underlying mechanism is still limited. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in the DOX-induced CMA. We found that the CMA caused by DOX is associated with the upregulation of FOXOs and “atrogenes,” the activation of transient receptor potential canonical 3-NADPH oxidase 2 (TRPC3-Nox2) axis, and the suppression of IGF-1-PI3K signaling pathway. The imbalance of anabolic and catabolic process may be the common final pathway of these mechanisms. At last, we provided some strategies that have been demonstrated to alleviate the DOX-induced CMA in animal models.