0000000000025813

AUTHOR

Eftathios Kastritis

Metformin Restores AMPK Alpha-Mediated Autophagy and Prevents Carfilzomib-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Vivo

Abstract Introduction: Carfilzomib (Cfz) significantly prolongs progression-free survival in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients, as highlighted in the ENDEAVOR trial. However, Cfz has high incidences of cardiotoxicity and heart failure, leading to treatment cessation. Thus, there is an imperative need for preventive therapies. The study aimed to i) establish an in vivo Cfz cardiotoxicity protocol, ii) investigate the molecular mechanism, identify molecular targets and iii) based on initial results, investigate the potential protective effect and mechanism of Metformin (Met). Methods: Male, C57BL/6 mice, were randomized in groups as following: Acute protocol (6 days): Control (…

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Synergistic Effect of Carfilzomib and Metformin in Vascular Plasticity; The Emerging Role of Autophagy

Introduction: Carfilzomib (Cfz) correlates with a risk of reversible cardiotoxicity in 5-10% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. We have recently shown that metformin (Met) has a prophylactic role against the Cfz-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo, through activation of AMPKα signaling (Blood 2019;133:710-23). However, the impact of Cfz on vascular function is obscure. Therefore, we sought to investigate: i) the acute, ii) the sub-chronic effect of Cfz on the vascular reactivity, iii) the effect of metformin co-administration on the vascular phenotype and iv) the impact of Cfz and Met co-administration on aged Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells (HAoSMCs). Methods: Forty male C57Bl/6 mice were assi…

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