How p38 MAPK Signaling May Contribute to Heart Damage from Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with cardiotoxicity due to its impact on various cellular processes.

• The mechanisms of DOX-induced cardiac injury include oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.
• Dysregulation of metal ion balance and mitochondrial dysfunction also contribute to cardiac damage.
• The p38 MAPK pathway plays a central role in integrating these damaging signals and influencing cell responses.
• Natural compounds may reduce DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by modulating p38 MAPK signaling.
• Sex-specific differences in cardioprotection are linked to distinct p38 MAPK isoforms.

Simplified