Effect of Cancer Stem Cell on Cardio-toxicity: Molecular Mechanism and Future Approach

Abstract

Background: A rise in the cancer rate causes an increase in the occurrence of cardio-toxic complications while using chemotherapy drugs. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cell masses resistant to cancer treatment which escape from cell death by changing signaling pathways. Therefore, increasing the dosage of chemotherapy drugs increases the damage to the heart tissue and the consequences of cardio-toxicity. Investigating the signaling pathways responsible for the survival of CSCs through changing the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation, and apoptosis, and the effect of these factors on cardiomyocytes at the molecular level can provide a more detailed view of how the cardiotoxicity process works. Among the important signaling pathways involved in the cardiotoxicity process, through the three processes of increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, we can mention Notch, pI3K/AKT, wnt signaling pathways, and NF-kB. This approach can suggest therapeutic methods capable of destroying CSCs with less cardiotoxicity effects. Conclusion: Finally, as a hypothesis, it can be said that effective factors on the survival of CSCs can influence the cardio-toxicity by impacting ROS, inflammation, and apoptosis process.