Taurine suppresses doxorubicin-triggered oxidative stress and cardiac apoptosis in rat via up-regulation of PI3-K/Akt and inhibition of p53, p38-JNK

Prevention and treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: A bibliometric analysis of the years 2000-2023

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the global research trend in the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity caused by anthracyclines from 2000 to 2023, and to explore international cooperation, research hotspots, and frontier trends.

Methods

The articles on the prevention and treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity published from 2000 to 2023 were searched by Web of Science. The bibliometrics software CiteSpace was used for visual analysis of countries, institutions, journals, authors, cited authors, cited references, and keywords.

Results

This study analyzed the current status of global research on the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity caused by anthracyclines. A total of 3,669 papers were searched and 851 studies were included. The number of publications increased gradually throughout the years. Cardiovascular Toxicology (15) is the journal with the most publications. Circulation (547) ranked first among cited journals. In this field, the country with the most publications is the United States (229), and the institution with the most publications is Charles Univ Prague (18). In the analysis of the authors, Tomas S (10) ranked first. Cardinale D (262) ranked first among cited authors. In the ranking of cited literature frequency, the article ranked first is "Early detection of anthracycline cardiotoxicity and improvement with heart failure therapy" (121). The keywords "heart failure" (215) and "oxidative stress" (212) were the most frequent. "Enalapril", "inflammation", "cell death", "NF-κB" and "Nrf2" were the advanced research contents in 2019-2023.

Conclusions

This study provided valuable information for cardio-oncology researchers to identify potential collaborators and institutions, discover hot topics, and explore new research directions. The prevention and treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity focuses on early detection and timely treatment. The results of the current clinical studies on the treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity are contradictory, and more studies are needed to provide more reliable clinical evidence in the future.

A review of chemotherapeutic drugs-induced arrhythmia and potential intervention with traditional Chinese medicines

Significant advances in chemotherapy drugs have reduced mortality in patients with malignant tumors. However, chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity increases the morbidity and mortality of patients, and has become the second leading cause of death after tumor recurrence, which has received more and more attention in recent years. Arrhythmia is one of the common types of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and has become a new risk related to chemotherapy treatment, which seriously affects the therapeutic outcome in patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has experienced thousands of years of clinical practice in China, and has accumulated a wealth of medical theories and treatment formulas, which has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine may reduce the arrhythmic toxicity caused by chemotherapy without affecting the anti-cancer effect. This paper mainly discussed the types and pathogenesis of secondary chemotherapeutic drug-induced arrhythmia (CDIA), and summarized the studies on Chinese medicine compounds, Chinese medicine Combination Formula and Chinese medicine injection that may be beneficial in intervention with secondary CDIA including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia and sinus bradycardia, in order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced arrhythmias.

Alleviation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rat by mesenchymal stem cells and olive leaf extract via MAPK/ TNF-α pathway: Preclinical, experimental and bioinformatics enrichment study

BACKGROUND

Toxic cardiomyopathies were a potentially fatal adverse effect of anthracycline therapy.

AIM

This study was conducted to demonstrate the pathogenetic, morphologic, and toxicologic effects of doxorubicin on the heart and to investigate how the MAPK /TNF-α pathway can be modulated to improve doxorubicin-Induced cardiac lesions using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and olive leaf extract (OLE).

METHODS

During the study, 40 adult male rats were used. Ten were used to donate MSCs, and the other 30 were split into 5 equal groups: Group I was the negative control, Group II obtained oral OLE, Group III obtained an intraperitoneal cumulative dose of DOX (12 mg/kg) in 6 equal doses of 2 mg/kg every 48 h for 12 days, Group IV obtained intraperitoneal DOX and oral OLE at the same time, and Group V obtained intraperitoneal DOX and BM-MSCs through the tail vein at the same time for 12 days. Four weeks after their last dose of DOX, the rats were euthanized. By checking the bioinformatic databases, a molecularly targeted path was selected. Then the histological, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression of ERK, JNK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α were done.

RESULTS

Myocardial immunohistochemistry revealed severe fibrosis, cell degeneration, increased vimentin, and decreased CD-31 expression in the DOX-treated group, along with a marked shift in morphometric measurements, a disordered ultrastructure, and overexpression of inflammatory genes (ERK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α), oxidative stress markers, and cardiac biomarkers. Both groups IV and V displayed reduced cardiac fibrosis or inflammation, restoration of the microstructure and ultrastructure of the myocardium, downregulation of inflammatory genes, markers of oxidative stress, and cardiac biomarkers, a notable decline in vimentin, and an uptick in CD-31 expression. In contrast to group IV, group V showed a considerable beneficial effect.

CONCLUSION

Both OLE and BM-MSCs showed an ameliorating effect in rat models of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, with BM-MSCs showing a greater influence than OLE.

A combination of isoliquiritigenin with Artemisia argyi and Ohwia caudata water extracts attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling pathways in SD rats with doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity

Ohwia caudata (Thunb.) H. Ohashi (Leguminosae) also called as "Evergreen shrub" and Artemisia argyi H.Lév. and Vaniot (Compositae) also named as "Chinese mugwort" those two-leaf extracts frequently used as herbal medicine, especially in south east Asia and eastern Asia. Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly used as effective chemotherapeutic drugs in anticancer therapy around the world. However, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure are seen in patients who receive DOX therapy, with the mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiac toxicity remaining unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cardiomyocytes have been shown to play crucial roles in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL, 10 mg/kg) is a bioactive flavonoid compound with protective effects against inflammation, neurodegeneration, cancer, and diabetes. Here, in this study, our aim is to find out the Artemisia argyi (AA) and Ohwia caudata (OC) leaf extract combination with Isoliquiritigenin in potentiating and complementing effect against chemo drug side effect to ameliorate cardiac damage and improve the cardiac function. In this study, we showed that a combination of low (AA 300 mg/kg; OC 100 mg/kg) and high-dose(AA 600 mg/kg; OC 300 mg/kg) AA and OC water extract with ISL activated the cell survival-related AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in DOX-treated cardiac tissue leading to the upregulation of the antioxidant markers SOD, HO-1, and Keap-1 and regulated mitochondrial dysfunction through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, the water extract of AA and OC with ISL inhibited the inflammatory response genes IL-6 and IL-1β, possibly through the NFκB/AKT/PI3K/p38α/NRLP3 signaling pathways. The water extract of AA and OC with ISL could be a potential herbal drug treatment for cardiac hypertrophy, inflammatory disease, and apoptosis, which can lead to sudden heart failure.

α-Bisabolol, a Dietary Sesquiterpene, Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity in Rats by Inhibiting Cellular Signaling Pathways, Nrf2/Keap-1/HO-1, Akt/mTOR/GSK-3β, NF-κB/p38/MAPK, and NLRP3 Inflammasomes Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cascades

Cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX) may have multiorgan toxicities including cardiotoxicity, and this is one of the major limitations of its clinical use. The present study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective role of α-Bisabolol (BSB) in DOX-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats and the underlying pharmacological and molecular mechanisms. DOX (12.5 mg/kg, single dose) was injected intraperitoneally into the rats for induction of acute cardiotoxicity. BSB was given orally to rats (25 mg/kg, p.o. twice daily) for a duration of five days. DOX administration induced cardiac dysfunction as evidenced by altered body weight, hemodynamics, and release of cardio-specific diagnostic markers. The occurrence of oxidative stress was evidenced by a significant decline in antioxidant defense along with a rise in lipid peroxidation and hyperlipidemia. Additionally, DOX also increased the levels and expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators, as well as activated NF-κB/MAPK signaling in the heart, following alterations in the Nrf2/Keap-1/HO-1 and Akt/mTOR/GSK-3β signaling. DOX also perturbed NLRP3 inflammasome activation-mediated pyroptosis in the myocardium of rats. Furthermore, histopathological studies revealed cellular alterations in the myocardium. On the contrary, treatment with BSB has been observed to preserve the myocardium and restore all the cellular, molecular, and structural perturbations in the heart tissues of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Results of the present study clearly demonstrate the protective role of BSB against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, which is attributed to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperlipidemic effects resulting from favorable modulation of numerous cellular signaling regulatory pathways, viz., Nrf2/Keap-1/HO-1, Akt/mTOR/GSK-3β, NF-κB/p38/MAPK, and NLRP3 inflammasomes, in countering the cascades of oxidative stress and inflammation. The observations suggest that BSB can be a promising agent or an adjuvant to limit the cardiac injury caused by DOX. Further studies including the role in tumor-bearing animals as well as regulatory toxicology are suggested.

Deficiency of Pdk1 drives heart failure by impairing taurine homeostasis through Slc6a6

3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (Pdk1) as a serine/threonine protein kinase plays a critical role in multiple signaling pathways. Analysis of the gene expression omnibus database showed that Pdk1 was significantly downregulated in patients with heart diseases. Gene set enrichment analysis of the proteomics dataset identified apoptotic- and metabolism-related signaling pathways directly targeted by Pdk1. Previously, our research indicated that Pdk1 deletion-induced metabolic changes might be involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that deficiency of Pdk1 resulted in apoptosis, oxidative damage, and disturbed metabolism, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, profiling of metabonomics by 1 H-NMR demonstrated that taurine was the major differential metabolite in the heart of Pdk1-knockout mice. Taurine treatment significantly reduced the reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis, improved cardiac function, and prolonged the survival time in Pdk1 deficient mice. Proteomic screening identified solute carrier family 6 member 6 (Slc6a6) as the downstream that altered taurine levels in Pdk1-expression cells. Consistently, cellular apoptosis and oxidative damage were rescued by Slc6a6 in abnormal Pdk1 expression cells. These findings collectively suggest that Pdk1 deficiency induces heart failure via disturbances in taurine homeostasis, triggered by Slc6a6.

Novel VEGFR2 inhibitors with thiazoloquinoxaline scaffold targeting hepatocellular carcinoma with lower cardiotoxic impact

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal tumor which is usually diagnosed at advanced stage. Molecular targeted drugs were used recently to treat HCC, however, due to serious side effects, mainly cardiotoxicity and emergence of resistance, there is demanding to explore new chemotherapeutics. 10 novel thiazoloquinoxaline derivatives coupled with different sulfonamide moieties 4(a-j) were designed and synthesized fulfilling pharmacophoric features of VEGFR-2 inhibition. Structures of all new compounds were verified via spectral and microanalytical data. After carrying in-vitro VEGFR-2 assay for compounds 4(a-j); sulfapyridine and sulfamethoxazole derivatives 4d and 4f showed potential inhibitory effect [61.04 and 83.35 nM], respectively, comparable to standard sorafenib [51.41 nM]. Both were then further evaluated for their cytocidal activity against HepG2 cell-line and against myocardium cells using H9C2 cell-line. As a result, only sulfapyridine derivative 4d exhibited a significant inhibition of HepG2 cells viability [IC50 = 4.31 μM]. Furthermore, it showed relatively lower cytotoxic impact against normal H9C2 myocardium cells [IC50, 33.47 μM] compared to that of sorafenib [IC50, 98.07 μM]. In-vivo study was carried out to determine myocardium safety of compound 4d on irradiated mice (8 Gy). In-vivo results of sulfapyridine derivative 4d showed normal cardiac enzyme function (CK) and serum catalase activity with significant reductions in LDH, cardiac TNF-α and caspase-9 levels, alongside with its efficacy in suppressing the expression of hepatic VEGF. In conclusion, sulfapyridine derivative 4d could be considered a promising candidate as VEGFR-2 inhibitor with less myocardium side effect.

Hyperoside alleviates doxorubicin-induced myocardial cells apoptosis by inhibiting the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/p38 pathway

Background

Cardiotoxicity is a side effect of the anthracycline broad-spectrum anti-tumor agent, doxorubicin (DOX). Hyperoside, a flavonoid glycoside extracted from many herbs, has anti-apoptotic and anticancer properties. However, its impact on the alleviation of DOX-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes remains elusive.

Methods

The HL-1 cell line was treated with 100 µ M hyperoside for 1 h prior to treatment with 100 µ M hyperoside and 1 µ M DOX for 24 h. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell viability; DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect (reactive oxygen species) ROS; biochemical methods were used to detect the activity of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA); the degree of apoptosis following DOX insult was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxy uridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay; the change in protein expression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), p38, and apoptosis markers was determined using western blot.

Results

Hyperoside ameliorated DOX-induced oxidative stress in HL-1 cells, up-regulated GSH, SOD and CAT activity, reduced ROS production and inhibited MDA overproduction. Moreover, in addition to promoting HL-1 cell apoptosis, DOX administration also increased B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2-associated X-protein and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels and decreased Bcl-2 protein level. Hyperoside therapy, however, significantly reversed the impact of DOX on the cardiomyocytes. Mechanically, DOX treatment increased the phosphorylation of the ASK1/p38 axis whereas hyperoside treatment attenuated those changes. In a further step, hyperoside synergizes with DOX to kill MDA-MB-231 cells.

Conclusions

Hyperoside protects HL-1 cells from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting the ASK1/p38 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, hyperoside maintained the cytotoxicity of DOX in MDA-MB-231 cells.

A systematic review of the protective effects of silymarin/silibinin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

PURPOSE

Although doxorubicin chemotherapy is commonly applied for treating different malignant tumors, cardiotoxicity induced by this chemotherapeutic agent restricts its clinical use. The use of silymarin/silibinin may mitigate the doxorubicin-induced cardiac adverse effects. For this aim, the potential cardioprotective effects of silymarin/silibinin against the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity were systematically reviewed.

METHODS

In this study, we performed a systematic search in accordance with PRISMA guideline for identifying all relevant studies on "the role of silymarin/silibinin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity" in different electronic databases up to June 2022. Sixty-one articles were obtained and screened based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirteen eligible papers were finally included in this review.

RESULTS

According to the echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings, the doxorubicin-treated groups presented a significant reduction in ejection fraction, tissue Doppler peak mitral annulus systolic velocity, and fractional shortening as well as bradycardia, prolongation of QT and QRS interval. However, these echocardiographic abnormalities were obviously improved in the silymarin plus doxorubicin groups. As well, the doxorubicin administration led to induce histopathological and biochemical changes in the cardiac cells/tissue; in contrast, the silymarin/silibinin co-administration could mitigate these induced alterations (for most of the cases).

CONCLUSION

According to the findings, it was found that the co-administration of silymarin/silibinin alleviates the doxorubicin-induced cardiac adverse effects. Silymarin/silibinin exerts its cardioprotective effects via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic activities, and other mechanisms.

The role of ginseng derivatives against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review of non-clinical studies

Aims

Although chemotherapy agents are used to treating cancers, they have serious side effects, like their harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, limiting the clinical use of these chemotherapy agents. This study aimed to systematically investigate the potential role of ginseng derivatives in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity.

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines strategy in databases till August 2022. First, identify studies related to using search terms in titles and abstracts. After studying and screening 209 articles, 16 articles were selected in this study according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

According to the findings of this study, ginseng derivatives showed significant changes in biochemical, histological, and heart weight loss, as well as a reduction in mortality, which occurred in the groups treated with chemotherapy agents compared to the control groups. Co-administration of ginseng derivatives with chemotherapy agents inhibited or reversed these changes to near-moderate levels. The protective effects of ginseng derivatives can be due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic action.

Conclusion

This systematic review shows evidence that concomitant administration of ginseng derivatives improves chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity. However, for better conclusions about the practical mechanisms of ginseng derivatives in reducing the cardiac toxic effects of chemotherapy agents and evaluating the efficacy and safety of the compound simultaneously, it is necessary to design comprehensive studies.

Assessment of sulfamethoxazole toxicity to marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Combine p38-MAPK signaling pathway modulation with histopathological alterations

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), is a ubiquitous antibiotic in the aquatic environment and received concerns on its health hazards, especially its sub-lethal effects on non-target organisms which were remained largely unknown. In the present study, in order to investigate SMX induced tissue damages and reveal underlying mechanisms, marine mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis were challenged to SMX series (0.5, 50 and 500 μg/L) for six-days followed by six-day-recovery. Comprehensive histopathological alteration (including qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative indices), together with transcriptional and (post-) translational responses of key factors (p38, NFκB and p53) in the p38-MAPK signaling pathway were analyzed in gills and digestive glands. Tissue-specific responses were clearly investigated with gills showing more prompt responses and digestive glands showing higher tolerance to SMX. The histopathology showed that SMX triggered inflammatory damages in both tissues and quantitative analysis revealed more significant responses, suggesting its potential as a valuable health indicator. SMX activated expressions of p38, NFκB and p53 at transcriptional and (post-) translational levels, especially after exposed to low level SMX, evidenced by p38 coupled with NFκB/p53 regulation on immunity defense in mussels. Less induction of targeted molecules under severe SMX exposure indicated such signaling transduction may not be efficient enough and can result in inflammatory damages. Taken together, this study expanded the understanding of aquatic SMX induced health risk in marine mussels and the underlying regulation mechanism through p38 signaling transduction.

Dose-dependent effects of taurine against testicular damage in a streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus rat model

OBJECTIVES

Testicular dysfunction has been associated with chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus patients. We investigated taurine's possible mechanisms and protective effects against testicular damage using a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

METHODS

Wistar rats (N = 56) were divided into seven equal groups. Untreated control rats received saline, and treated control rats received taurine 50 mg/kg orally. To induce diabetes, rats received a single dose of streptozotocin. Metformin-treated diabetic rats received metformin at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Taurine-treated groups received 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg. All treatments were provided orally once a day for 9 weeks following the streptozotocin injection. Levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, cholesterol, testicular tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) were examined. Sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and sperm abnormalities were examined. Body and relative reproductive gland weights were assessed. Histopathological examinations of the testes and epididymis were performed.

RESULTS

Metformin as well as taurine (in a dose-dependent manner) resulted in significant improvements in body and relative reproductive gland weights, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and insulin levels, as well as cytokine and oxidative parameters. These findings were associated with significant improvement in sperm count, progressive sperm motility, sperm abnormalities, and histopathological lesions in the testes and epididymis.

CONCLUSION

Taurine can potentially improve hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and testicular damage associated with diabetes mellitus, possibly by controlling inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effect of substitution of taurine for methionine and additional taurine supplementation on the performance and antioxidative capacity of laying hens

Taurine (TAU), a sulfur-containing amino acid that synthesized from methionine and cystine, plays vital roles in maintenance of redox balance. The effect of substitution of TAU for methionine was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. The effects of replacing methionine with TAU and additional TAU supplementation on the performance and antioxidant capacity of laying hens were evaluated. The in vitro cultured chicken primary hepatocytes and intestinal epithelial cells were further employed. Two hubdred eighty-eight 40-wk-old Isa brown laying hens were divided into 4 groups and subjected one to the following treatments: fed with basal diet with 0.17% crystallized DL-Met (CON), the control diet and replace 25% (21% total Met, 21TAU) or 50% (42% total Met, 42TAU) of crystallized DL-Met with taurine, the control diet supplemented with 0.1% taurine (0.1% TAU). The laying rate, feed intake, egg weight, and feed efficiency were not influenced (P > 0.05) by TAU replacement or additional TAU supplementation. In the liver, 0.1% TAU decreased SOD but increased GSH-Px activity (P < 0.01). In duodenum, 42TAU decreased SOD activity (P < 0.05) while 0.1% TAU decreased GSH level and SOD activity (P < 0.05). In the hepatocytes, TAU treatment decreased (P < 0.05) the MDA and GSH contents, whereas increased SOD and GSH-Px activities (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, TAU treatment decreased (P < 0.05) the protein expression of Nrf2 while increase Keap1 expression. The mRNA expression of Nrf2, SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GCLC were increased (P < 0.05) and GSR were decreased (P < 0.05) by 0.1% TAU. In the intestinal epithelial cells, TAU treatment decreased (P < 0.05) SOD activity, increased (P < 0.05) CAT activity, and decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2. In summary, partial substitution methionine for taurine (21-42%) has no influence on egg performance of hens. Taurine enhances the antioxidative capacity in hepatocyte but not in the enterocytes and if taurine could offer an improved effect on antioxidant capacity needs to be verified under oxidative stress-challenged conditions.

MicroRNAs in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: The DNA damage response

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic drug widely used for cancer treatment, but its use is limited by cardiotoxicity. Although free radicals from redox cycling and free cellular iron have been predominant as the suggested primary pathogenic mechanism, novel evidence has pointed to topoisomerase II inhibition and resultant genotoxic stress as the more fundamental mechanism. Recently, a growing list of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been implicated in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). This review summarizes miRNAs reported in the recent literature in the context of DIC. A particular focus is given to miRNAs that regulate cellular responses downstream to DOX-induced DNA damage, especially p53 activation, pro-survival signaling pathway inhibition (e.g., AMPK, AKT, GATA-4, and sirtuin pathways), mitochondrial dysfunction, and ferroptosis. Since these pathways are potential targets for cardioprotection against DOX, an understanding of how miRNAs participate is necessary for developing future therapies.

α-Bisabolol Attenuates NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Activation and ER-Stress-Mediated Apoptosis by Invoking Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Defense Systems against Doxorubicin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats

The present study investigated the effects of α-bisabolol on DOX-induced testicular damage in rats. Testicular damage was induced in rats by injecting DOX (12.5 mg/kg, i.p., single dose) into rats. α-Bisabolol (25 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to the rats along with DOX pre- and co-treatment daily for a period of 5 days. DOX-injected rats showed a decrease in absolute testicular weight and relative testicular weight ratio along with concomitant changes in the levels/expression levels of oxidative stress markers and Nrf2 expression levels in the testis. DOX injection also triggered the activation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling and increased levels/expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2) in the testis. DOX triggered apoptosis, manifested by an increment in the expression levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl2, cleaved caspase-3 and -9, and cytochrome-C) and a decline in the expression levels of anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-xL and Bcl2) in the testis. Additionally, light microscopy revealed the changes in testicular architecture. α-Bisabolol rescued alterations in the testicular weight; restored all biochemical markers; modulated the expression levels of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses, NF-κB/MAPK signaling, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis markers in DOX-injected testicular toxicity in rats. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that α-bisabolol has the potential to attenuate DOX-induced testicular injury by modifying NF-κB/MAPK signaling and the ER-stress-mediated mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis by invoking Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense systems in rats. Based on the findings of the present study, α-bisabolol could be suggested for use as an agent or adjuvant with chemotherapeutic drugs to attenuate their deleterious effects of DOX on many organs including the testis. However, further regulatory toxicology and preclinical studies are necessary before making recommendations in clinical tests.

α-Bisabolol Attenuates Doxorubicin Induced Renal Toxicity by Modulating NF-κB/MAPK Signaling and Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known and effective antineoplastic agent of the anthracycline family. But, multiple organ toxicities compromise its invaluable therapeutic usage. Among many toxicity types, nephrotoxicity is one of the major concerns. In recent years many approaches, including bioactive agents of natural origin, have been explored to provide protective effects against chemotherapy-related complications. α-Bisabolol is a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol identified in the essential oils of various aromatic plants and possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cardioprotective, antibiotic, anti-irritant, and anticancer activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of α-Bisabolol on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar male albino rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats by injecting a single dose of DOX (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.), and the test compound, α-Bisabolol (25 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally along with DOX as a co-treatment daily for 5 days. DOX-injected rats showed reduction in body weight along with a concomitant fall in antioxidants and increased lipid peroxidation in the kidney. DOX-injection also increased levels/expressions of proinflammatory cytokines namely tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and inflammatory mediators like inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and activated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling in the kidney tissues. DOX also triggered apoptotic cell death, evidenced by the increased expression of pro-apoptotic markers like BCL2-Associated X Protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, caspase- 9, and cytochrome-C) and a decrease in the expressions of anti-apoptotic markers namely B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) in the kidney. These biochemical alterations were additionally supported by light microscopic findings, which revealed structural alterations in the kidney. However, treatment with α-Bisabolol prevented body weight loss, restored antioxidants, mitigated lipid peroxidation, and inhibited the rise in proinflammatory cytokines, as well as favorably modulated the expressions of NF-κB/MAPK signaling and apoptosis markers in DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. Based on the results observed, it can be concluded that α-Bisabolol has potential to attenuate DOX-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation mediated activation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling alongwith intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in rats. The study findings are suggestive of protective potential of α-Bisabolol in DOX associated nephrotoxicity and this could be potentially useful in minimizing the adverse effects of DOX and may be a potential agent or adjuvant for renal protection.

Carnosic acid attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and its concomitant pathological consequences

This work aimed to reveal the protective mechanism of CA against Dox (doxorubicin)-induced cardiotoxicity. In isolated murine cardiomyocytes, CA showed a concentration-dependent cytoprotective effect against Dox. Dox treatment significantly (p < 0.01) increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased NO levels, activated NADPH oxidase, and inactivated the cellular redox defense mechanism in cardiac cells, resulting in augmented oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes and rat hearts. Dox-induced oxidative stress significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated several pathogenic signal transductions, which induced apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in cardiomyocytes and murine hearts. In contrast, CA significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) reciprocated Dox-induced cardiac apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress and interfering with pathological signaling events in both isolated murine cardiomyocytes and rat hearts. CA treatment significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) countered Dox-mediated pathological changes in blood parameters in rats. Histological examinations backed up the pharmacological findings. In silico chemometric investigations predicted potential interactions between CA and studied signal proteins, as well as the drug-like features of CA. Thus, it would be concluded that CA has the potential to be regarded as an effective agent to alleviate Dox-mediated cardiotoxicity in the future.

Scutellarin attenuates doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy in H9c2 cells, cardiac fibroblasts and HUVECs

Studies on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity have mainly focused on cardiomyocytes (CMs), but it is unclear whether there are differences in the toxicity degree of DOX to CMs, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and endothelial cells (ECs). We used H9c2 cells, rat primary isolated CFs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to systematically research the cytotoxicity of DOX. Scutellarin (SCU) is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid that exerts a cardioprotective effect. In the present study, we explored the protective effects of SCU on DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells, CFs and HUVECs. The results showed that DOX decreased cell viability and increased the apoptosis rate, whereas DOX had a greater killing effect on H9c2 cells compared to CFs and HUVECs. DOX significantly elevated oxidative stress, but the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in H9c2 cells were higher after DOX treatment. In all three cell types, DOX induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, it activated apoptosis by activation of Bax/ Bcl-2 and it induced autophagy by inhibiting the Akt/ mTOR pathway. Pretreatment with different concentrations of SCU reversed these phenomena in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results revealed that there were slight differences in DOX-induced cytotoxicity among H9c2 cells, CFs and HUVECs. Furthermore, the cardioprotective effect of SCU may be attributed to attenuation of DOX-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy.

In Vitro and In Vivo Cardioprotective Effects of Curcumin against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Systematic Review

Objective

This study aimed to review the potential chemoprotective effects of curcumin against the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods

According to the PRISMA guideline, a comprehensive systematic search was performed in different electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) up to July 2021. One hundred and sixty-four studies were screened in accordance with a predefined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eighteen eligible articles were finally included in the current systematic review.

Results

According to the in vitro and in vivo findings, it was found that doxorubicin administration leads to decreased cell survival, increased mortality, decreased bodyweight, heart weight, and heart to the bodyweight ratio compared to the control groups. However, curcumin cotreatment demonstrated an opposite pattern in comparison with the doxorubicin-treated groups alone. Other findings showed that doxorubicin significantly induces biochemical changes in the cardiac cells/tissue. Furthermore, the histological changes on the cardiac tissue were observed following doxorubicin treatment. Nevertheless, for most of the cases, these biochemical and histological changes mediated by doxorubicin were reversed near to control groups following curcumin coadministration.

Conclusion

It can be mentioned that coadministration of curcumin alleviates the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Curcumin exerts these cardioprotective effects through different mechanisms of antioxidant, antiapoptosis, and anti-inflammatory. Since the finding presented in this systematic review are based on in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting the use of curcumin in cancer patients as a cardioprotector agent against cardiotoxicity mediated by doxorubicin requires further clinical studies.

Taurine as a Natural Antioxidant: From Direct Antioxidant Effects to Protective Action in Various Toxicological Models

Natural antioxidants have received tremendous attention over the last 3 decades. At the same time, the attitude to free radicals is slowly changing, and their signalling role in adaptation to stress has recently received a lot of attention. Among many different antioxidants in the body, taurine (Tau), a sulphur-containing non-proteinogenic β-amino acid, is shown to have a special place as an important natural modulator of the antioxidant defence networks. Indeed, Tau is synthesised in most mammals and birds, and the Tau requirement is met by both synthesis and food/feed supply. From the analysis of recent data, it could be concluded that the direct antioxidant effect of Tau due to scavenging free radicals is limited and could be expected only in a few mammalian/avian tissues (e.g., heart and eye) with comparatively high (>15-20 mM) Tau concentrations. The stabilising effects of Tau on mitochondria, a prime site of free radical formation, are characterised and deserve more attention. Tau deficiency has been shown to compromise the electron transport chain in mitochondria and significantly increase free radical production. It seems likely that by maintaining the optimal Tau status of mitochondria, it is possible to control free radical production. Tau's antioxidant protective action is of great importance in various stress conditions in human life, and is related to commercial animal and poultry production. In various in vitro and in vivo toxicological models, Tau showed AO protective effects. The membrane-stabilizing effects, inhibiting effects on ROS-producing enzymes, as well as the indirect AO effects of Tau via redox balance maintenance associated with the modulation of various transcription factors (e.g., Nrf2 and NF-κB) and vitagenes could also contribute to its protective action in stress conditions, and thus deserve more attention.

Taurine is an effective therapy against thiram induced tibial dyschondroplasia via HIF-1α/VEGFA and β-catenin/ GSK-3β pathways in broilers

Thiram causes tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers, leading to a significant economic loss in the poultry industry. Our study explored the effects of taurine in thiram induced tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) through in vivo and in vitro approches. In in vivo study, thiram resulted in lameness disorder, low production parameters ALP, ACP, and a high level of NOS. While, the taurine exhibited promising effect by reducing lameness, increasing ALP, ACP levels, and significantly lowering NOS level with the restoration of the growth plate. In in vitro study, thiram caused distortion and disintegration of chondrocytes. The CCK-8 technique revealed the lower cell activity in TD as compared with the treatment group. Even, the treatment and taurine groups had higher cell activity than control group. Also, the chondrocyte morphology progressively reverted to normal after taurine treatment. It might effectively decreased the symptoms of TD in broilers and their production performance. Further research found that the taurine effectively improved chondrocytes' cell viability and recovered lameness disorder by regulation of HIF-1α, VEGFA, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In summary, these results indicate that taurine has a protective effect on thiram-induced broilers and it can enhance the growth activity by directly affecting the development of chondrocytes and blood vessels.

The Protective Effect of Natural Compounds on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase Inhibition

OBJECTIVES

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely prescribed for the treatment of several human cancers. Unfortunately, cumulative doses of DOX are the main cause of myocardial dysfunction. Although preclinical and pharmaceutical studies were performed to investigate the potential of natural compounds in minimizing DOX toxicity, a comprehensive review of them is not available. This review can help the researchers for an effective search strategy.

KEY FINDINGS

Oxidative stress and p53 play an important role in DOX-associated cardiotoxicity. DOX activates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate NADPH oxidase (NOX) in the heart, resulting in excessive reactive oxygen species that can induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis through phosphorylation of p53, DNA damage and/or mitogen-activated protein kinases-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Although a few chemical drugs with high efficacy are administered along with DOX to prevent or more likely to reduce cardiovascular toxicity, their use is often limited by additional side effects. Recently, attention has been drawn to natural compounds that prevent DOX cardiotoxicity. This review focuses on some of the natural bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic efficacy against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC).

SUMMARY

Some natural compounds, especially flavonols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, have the most protective effects against DIC by forming stable radicals and preventing the assembly of the NOX subunits.

A Systematic Review of the Potential Chemoprotective Effects of Resveratrol on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Focus on the Antioxidant, Antiapoptotic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

PURPOSE

Although doxorubicin chemotherapeutic drug is commonly used to treat various solid and hematological tumors, its clinical use is restricted because of its adverse effects on the normal cells/tissues, especially cardiotoxicity. The use of resveratrol may mitigate the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxic effects. For this aim, we systematically reviewed the potential chemoprotective effects of resveratrol against the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

In the current study, a systematic search was performed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline for the identification of all relevant studies on "the role of resveratrol on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity" in the electronic databases of Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus up to March 2021 using search terms in their titles and abstracts. Two hundred and eighteen articles were screened in accordance with a predefined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 33 eligible articles were included in this systematic review.

RESULTS

The in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrated a decreased cell survival, increased mortality, decreased heart weight, and increased ascites in the doxorubicin-treated groups compared to the control groups. The combined treatment of resveratrol and doxorubicin showed an opposite pattern than the doxorubicin-treated groups alone. Furthermore, this chemotherapeutic agent induced the biochemical and histopathological changes on the cardiac cells/tissue; however, the results (for most of the cases) revealed that these alterations induced by doxorubicin were reversed near to normal levels (control groups) by resveratrol coadministration.

CONCLUSION

The results of this systematic review stated that coadministration of resveratrol alleviates the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Resveratrol exerts these chemoprotective effects through several main mechanisms of antioxidant, antiapoptosis, and anti-inflammatory.

On the mechanisms of taurine in alleviating electrocardiographic, hemodynamic, and biochemical parameters following aluminum phosphide cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) causes severe cardiotoxicity. Taurine has been chosen for the present study because of its positive known effects on cardiac injuries.

METHOD

To evaluate AlP-induced cardiotoxicity, the animals were divided into seven groups, including the control group, the taurine group (500 mg/kg), AlP with LD50 dose, AlP + taurine 20, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg group. To assess cardiac hemodynamic parameters, Wistar rats received taurine intraperitoneally 60 min after AlP gavage. Cardiac hemodynamic parameters were evaluated for 180 min. To study biochemical parameters, 24 h after AlP treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and heart tissues were collected.

RESULT

ECG, BP, and HR abnormalities of AlP poisoning were improved by taurine treatment. AlP induced biochemical alterations including complexes I and IV activities, the ADP/ATP ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome C release, and oxidative stress biomarkers ameliorated by taurine. Moreover, taurine improved apoptosis, as well as lessened CK-MB and troponin I levels. Also, there were no significant changes between taurine 500 mg/kg and the control group in tests.

CONCLUSION

The present findings showed that taurine could be a possible candidate for AlP cardiotoxicity treatment via the effect on mitochondrial electron transfer chain and maintaining intracellular ATP balance.

Nerolidol, a Sesquiterpene from the Essential Oils of Aromatic Plants, Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Chronic Cardiotoxicity in Rats

The clinical usage of doxorubicin (DOX), a potent anthracycline antineoplastic drug, is limited due to its cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the possible cardioprotective effects of nerolidol (NERO) in a rat model of DOX-induced chronic cardiotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. DOX (2.5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally once in a week for 5 weeks to induce chronic cardiotoxicity in male albino Wistar rats. The rats were treated with NERO (50 mg/kg, orally) 6 days a week for a duration of 5 weeks. DOX-injected rats showed a significant decline in cardiac function, elevated levels of serum cardiac marker enzymes, and enhanced oxidative stress markers along with altered PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 signaling pathways. DOX also triggered the activation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling and increased the levels/expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and expression of inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2) in the heart. DOX activated NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptotic cell death along with fibrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and apoptosis in the myocardium. Additionally, histological studies, TUNEL staining, and myocardial lesions revealed structural alterations of the myocardium. NERO treatment showed considerable protective effects on the biochemical and molecular parameters studied. The findings demonstrate that NERO protects against DOX-induced chronic cardiotoxicity and the observed cardioprotective effects are attributed to its potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.

Nerolidol Attenuates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis by Modulating Nrf2/MAPK Signaling Pathways in Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity in Rats

The clinical usage of doxorubicin (DOX), a potent anthracycline antineoplastic drug, is often limited by its cardiotoxic effects. Thus, for improving usage of DOX, the aim of this study was to assess the cardioprotective effects of nerolidol (NERO) in a rat model of DOX-induced acute cardiotoxicity and examine underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to these effects. To induce acute cardiotoxicity male albino Wistar rats were injected with single dose intraperitoneal DOX (12.5 mg/kg). The rats were treated with NERO (50 mg/kg, orally) for five days. DOX-injected rats showed elevated levels of cardiac marker enzymes and enhanced oxidative stress markers along with altered Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 signaling pathways. DOX administration also induced the activation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling and increased the levels and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) as well as expression of inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2) in the heart. DOX also triggered DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in the myocardium. Additionally, histological studies revealed structural alterations of the myocardium. NERO treatment exhibited protection against the deleterious results of DOX on myocardium, as evidenced by the restoration of altered biochemical parameters, mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The findings of the present study demonstrate that NERO provides cardioprotective effects against DOX-induced acute cardiotoxicity attributed to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities through modulating cellular signaling pathways.

Unraveling the biomechanistic role of Rac1/TWEAK/Fn14/NF-κB intricate network in experimentally doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: The role of curcumin

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an important chemotherapeutic drug. Cardiotoxicity diminishes its clinical efficacy. We aimed to focus on the mechanism of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, in addition, to evaluate curcumin's protective effect against it. Twenty-eight rats were divided into the normal control group I, curcumin-treated (200 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) group II, DOX-treated (4 mg/kg b.w.) group III, and DOX + curcumin group IV. Cardiac injury markers, heart tissue oxidative stress indices, interferon-gamma (INF-γ), tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), p53 and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65) levels as well as messenger RNA gene expression of Rac1 and fibroblast growth factor-inducible protein 14 (Fn14) were assayed, besides the assay of DNA damage, histopathological changes, survivin immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic examination. Curcumin significantly downregulated Rac1 and Fn14 gene expression and significantly decreased p53, NF-κB p65, INF-γ, and PUMA levels in the cardiac tissue. In addition, curcumin improved oxidative stress indices, DNA damage, and cardiac toxicity markers in the form of lactate dehydrogenase (LD), creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I). Meanwhile, upregulated antiapoptotic marker survivin was observed. Light and electron microscopic findings confirmed our biochemical and molecular outcomes. The current study established the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic roles of curcumin against DOX cardiotoxicity.

Regulated cell death pathways in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic drug used for the treatment of various malignancies; however, patients can experience cardiotoxic effects and this has limited the use of this potent drug. The mechanisms by which doxorubicin kills cardiomyocytes has been elusive and despite extensive research the exact mechanisms remain unknown. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of doxorubicin induced regulated cardiomyocyte death pathways including autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis and apoptosis. Understanding the mechanisms by which doxorubicin leads to cardiomyocyte death may help identify novel therapeutic agents and lead to more targeted approaches to cardiotoxicity testing.

Cardiac Protective Effect of Kirenol against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in H9c2 Cells through Nrf2 Signaling via PI3K/AKT Pathways

Kirenol (KRL) is a biologically active substance extracted from Herba Siegesbeckiae. This natural type of diterpenoid has been widely adopted for its important anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. Despite several studies claiming the benefits of KRL, its cardiac effects have not yet been clarified. Cardiotoxicity remains a key concern associated with the long-term administration of doxorubicin (DOX). The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative stress, significantly contributing to DOX-induced cardiac damage. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the cardio-protective effects of KRL against apoptosis in H9c2 cells induced by DOX. The analysis of cellular apoptosis was performed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining assay and measuring the modulation in the expression levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and Nrf2 signaling, the oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, Western blotting was used to determine cell survival. KRL treatment, with Nrf2 upregulation and activation, accompanied by activation of PI3K/AKT, could prevent the administration of DOX to induce cardiac oxidative stress, remodeling, and other effects. Additionally, the diterpenoid enhanced the activation of Bcl2 and Bcl-xL, while suppressing apoptosis marker proteins. As a result, KRL is considered a potential agent against hypertrophy resulting from cardiac deterioration. The study results show that KRL not only activates the IGF-IR-dependent p-PI3K/p-AKT and Nrf2 signaling pathway, but also suppresses caspase-dependent apoptosis.

Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Cadmium and Mercury and its Relationship to Hypertension

Hypertension is an important public health concern that affects millions globally, leading to a large number of morbidities and fatalities. The etiology of hypertension is complex and multifactorial, and it involves environmental factors, including heavy metals. Cadmium and mercury are toxic elements commonly found in the environment, contributing to hypertension. We aimed to assess the role of cadmium and mercury-induced endothelial dysfunction in the development of hypertension. A narrative review was carried out through database searches. In this review, we discussed the critical roles of cadmium and mercury in the etiology of hypertension and provided new insights into potential mechanisms of their effect, focusing primarily on endothelial dysfunction. Although the mechanisms by which cadmium and mercury induce hypertension have yet to be completely elucidated, evidence for both implicates impaired nitric oxide signaling in their hypertensive etiology.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Aging and Cardiovascular Diseases

Aging can be seen as process characterized by accumulation of oxidative stress induced damage. Oxidative stress derives from different endogenous and exogenous processes, all of which ultimately lead to progressive loss in tissue and organ structure and functions. The oxidative stress theory of aging expresses itself in age-related diseases. Aging is in fact a primary risk factor for many diseases and in particular for cardiovascular diseases and its derived morbidity and mortality. Here we highlight the role of oxidative stress in age-related cardiovascular aging and diseases. We take into consideration the molecular mechanisms, the structural and functional alterations, and the diseases accompanied to the cardiovascular aging process.

Bromamine T (BAT) Exerts Stronger Anti-Cancer Properties than Taurine (Tau)

Simple Summary

Taurine (Tau) has been shown to inhibit cancer growth. However, the mechanisms that underlie the growth-inhibitory effects of Tau remain obscure in both colon and breast cancer. In parallel, N-bromotaurine (TauNHBr) and a stable active bromine molecule, bromamine T (BAT), appear to exert strong anti-inflammatory effects. To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the anti-cancer effects of BAT and its underlying mechanisms. To gain a comprehensive picture of the cytotoxic effect of BAT on colon and breast cancer, we compared its effect with that of Tau. Our data support that BAT exerts a superior anti-cancer effect than Tau, through the induction of cell death, probably due to the activation of distinct mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members. Interestingly, BAT inhibits colon carcinogenesis in vivo to a greater extent than Tau. Our data significantly add to the use of BAT as a novel therapeutic modality in colon and breast cancer.

Abstract

Background: Taurine (Tau) ameliorates cancer pathogenesis. Researchers have focused on the functional properties of bromamine T (BAT), a stable active bromine molecule. Both N-bromotaurine (TauNHBr) and BAT exert potent anti-inflammatory properties, but the landscape remains obscure concerning the anti-cancer effect of BAT. Methods: We used Crystal Violet, colony formation, flow cytometry and Western blot experiments to evaluate the effect of BAT and Tau on the apoptosis and autophagy of cancer cells. Xenograft experiments were used to determine the in vivo cytotoxicity of either agent. Results: We demonstrated that both BAT and Tau inhibited the growth of human colon, breast, cervical and skin cancer cell lines. Among them, BAT exerted the greatest cytotoxic effect on both RKO and MDA-MB-468 cells. In particular, BAT increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK½), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK½), thereby inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and autophagy in RKO cells. In contrast, Tau exerted its cytotoxic effect by upregulating JNK½ forms, thus triggering mitochondrial apoptosis in RKO cells. Accordingly, colon cancer growth was impaired in vivo. Conclusions: BAT and Tau exerted their anti-tumor properties through the induction of (i) mitochondrial apoptosis, (ii) the MAPK family, and iii) autophagy, providing novel anti-cancer therapeutic modalities.

Dietary taurine supplementation attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress of broiler chickens at an early age

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of taurine as a prophylactic treatment on antioxidant function and inflammatory responses of broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 256 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments with eight replicates of eight birds (eight birds per cage). Four treatment groups were designated as follows: 1) in the CON group, broilers fed a basal diet; 2) in the LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet; 3) in the LPS + T1 group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet supplemented with 5.0 g/kg taurine; and 4) in the LPS + T2 group, LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet supplemented with 7.5 g/kg taurine. The LPS-challenged broilers were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg body weight (BW) of LPS at 16, 18, and 20 d of age, whereas the CON group received an injection of sterile saline. The results showed that broilers injected with LPS exhibited decreased (P < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) and the 21-d BW (P < 0.05), while taurine supplementation alleviated the negative effects of LPS. Additionally, the LPS-induced increases (P < 0.05) in serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities were reversed by taurine supplementation. The taurines could alleviate the hepatic oxidative stress, with the presence of lower content of malondialdehyde (P < 0.05), higher content of glutathione (P < 0.05), and an increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P < 0.05). The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the liver were measured by ELISA kits, and the result showed that dietary taurine supplementation prevented these cytokines increases in the liver of LPS-induced broilers. Taurine reduced the genes expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, whereas it boosted the expression levels of antioxidant-related genes (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and GSH-Px) in the liver of LPS-induced broilers. In conclusion, dietary taurine supplementation in broilers mitigated LPS-induced defects in ADG, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses.

The role of taurine on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review of non-clinical study

AIMS

Although chemotherapeutic agents have highly beneficial effects against cancer, they disturb the body's normal homeostasis. One of the critical side effects of chemotherapeutic agents is their deleterious effect on the cardiac system, which causes limitations of their clinical usage. Taurine constitutes more than 50% of the amino acids in the heart. The use of taurine might prevent chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. This systematic study aims to evaluate the protective role of taurine against cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in databases up to November 2020, and the review is designed on PRISMA guidelines. The search keywords were selected based on our study target and were searched in the title and abstract. After the consecutive screening, out of a whole of 94 articles, 8 articles were included according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

KEY FINDINGS

According to the study results, chemotherapy decreases body and heart weight and increases mortality. Also, it induces some biochemical and histological changes compared to the control group. By co-administration of taurine with chemotherapy, alterations returned near to the average level. These protective effects of taurine are mediated through anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on evaluated non-clinical studies, taurine ameliorates chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, but its possible interaction with the efficacy of anti-cancer medicines that mostly act through induction of oxidants remains to be elucidated in the future. This needs conducting well-designed studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of this combination simultaneously.

Mitochondrial Pathobiology and Metabolic Remodeling in Progression to Overt Systolic Heart Failure

The mitochondria are mostly abundant in the heart, a beating organ of high- energy demands. Their function extends beyond being a power plant of the cell including redox balance, ion homeostasis and metabolism. They are dynamic organelles that are tethered to neighboring structures, especially the endoplasmic reticulum. Together, they constitute a functional unit implicated in complex physiological and pathophysiological processes. Their topology in the cell, the cardiac myocyte in particular, places them at the hub of signaling and calcium homeostasis, making them master regulators of cell survival or cell death. Perturbations in mitochondrial function play a central role in the pathophysiology of myocardial remodeling and progression of heart failure. In this minireview, we summarize important pathophysiological mechanisms, pertaining to mitochondrial morphology, dynamics and function, which take place in compensated hypertrophy and in progression to overt systolic heart failure. Published work in the last few years has expanded our understanding of these important mechanisms; a key prerequisite to identifying therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure.

Role of taurine, its haloamines and its lncRNA TUG1 in both inflammation and cancer progression. On the road to therapeutics? (Review)

For one century, taurine is considered as an end product of sulfur metabolism. In this review, we discuss the beneficial effect of taurine, its haloamines and taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) in both cancer and inflammation. We outline how taurine or its haloamines (N‑Bromotaurine or N‑Chlorotaurine) can induce robust and efficient responses against inflammatory diseases, providing insight into their molecular mechanisms. We also provide information about the use of taurine as a therapeutic approach to cancer. Taurine can be combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs, not only mediating durable responses in various malignancies, but also circumventing the limitations met from chemotherapeutic drugs, thus improving the therapeutic outcome. Interestingly, the lncRNA TUG1 is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach, which can overcome acquired resistance of cancer cells to selected strategies. In this regard, we can translate basic knowledge about taurine and its TUG1 lncRNA into potential therapeutic options directed against specific oncogenic signaling targets, thereby bridging the gap between bench and bedside.

Taurine mitigates cirrhosis-associated heart injury through mitochondrial-dependent and antioxidative mechanisms

Cirrhosis-induced heart injury and cardiomyopathy is a serious consequence of this disease. It has been shown that bile duct ligated (BDL) animals could serve as an appropriate experimental model to investigate heart tissue injury in cirrhosis. The accumulation of cytotoxic chemicals (e.g., bile acids) could also adversely affect the heart tissue. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment are the most prominent mechanisms of bile acid cytotoxicity. Taurine (Tau) is the most abundant non-protein amino acid in the human body. The cardioprotective effects of this amino acid have repeatedly been investigated. In the current study, it was examined whether mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis-induced heart injury. Rats underwent BDL surgery. BDL animals received Tau (50, 100, and 500 mg/kg, i.p.) for 42 consecutive days. A significant increase in oxidative stress biomarkers was detected in the heart tissue of BDL animals. Moreover, it was found that heart tissue mitochondrial indices of functionality were deteriorated in the BDL group. Tau treatment significantly decreased oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function in the heart tissue of cirrhotic animals. These data provide clues for the involvement of mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of heart injury in BDL rats. On the other hand, Tau supplementation could serve as an effective ancillary treatment against BDL-associated heart injury. Mitochondrial regulating and antioxidative properties of Tau might play a fundamental role in its mechanism of protective effects in the heart tissue of BDL animals.

Resolvin E1 protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis by targeting AKT/mTOR signaling

Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity impairs the quality of life of cancer patients during or after DOX treatment, and it is imperative to explore a novel strategy to address this problem. Resolvin E1 (RvE1) is derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has been reported to exert beneficial effects on DOX-induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. This study was designed to investigate whether RvE1 protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and the underlying mechanism was explored. DOX (20 mg/kg, one injection, i.p.) was used to induce DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in C57BL/6 mice. At 5 days after DOX administration, the effect of RvE1 was assessed by measuring cardiac function, oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. We used an AKT inhibitor and rapamycin to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that RvE1 inhibited the DOX-induced decrease in body weight and heart weight, the reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, and the increase in lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase myocardial bound and cardiomyocyte vacuolization. Compared to the control group, the DOX group exhibited increased oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis in cardiac tissue, which were alleviated by treatment with RvE1. The AKT/mTOR signaling pathways were responsible for RvE1-mediated regulation of DOX-induced oxidative stress, autophagy and myocardial apoptosis. In conclusion, RvE1 protected against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via the regulation of AKT/mTOR signaling.

Taurine Promotes Neurite Outgrowth and Synapse Development of Both Vertebrate and Invertebrate Central Neurons

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is widely expressed throughout the human brain, heart, retina, and muscle tissues. Taurine deficiency is associated with cardiomyopathy, renal dysfunction, abnormalities of the developing nervous system, and epilepsy which suggests a role specific to excitable tissues. Like vertebrates, invertebrates maintain high levels of taurine during embryonic and larval development, which decline during aging, indicating a potential developmental role. Notwithstanding its extensive presence throughout, taurine’s precise role/s during early brain development, function, and repair remains largely unknown in both vertebrate and invertebrate. Here, we investigated whether taurine affects neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and synaptic transmission between postnatal day 0 rat cortical neurons in vitro, whereas its synaptogenic role was tested more directly using the Lymnaea soma-soma synapse model. We provide direct evidence that when applied at physiological concentrations, taurine exerts a significant neurotrophic effect on neuritic outgrowth and thickness of neurites as well as the expression of synaptic puncta as revealed by immunostaining of presynaptic synaptophysin and postsynaptic PSD95 proteins in rat cortical neurons, indicating direct involvement in synapse development. To demonstrate taurine’s direct effects on neurons in the absence of glia and other confounding factors, we next exploited individually identified pre- and postsynaptic neurons from the mollusk Lymnaea stagnalis. We found that taurine increased both the incidence of synapse formation (percent of cells that form synapses) and the efficacy of synaptic transmission between the paired neurons. This effect was comparable, but not additive, to Lymnaea trophic factor-induced synaptogenesis. This study thus provides direct morphological and functional evidence that taurine plays an important role in neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and synaptic transmission during the early stages of brain development and that this role is conserved across both vertebrate and invertebrate species.

Protective effects of taurine against muscle damage induced by diquat in 35 days weaned piglets

Background

Oxidative stress is a key factor that influences piglets’ health. Taurine plays an imperative role in keeping the biological system from damage. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of taurine against muscle injury due to the secondary effect of diquat toxicity.

Results

Our study found that taurine effectively and dose-dependently alleviated the diquat toxicity induced rise of feed/gain, with a concurrent improvement of carcass lean percentage. The plasma content of taurine was considerably increased in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, dietary taurine efficiently improved the activity of plasma antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, taurine attenuated muscle damage by restoring mitochondrial micromorphology, suppressing protein degradation and reducing the percentage of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle. Taurine supplementation also suppressed the genes expression levels of the antioxidant-, mitochondrial biogenesis-, and muscle atrophy-related genes in the skeletal muscle of piglets with oxidative stress.

Conclusions

These results showed that the dose of 0.60% taurine supplementation in the diet could attenuate skeletal muscle injury induced by diquat toxicity. It is suggested that taurine could be a potential nutritional intervention strategy to improve growth performance.

Acylated Ghrelin Protects the Hearts of Rats from Doxorubicin-Induced Fas/FasL Apoptosis by Stimulating SERCA2a Mediated by Activation of PKA and Akt

This study investigated if the cardioprotective effect of acylated ghrelin (AG) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac toxicity in rats involves inhibition of Fas/FasL-mediated cell death. It also investigated if such an effect is mediated by restoring Ca⁺² homeostasis from the aspect of stimulation of SERCA2a receptors. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (20 rats/each) as control, control + AG, DOX, and DOX + AG. AG was co-administered to all rats consecutively for 35 days. In addition, isolated cardiomyocytes were cultured and treated with AG in the presence or absence of DOX with or without pre-incubation with [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (a AG receptor antagonist), VIII (]an Akt inhibitor), or KT-5720 (a PKA inhibitor). AG increased LVSP, dp/dt_max, and dp/dt_min in both control and DOX-treated animals and improved cardiac ultrastructural changes in DOX-treated rats. It also inhibited ROS in control rats and lowered LVEDP, intracellular levels of ROS and Ca²⁺, and activity of calcineurin in LVs of DOX-treated rats. Concomitantly, it inhibited LV NFAT-4 nuclear translocation and downregulated their protein levels of Fas and FasL. Mechanistically, in control or DOX-treated hearts or cells, AG upregulated the levels of SERCA2a and increased the activities of PKA and Akt, leading to increase phosphorylation of phospholamban at Ser¹⁶ and Thr¹⁷. All these effects were abolished by D-Lys3-GHRP-6, VIII, or KT-5720 and were independent of food intake or GH/IGF-1. In conclusion, AG cardioprotection against DOX involves inhibition of extrinsic cell death and restoring normal Ca⁺² homeostasis.

Taurine attenuates isoproterenol-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes hypertrophy by improving antioxidative ability and inhibiting calpain-1-mediated apoptosis

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is ultimately accompanied by cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Apoptosis mainly related to calpain-1-mediated apoptotic pathways. Studies had proved that taurine can maintain heart health through antioxidation and antiapoptotic functions, but the effect of taurine on cardiac hypertrophy is still unclear. This study aimed to determine whether taurine could inhibit calpain-1-mediated mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. We found that taurine could inhibit the increase in cell surface area and reduce the protein expression levels of the hypertrophic markers atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic polypeptide, and β-myosin heavy chain. Taurine also reduced ROS, intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, taurine inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis by decreasing the protein expression of calpain-1, Bax, t-Bid, cytosolic cytochrome c, Apaf-1, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 and by enhancing calpastatin and Bcl-2 protein expression. Calpain-1 small interfering RNA transfection results showed similar antiapoptotic effects as the taurine prevention group. However, compared with the two treatments, taurine inhibited the expression of cleaved caspase-9 more significantly. Therefore, we believe that taurine prevents ISO-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by inhibiting oxidative stress, intracellular Ca²⁺ overload, the calpain-1-mediated mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway and cleaved caspase-9 levels.

Sinapic Acid Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Acute Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via the NF-κB-Mediated Pathway

In the present study, we explored SA's activity against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and revealed its underlying mechanisms. Male Wistar rats (weight, 190-210g; n = 6) were randomly divided into four groups: group I, normal control; group II, DOX 15 mg/kg via intraperitoneal (ip) route; group III, administered DOX+SA 20 mg/kg; and group IV, administered DOX+captopril (CAP 30 mg/kg). SA and CAP were administered orally for seven days, and DOX (15 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally an hour before SA treatment on the fifth day. Forty-eight hours after DOX administration, animals were anesthetized and sacrificed for molecular and histology experiments. SA significantly mitigated the myocardial effects of DOX, and following daily administration, it reduced serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB to near normal values. Levels of oxidative stress markers, glutathione-peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, in the cardiac tissue were significantly increased, whereas malondialdehyde levels decreased after SA treatment in DOX-administered rats. Furthermore, DOX caused an inflammatory reaction by elevating the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and endothelin- (ET-) 1, as well as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) expression. Daily administration of SA significantly repressed TNF-α, IL-1β, ET-1, and NF-κB levels. caspase-3 and Bax expression, bcl-2-like protein and caspase-3 activities and levels. Overall, we found that SA could inhibit DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic damage.

Doxorubicin-induces NFAT/Fas/FasL cardiac apoptosis in rats through activation of calcineurin and P38 MAPK and inhibition of mTOR signalling pathways

This study investigated the role of NFAT/Fas/FasL axis in cardiomyocyte apoptosis following doxorubicin (DOX) treatment in rats and evaluated the involvement and regulation of all NFAT members in cardiac apoptosis. Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided equally into control or DOX-treated groups (15 mg/kg over 2 weeks). Cardiomyocytes were cultured and pre-incubated with various inhibitors and activators (10 μmol/L) prior to DOX exposure (1 μmol/L). In the left ventricles and cultured cells, DOX increased cytoplasmic protein levels of cytochrome C, Bax and increased the activities of caspase-8, caspase3, ERK1/2, JNK, and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), reducing levels of Bcl-2 and the activity of mTOR, and inducing cell death. In addition, DOX enhanced mRNA and protein levels of Fas and FasL. Furthermore, the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of NFAT1 and nuclear accumulation of NFAT2-4were increased with DOX treatment. The inhibition of calcineurin with FK506 significantly inhibited the nuclear levels of NFAT2 and NFAT4 and the inhibition of P38 MAPK with SB203580 inhibited the nuclear and cytoplasmic accumulation of NFAT1. However, the activation of mTOR by IGF-1 significantly lowered NFAT3. In conclusion, NFAT/Fas/FasL-induced cell death in cardiac myocytes of DOX-treated rats is regulated, at least, by the activation of calcineurin and P38 MAPK and inhibition of mTOR.

Taurine inhibits neuron apoptosis in hippocampus of diabetic rats and high glucose exposed HT-22 cells via the NGF-Akt/Bad pathway

Type 2 Diabetes causes learning and memory deficits that might be mediated by hippocampus neuron apoptosis. Studies found that taurine might improve cognitive deficits under diabetic condition because of its ability to prevent hippocampus neuron apoptosis. However, the effect and mechanism is not clear. In this study, we explore the effect and mechanism of taurine on inhibiting hippocampus neuron apoptosis. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, T2D, taurine treatment (giving 0.5%, 1%, and 2% taurine in drinking water) groups. Streptozotocin was used to establish the diabetes model. HT-22 cell (hippocampus neurons line) was used for in vitro experiments. Morris Water Maze test was used to check the learning and memory ability, TUNEL assay was used to measure apoptosis and nerve growth factor (NGF); Akt/Bad pathway relevant protein was detected by western blot. Taurine improved learning and memory ability and significantly decreased apoptosis of the hippocampus neurons in T2D rats. Moreover, taurine supplement also inhibited high glucose-induced apoptosis in HT-22 cell in vitro. Mechanistically, taurine increased the expression of NGF, phosphorylation of Trka, Akt, and Bad, as well as reduced cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol. However, beneficial effects of taurine were blocked in the presence of anti-NGF antibody or Akt inhibitor. Taurine could inhibit hippocampus neuron apoptosis via NGF-Akt/Bad pathway. These results provide some clues that taurine might be efficient and feasible candidate for improvement of learning and memory ability in T2D rats.

XEDAR inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by regulating JNK signaling pathway

X-linked ectodermal dysplasia receptor (XEDAR) has been widely studied in epidermal morphogenesis, but few studies have been conducted on tumorigenesis and development, including gastric cancer. In the present research, we aimed to investigate the effect of XEDAR on gastric cancer and further explore the molecular mechanisms involved. The differential expression of XEDAR in 90 tissue specimens (30 gastric cancer tissues, 30 adjacent tissues and 30 normal tissues) was detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were explored using MTT and Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) assays, respectively. The results revealed that the expression of XEDAR was decreased in gastric cancer tissues and in gastric cancer cell lines, and its expression is regulated by p53 in BGC-823 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of XEDAR inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in BGC-823 cells. XEDAR moreover inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by regulating the JNK signaling pathway. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that XEDAR inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by participating in p53-mediated signaling pathway and inhibiting the downstream JNK signaling pathway in gastric cancer.