Abstract 165: The 18 kDa FGF-2 Prevents the Doxorubicin-induced Cardiac Damage and Amp-activated Kinase Activation, in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Introduction: Protection of the heart from chemotherapeutic (Doxorubicin, DOX) drug-induced toxicity is a desirable goal, to limit side effects of cancer treatments. DOX toxicity has been linked to the activation (phosphorylation) of the AMP-activated kinase, AMPK. The 18 kDa low molecular weight isoform of fibroblast growth factor 2 (Lo-FGF-2) is a known cardioprotective and cytoprotective agent. In this study we have tested the ability of Lo-FGF-2 to protect from DOX-induced damage in rat cardiomyocytes in vitro, and in transgenic mouse models in vivo, in relation to AMPK activation. Methods: Rat neonatal cardiomyocytes in culture were exposed to DOX (0.5 μM) in the presence or absence of pre-treatment Lo-FGF-2 (10 ng/ml). Compound C was used to block phosphorylation (activity) of AMPK. Levels of cell viability/death (using Calcein-AM/Propidium iodide assay), phospho -and total AMPK, and apoptotic markers such as active caspase 3 were analyzed. In addition, transgenic mice expressing only Lo-FGF2, and wild type mice, expressing both high molecular weight (Hi-FGF2) as well as Lo-FGF2 were subjected to DOX injection (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal); echocardiography was used to examine cardiac function at baseline and at 10 days post-DOX. Results: DOX-induced cell death of cardiomyocytes in culture was maximal at 24 hours post-DOX coinciding with significantly increased in activated (phosphorylated) AMPK. Compound C attenuated DOX-induced cardiomyocyte loss. Pre-incubation with Lo-FGF-2 decreased DOX induced cell death, and also attenuated the phosphorylation of AMPK post-DOX. Relative levels of phospho-AMPK were lower in the hearts of Lo-FGF2-expressing male mice compared to wild type. DOX-induced loss of contractile function (left ventricular ejection fraction and endocardial velocity) was negligible in Lo-FGF2-expressing mice but significant in wild type mice. Conclusion: Lo-FGF-2 protects the heart from DOX-induced damage in vitro and in vivo, by a mechanism likely involving an attenuation of AMPK activity.