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Updated: May 5, 2026

A Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy Model in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: June 7, 2018
Interrelation between Expression of ADAM 10 and MMP 9 and Synthesis of Peroxynitrite in Doxorubicin Induced
1The Catholic University of Korea College of Pharmacy, Bucheon 420-743, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Doxorubicin is still main drug in chemotherapy with limitation of use due to adverse drug reaction. Increased oxidative stress and alteration of nitric oxide control have been involved in cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX). A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAMs) are transmembrane ectoproteases to regulate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, but role in cardiac disease is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether DOX activates peroxynitrite and ADAM 10 and thus ADAM and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) induce cardiac remodeling in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to cardiomyopathy by DOX (6 times of 2.5 mg/kg DOX over 2-weeks), and were randomized as four groups. Then followed by 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after cessation of DOX injection. DOX-injected animals significantly decreased left ventricular fractional shortening compared with control by M-mode echocardiography. The expressions of cardiac nitrotyrosine by immunohistochemistry were significant increased, and persisted for 2 weeks following the last injection. The expression of eNOS was increased by 1.9 times (p<0.05), and iNOS was marked increased in DOX-heart compared with control (p<0.001). Compared to control rats, cardiac ADAM10- and MMP 9- protein expressions increased by 20 times, and active/total MMP 9 proteolytic activity showed increase tendency at day 14 after cessation of DOX injection (n=10, each group). DOX-treated H9C2 cell showed increased ADAM10 protein expression with dose-dependency (p<0.01) and morphometric changes showed the increase of ventricular interstitial, nonvascular collagen deposition. These data suggest that activation of cardiac peroxynitrite with increased iNOS expression and ADAM 10-dependent MMP 9 expression may be a molecular mechanism that contributes to left ventricular remodeling in DOXinduced cardiomyopathy.
Insights
Doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy causes heart damage by increasing oxidative stress and activating ADAM 10 and MMP 9, leading to cardiac remodeling. This study reveals a key mechanism in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Doxorubicin (DOX) is a vital chemotherapy agent with dose-limiting cardiotoxicity.
- Oxidative stress and altered nitric oxide pathways are implicated in DOX cardiotoxicity.
- The role of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) in cardiac disease remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if DOX activates peroxynitrite and ADAM 10, contributing to cardiac remodeling.
- To elucidate the role of ADAM and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.
- To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying DOX cardiotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Rats were induced with DOX cardiomyopathy and assessed via M-mode echocardiography.
- Cardiac nitrotyrosine, eNOS, iNOS, ADAM10, and MMP 9 expressions were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.
- H9C2 cells were treated with DOX to assess ADAM10 expression and cellular changes.
Main Results:
- DOX significantly reduced left ventricular fractional shortening in rats.
- Cardiac nitrotyrosine and iNOS expression were markedly increased post-DOX treatment.
- ADAM10 and MMP 9 protein expressions were significantly elevated, with increased MMP 9 activity observed.
Conclusions:
- DOX-induced cardiotoxicity involves peroxynitrite activation and increased iNOS expression.
- ADAM 10-dependent MMP 9 activation is a key molecular mechanism in DOX-induced cardiac remodeling.
- These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets for mitigating DOX cardiotoxicity.
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