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Zannad F, Ferreira JP, Butler J, Filippatos G, Januzzi JL, Sumin M, Zwick M, Saadati M, Pocock SJ, Sattar N, Anker SD, Packer M. Effect of empagliflozin on circulating proteomics in heart failure: mechanistic insights into the EMPEROR programme. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:4991-5002. [PMID: 36017745 PMCID: PMC9769969 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve cardiovascular outcomes in diverse patient populations, but their mechanism of action requires further study. The aim is to explore the effect of empagliflozin on the circulating levels of intracellular proteins in patients with heart failure, using large-scale proteomics. METHODS AND RESULTS Over 1250 circulating proteins were measured at baseline, Week 12, and Week 52 in 1134 patients from EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved, using the Olink® Explore 1536 platform. Statistical and bioinformatical analyses identified differentially expressed proteins (empagliflozin vs. placebo), which were then linked to demonstrated biological actions in the heart and kidneys. At Week 12, 32 of 1283 proteins fulfilled our threshold for being differentially expressed, i.e. their levels were changed by ≥10% with a false discovery rate <1% (empagliflozin vs. placebo). Among these, nine proteins demonstrated the largest treatment effect of empagliflozin: insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1, transferrin receptor protein 1, carbonic anhydrase 2, erythropoietin, protein-glutamine gamma-glutamyltransferase 2, thymosin beta-10, U-type mitochondrial creatine kinase, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4, and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein 4. The changes of the proteins from baseline to Week 52 were generally concordant with the changes from the baseline to Week 12, except empagliflozin reduced levels of kidney injury molecule-1 by ≥10% at Week 52, but not at Week 12. The most common biological action of differentially expressed proteins appeared to be the promotion of autophagic flux in the heart, kidney or endothelium, a feature of 6 proteins. Other effects of differentially expressed proteins on the heart included the reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis, and the enhancement of mitochondrial health and energy, repair, and regenerative capacity. The actions of differentially expressed proteins in the kidney involved promotion of autophagy, integrity and regeneration, suppression of renal inflammation and fibrosis, and modulation of renal tubular sodium reabsorption. CONCLUSIONS Changes in circulating protein levels in patients with heart failure are consistent with the findings of experimental studies that have shown that the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are likely related to actions on the heart and kidney to promote autophagic flux, nutrient deprivation signalling and transmembrane sodium transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiez Zannad
- Corresponding author. Tel: +33 3 83 15 73 15, Fax: +33 3 83 15 73 24, Emails: ;
| | - João Pedro Ferreira
- Corresponding author. Tel: +33 3 83 15 73 15, Fax: +33 3 83 15 73 24, Emails: ;
| | - Javed Butler
- Heart and Vascular Research, Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, 34 Live Oak St Ste 501, Dallas, TX 75204, USA,University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Gerasimos Filippatos
- Heart Failure Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Mikras Asias 75, Athina 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - James L Januzzi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114USA,The Baim Institute for Clinical Research, 930 Commonwealth Ave #3, Boston, MA 02215USA
| | - Mikhail Sumin
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Binger Str. 173, 55218 Ingelheim am RheinGermany
| | - Matthias Zwick
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der RissGermany
| | - Maral Saadati
- Elderbrook Solutions GmbH on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Stuart J Pocock
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HTUK
| | - Naveed Sattar
- BHF, UK School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TAUK
| | - Stefan D Anker
- Department of Cardiology (CVK) Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany,Institute of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 213, 50-556 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Milton Packer
- Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital, Baylor University Medical Center, 621 N Hall St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA,Imperial College, London, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2BX, UK
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Upadhyay S, Gupta KB, Mantha AK, Dhiman M. A short review: Doxorubicin and its effect on cardiac proteins. J Cell Biochem 2020; 122:153-165. [PMID: 32924182 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a boon for cancer-suffering patients. However, the undesirable effect on health on vital organs, especially the heart, is a limiting factor, resulting in an increased number of patients with cardiac dysfunction. The present review focuses on the contractile machinery and associated factors, which get affected due to DOX toxicity in chemo-patients for which they are kept under life-long investigation for cardiac function. DOX-induced oxidative stress disrupts the integrity of cardiac contractile muscle proteins that alter the rhythmic mechanism and oxygen consumption rate of the heart. DOX is an oxidant and it is further discussed that oxidative stress prompts the damage of contractile components and associated factors, which include Ca2+ load through Ca2+ ATPase, SERCA, ryanodine receptor-2, phospholamban, and calsequestrin, which ultimately results in left ventricular ejection and dilation. Based on data and evidence, the associated proteins can be considered as clinical markers to develop medications for patients. Even with the advancement of various diagnosing tools and modified drugs to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, the risk could not be surmounted with survivors of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishir Upadhyay
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Kunj Bihari Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anil Kumar Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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Toro-Salazar OH, Lee JH, Zellars KN, Perreault PE, Mason KC, Wang Z, Hor KN, Gillan E, Zeiss CJ, Gatti DM, Davey BT, Kutty S, Liang BT, Spinale FG. Use of integrated imaging and serum biomarker profiles to identify subclinical dysfunction in pediatric cancer patients treated with anthracyclines. CARDIO-ONCOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 4:4. [PMID: 29900007 PMCID: PMC5995570 DOI: 10.1186/s40959-018-0030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthracycline induced cardiomyopathy is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among pediatric cancer survivors. It has been postulated that oxidative stress induction and inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis of this process. Accordingly, the present study performed an assessment of biomarker profiles and functional imaging parameters focused upon potential early determinants of anthracycline induced cardiomyopathy. METHODS Patients (10-22 years) were prospectively enrolled between January 2013 and November 2014. Thirteen subjects completed the study and underwent serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and plasma biomarker profiling performed 24-48 h after the first anthracycline dose and at set dose intervals. In addition, we collected plasma samples from 62 healthy controls to examine normal plasma biomarker profiles. RESULTS Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased from 64.3 ± 6.2 at the first visit to 57.5 ± 3.3 (p = 0.004) 1 year after chemotherapy. A decline in longitudinal strain magnitude occurred at lower cumulative doses. A differential inflammatory/matrix signature emerged in anthracycline induced cardiomyopathy patients compared to normal including increased interleukin-8 and MMP levels. With longer periods of anthracycline dosing, MMP-7, a marker of macrophage proteolytic activation, increased by 165 ± 54% whereas interleukin-10 an anti-inflammatory marker decreased by 75 ± 13% (both p < 0.05). MMP7 correlated with time dependent changes in EF. CONCLUSIONS Asymptomatic pediatric patients exposed to anthracycline therapy develop abnormal strain parameters at lower cumulative doses when compared to changes in EF. A differential biomarker signature containing both inflammatory and matrix domains occur early in anthracycline treatment. Dynamic changes in these domains occur with increased anthracycline doses and progression to anthracycline induced cardiomyopathy. These findings provide potential prognostic and mechanistic insights into the natural history of anthracycline induced cardiomyopathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03211520 Date of Registration February 13, 2017, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga H. Toro-Salazar
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 USA
- Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT USA
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 USA
| | - Kia N. Zellars
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC USA
| | | | - Kathryn C. Mason
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Zhu Wang
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 USA
| | - Kan N. Hor
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Eileen Gillan
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 USA
| | | | | | - Brooke T. Davey
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 USA
| | | | - Bruce T. Liang
- Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT USA
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Míčová P, Klevstig M, Holzerová K, Vecka M, Žurmanová J, Neckář J, Kolář F, Nováková O, Novotný J, Hlaváčková M. Antioxidant tempol suppresses heart cytosolic phospholipase A2α stimulated by chronic intermittent hypoxia. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:920-927. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2017-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation implicated in the improved cardiac tolerance against acute ischemia–reperfusion injury. Phospholipases A2(PLA2s) play an important role in cardiomyocyte phospholipid metabolism influencing membrane homeostasis. Here we aimed to determine the effect of CIH (7000 m, 8 h/day, 5 weeks) on the expression of cytosolic PLA2(cPLA2α), its phosphorylated form (p-cPLA2α), calcium-independent (iPLA2), and secretory (sPLA2IIA) at protein and mRNA levels, as well as fatty acids (FA) profile in left ventricular myocardium of adult male Wistar rats. Chronic administration of antioxidant tempol was used to verify the ROS involvement in CIH effect on PLA2s expression and phospholipid FA remodeling. While CIH did not affect PLA2s mRNA levels, it increased the total cPLA2α protein in cytosol and membranes (by 191% and 38%, respectively) and p-cPLA2α (by 23%) in membranes. On the contrary, both iPLA2and sPLA2IIA were downregulated by CIH. CIH further decreased phospholipid n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and increased n-3 PUFA proportion. Tempol treatment prevented only CIH-induced cPLA2α up-regulation and its phosphorylation on Ser505. Our results show that CIH diversely affect myocardial PLA2s and suggest that ROS are responsible for the activation of cPLA2α under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Míčová
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Klevstig
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Holzerová
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Vecka
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Žurmanová
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Neckář
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - František Kolář
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Nováková
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Novotný
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Hlaváčková
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Nikitovic D, Juranek I, Wilks MF, Tzardi M, Tsatsakis A, Tzanakakis GN. Anthracycline-dependent cardiotoxicity and extracellular matrix remodeling. Chest 2014; 146:1123-1130. [PMID: 25288002 DOI: 10.1378/chest.14-0460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of anthracycline-dependent cardiotoxicity have been studied widely, with the suggested principal mechanism of anthracycline damage being the generation of reactive oxygen species by iron-anthracycline complexes, leading to lipid peroxidation and membrane damage. An increasing number of researchers studying cardiovascular events associated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy are addressing cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. The heart is an efficient muscular pump, with the cardiomyocytes and intramural coronary vasculature of the heart tethered in an ECM consisting of a network of fibrillar, structural proteins, mostly collagens. Increasing evidence suggests that the ECM plays a complex and diverse role in the processes initiated by anthracycline-class drugs that lead to cardiac damage. This review discusses adverse myocardial remodeling induced by anthracyclines and focuses on their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Nikitovic
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Ivo Juranek
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin F Wilks
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Tzardi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George N Tzanakakis
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Ismail HM, Dorchies OM, Perozzo R, Strosova MK, Scapozza L, Ruegg UT. Inhibition of iPLA2 β and of stretch-activated channels by doxorubicin alters dystrophic muscle function. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 169:1537-50. [PMID: 23849042 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic elevation in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration participates in death of skeletal muscle from mdx mice, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Candidate pathways mediating this Ca(2+) overload involve store-operated channels (SOCs) and stretch-activated channels (SACs), which are modulated by the Ca(2+) -independent form of PL A2 (iPLA2 ). We investigated the effect of doxorubicin (Dox), a chemotherapeutic agent reported to inhibit iPLA2 in other systems, on the activity of this enzyme and on the consequences on Ca(2+) handling and muscle function in mdx mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of Dox on iPLA2 activity, reactive oxygen species production and on Ca(2+) influx were investigated in C2C12 and mdx myotubes. The mechanism of Dox-mediated iPLA2 inhibition was evaluated using purified 6x histidine-tagged enzyme. Aequorin technology was used to assess Ca(2+) concentrations underneath the plasma membrane. Isolated muscles were exposed to fatigue protocols and eccentric contractions to evaluate the effects of Dox on muscle function. KEY RESULTS Dox at 1-30 μM inhibited iPLA2 activity in cells and in the purified enzyme. Dox also inhibited SAC- but not SOC-mediated Ca(2+) influx in myotubes. Stimulated elevations of Ca(2+) concentrations below the plasmalemma were also blocked. Exposure of excised muscle to Dox was not deleterious to force production and promoted recovery from eccentric contractions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Dox showed efficacy against targets known to play a role in the pathology of DMD, namely iPLA2 and SAC. The potent SAC inhibitory effect of Dox is a novel finding that can explain partly the cardiomyopathy seen in chronic anthracycline treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Ismail
- Pharmacology, Geneva-Lausanne School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva and University of Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
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Gandhi H, Patel VB, Mistry N, Patni N, Nandania J, Balaraman R. Doxorubicin mediated cardiotoxicity in rats: protective role of felodipine on cardiac indices. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 36:787-795. [PMID: 23958971 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Anthracyclines find vital uses in the treatment of solid tumors and other kind of malignancies. A typical side effect observed with few agents of this class is dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Doxorubicin is one such agent which backs the generation of free radicals through metabolism of its quinone structure. This effect combined with induction of apoptotic and necrotic pathways leads to the development of irreversible cardiotoxicity. Reports showing the cardioprotective effects of felodipine have been published in the past. We chose to evaluate protective effect of felodipine in acute cardiotoxicity in rats induced by single dose of doxorubicin. Felodipine was assessed against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and we found that felodipine not only improves cardiac marker enzymes (P<0.001 for LDH; P<0.01 for CK-MB) but also prevents damage to myocardial tissue (20.61% necrosed area in doxorubicin intoxication; 11.52% necrosed area in felodipine treated group). Activation of apoptotic pathways is decelerated which is indicated by a significant reduction in myocardial caspase-3 activity (P<0.05) following felodipine pretreatment. Felodipine pretreatment was able to maintain normal cardiac morphology and histoarchitecture. Gravimetric analysis revealed beneficial effects following felodipine pretreatment. Abnormalities seen in the ECG after doxorubicin treatment were normalized to a significant extent (ST interval normalization was significant at P<0.01) in felodipine treated rats. In itself, felodipine was not found to have any detrimental effects on the myocardium or hemodynamic parameters of rats. Findings of the study suggest that pretreatment with felodipine prevents doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardik Gandhi
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Technology & Engineering, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara 390001, Gujarat, India.
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Gianni L, Herman EH, Lipshultz SE, Minotti G, Sarvazyan N, Sawyer DB. Anthracycline cardiotoxicity: from bench to bedside. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:3777-84. [PMID: 18669466 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.14.9401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthracyclines remain among the most widely prescribed and effective anticancer agents. Unfortunately, life-threatening cardiotoxicity continues to compromise their usefulness. Despite more than four decades of investigation, the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for anthracycline cardiotoxicity have not been completely elucidated. In addition, new drugs and combination therapies often exacerbate the toxicity. The First International Workshop on Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity, held in fall 2006, in Como, Italy, focused on the state-of-the-art knowledge and discussed the research needed to address the cardiotoxicity of these drugs. Here, we incorporate these discussions into the framework of a broader review of preclinical and clinical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gianni
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Instituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Minotti G, Sarvazyan N. The anthracyclines: when good things go bad. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2007; 7:53-5. [PMID: 17652803 PMCID: PMC3019579 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-007-0017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the era of targeted therapy the anthracyclines, which were discovered almost half-century ago, may appear to be too old to be good. While it is certainly true that the prototypic anthracyclines have been around for many years, there are robust clinical facts to confute that their time is over. These drugs continue to play an undisputed role in the treatment of many forms of cancer, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Unfortunately, however, their main side-effect remains: a life-threatening cardiotoxicity which became apparent at the beginning of anthracyclines' clinical use. In addition to this long-standing problem, we are now discovering that new combination therapies often cause a higher than expected incidence of cardiotoxicity, as if the newly designed drugs make the heart more vulnerable to the old one. Altogether, however, an overwhelming amount of clinical evidence suggests that anthracyclines are too good to be old. Yet, they would look much better if they caused less harm to the heart when administered as either single agents or in combination with otherwise promising new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Minotti
- Department of Drug Sciences and Center of Excellence on Aging, G. d’Annunzio University School of Medicine, Chieti, Italy. Campus Biomedico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Narine Sarvazyan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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