Doxorubicin (Dox) exhibits a high efficacy in the treatment of numerous types of cancer. However, the beneficial cytotoxic effects of Dox are often accompanied by an increase in the risk of cardiotoxicity. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in Dox‑induced cardiomyopathy (DIC). OS in cardiomyocytes disrupts endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, leading to the accumulation of misfolded/unfolded proteins known as ER stress. ER stress acts as an adaptive mechanism; however, prolonged ER stress together with OS may lead to the initiation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The present study aimed to explore the potential of an anti‑diabetic drug, empagliflozin (EMPA), in mitigating Dox‑induced ER stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In the present study, the effects of 1 h pretreatment of EMPA on Dox‑treated cardiomyocytes isolated from Sprague‑Dawley rats were investigated. After 24 h, EMPA pre‑treatment promoted cell survival in the EMPA + Dox group compared with the Dox group. Results of the present study also demonstrated that EMPA mitigated overall ER stress, as the increased expression of ER stress markers was reduced in the EMPA + Dox group. Additionally, OS, inflammation and expression of ER stress apoptotic proteins were also significantly reduced following EMPA pre‑treatment in the EMPA + Dox group. Thus, EMPA may exert beneficial effects on Dox‑induced ER stress and may exhibit potential changes that can be utilised to further evaluate the role of EMPA in mitigating DIC.
Keywords: DIC; EMPA; ER stress; inositol‑requiring kinase 1α.