AMPK activation; a potential strategy to mitigate TKI-induced cardiovascular toxicity

Nasser Safaie1, Gholamreza Idari2, Diba Ghasemi3

  • 1Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Insights

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation may mitigate cardiovascular toxicity caused by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) in cancer therapy. This finding offers potential for safer, personalized cancer treatments while preserving heart health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Signaling

Background:

  • Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed cancer treatment but are associated with significant cardiovascular toxicity.
  • Understanding the mechanisms underlying TKI-induced cardiotoxicity is crucial for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
  • AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key cellular energy sensor with known roles in cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the intricate relationship between AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
  • To determine if AMPK activation can serve as a strategic target for mitigating adverse cardiovascular effects associated with TKIs.
  • To explore the potential of AMPK activation in developing safer, personalized anticancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Exploration of existing literature and mechanistic studies on TKI-induced cardiotoxicity.
  • Analysis of the role of AMPK signaling pathways in cardiovascular homeostasis and response to cellular stress.
  • Review of preclinical and clinical data investigating the impact of AMPK modulators on TKI-related cardiovascular adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a complex interplay where AMPK activation may counteract TKI-induced cellular damage in the cardiovascular system.
  • AMPK signaling appears to influence key pathways involved in cardiac metabolism, inflammation, and cell survival, potentially offering cardioprotection.
  • Modulating AMPK activity presents a promising avenue for managing TKI-associated cardiovascular risks.

Conclusions:

  • AMPK activation holds significant potential as a therapeutic strategy to alleviate cardiovascular toxicity induced by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.
  • Targeting AMPK could enable a better balance between effective cancer treatment and the preservation of cardiovascular well-being.
  • Further research into AMPK modulation is warranted to advance personalized oncology and improve patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways01:25

cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) is an essential second messenger that activates protein kinase A (PKA) and regulates various biological processes. A single epinephrine molecule binds to GPCR and activates several heterotrimeric G proteins, each stimulating multiple adenylyl cyclase, amplifying the signal, and synthesizing large numbers of cAMP molecules. Small changes in cAMP concentration affect PKA activity. The binding of four cAMP molecules induces a conformational change in PKA,...
6.1K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
3.4K
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
391
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers01:26

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers

Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are two critical categories of drugs employed in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
141
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.7K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
4.7K