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PGC-1α–Nrf2 Signaling Imbalance Mediates Doxorubicin-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cardiac Injury

delete2026-07-01
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PRE
AI
S
Shaohuan Qian
Y
Yue Guan
Z
Zhuoya Yao
J
Jian Zhu
W
Wei Zhang *
DOI:10.1002/jbt.71013delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress; however, the mechanistic interplay between mitochondrial metabolic regulation and antioxidant defense remains unclear. In this study, Transcriptomic analysis, in vitro human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and DOX-induced murine models were used to investigate the functional interaction between peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2). Pharmacological activation, gene knockdown, and histological approaches were employed to dissect pathway interdependence. DOX suppressed oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and mitochondrial biogenesis pathways while activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses, indicating functional uncoupling. PGC-1alpha activation restored mitochondrial respiration and reduced oxidative stress, whereas its deficiency aggravated mitochondrial collapse. Notably, Nrf2-mediated antioxidant protection was significantly attenuated under PGC-1alpha deficiency, demonstrating dependence on mitochondrial integrity. In vivo, combined activation of PGC-1alpha and Nrf2 more effectively improved mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative injury, and preserved cardiac structure and function compared with single interventions. These findings indicate that DOX-induced cardiotoxicity involves functional decoupling between antioxidant responses and mitochondrial metabolism. PGC-1alpha maintains mitochondrial homeostasis and enables effective Nrf2-mediated defense, suggesting that targeting the PGC-1alpha/Nrf2 axis represents a promising therapeutic strategy for DOX-induced cardiac injury.
Keywords:
cardiotoxicity
doxorubicin
mitochondrial dysfunction
Nrf2
PGC-1α

Journal

Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology cover
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
IF:
2.8
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3.7K
Citations:
5.9K

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