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2000
Volume 33, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 0929-8673
  • E-ISSN: 1875-533X

Abstract

Introduction

Astaxanthin (AXT), a natural antioxidant recognized for its therapeutic potential in cancer and cardiovascular diseases, holds promise in mitigating adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC). Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of AXT in AIC mitigation remain to be elucidated. Consequently, this study endeavors to elucidate the mechanism of AXT against AIC, employing an integrated approach.

Methods

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were harnessed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying AXT's action against AIC. Furthermore, the AIC model was established with the H9c2 cell to generate transcriptome data for validation.

Results

A total of 533 putative AXT targets and 1478 AIC-related genes were initially screened by database retrieval and bioinformatics analysis. A total of 248 potential targets of AXT against AIC and several signaling pathways were identified by network pharmacology and enrichment analysis. Two core genes (CCL2 and NOS3) and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications were further highlighted by transcriptome validation based on the AIC model. Additionally, molecular docking and dynamics analyses supported the robust binding affinity of AXT with the core targets.

Conclusion

The study suggested that AXT might ameliorate AIC through the inhibition of CCL2 and NOS3 as well as AGE-RAGE signaling, which provide a theoretical basis for the development of a strategy against AIC.

© 2026 Bentham Science Publishers
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2024-10-28
2026-02-14

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Mechanism Exploration of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Adriamycin-induced Cardiotoxicity based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Curr. Med. Chem. 33, 159 (2026); https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673329567241014071914
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673329567241014071914
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673329567241014071914
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity; Astaxanthin; cardioprotection; molecular docking; molecular dynamics simulations; network pharmacology; transcriptome sequencing

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