Danggui buxue decoction attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis in vivo and in vitro.

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment may be hampered by doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), with limited therapeutic interventions currently available. PANoptosis, an inflammatory cell-death pathway, likely underlies DIC pathogenesis. The traditional Chinese medicine formulation Danggui Buxue decoction (DGBXD) enhances heart function, but the precise pharmacological mechanisms remain understudied.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of DGBXD on DIC and explore its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Murine model of DIC and network pharmacology to predict potential targets. The model was established through intraperitoneal administration of DOX. Cardiac function and histopathological alterations were assessed using echocardiography, staining, and biochemical analyses. The active components in DGBXD-containing serum were characterized using mass spectrometry. Molecular docking simulations assessed their binding affinities with PANoptosis-related proteins. The expression of PANoptosis-associated proteins was evaluated in vivo and in vitro using western blotting, complemented by immunohistochemistry (animal tissues) and immunofluorescence (primary cardiomyocytes). The contribution of ZBP1 overexpression to the anti-PANoptotic effects of DGBXD was studied.

RESULTS

DGBXD administration significantly improved survival rates and cardiac function and attenuated myocardial damage in DOX-treated mice. Network pharmacology suggested that DGBXD modulates inflammation, oxidative stress, and modes of cellular death. Spectroscopy identified multiple bioactive components in DGBXD-containing serum. Molecular docking revealed that DGBXD constituents directly interacted with PANoptosis-related proteins. DGBXD suppressed DOX-induced PANoptosis in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by the reduced levels of associated components. Overexpression of ZBP1 weakened this effect.

CONCLUSION

We highlight the clinical potential of DGBXD in ameliorating DIC, providing substantial evidence to support its development as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases.