Embryonic stem cells derived cardiomyocytes are a suitable model for assessment of cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin and other drugs

Introduction: Doxorubicin is frequently used for treatment of several types of cancer. Doxorubicin cardiac toxicity has limited the use of this drug. Corticosteroids may prevent doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate mouse embryonic stem cells derived cardiomyocytes as a model to evaluate the effect of Doxorubicin and dexamethasone. Methods: Mouse embryonic stem cells derived cardiomyocytes were treated with different concentration of doxorubicin for 24 hours and the results were compared with control group. In order to exam effect of dexamethasone on cardiotoxicity, mouse embryonic stem cells derived cardiomyocytes were either exposed to 0.1, 1 or 10 µM dexamethasone 24 hours prior exposure to doxorubicin or expose to dexamethasone 24 hours before and during exposure to doxorubicin . Each group were compared with only doxorubicin or dexamethasone treated cells. Results: 5µM doxorubicin was selected as the lowest dose that ceased heart beats in more than 50% of Mouse embryonic stem cells derived cardiomyocytes. Results revealed that 10 µM dexamethasone for 24 hours before treatment with doxorubicin has protective effect on doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity. Conclusion: The overall results obtained in this model are in accordance with previous literature. Thus suggesting that mouse embryonic stem cells derived cardiomyocytes is a suitable model for assessment of cardio toxic effects of drugs. Key words: Stem cell, Cardiomyocyte, Doxorubicin, Dexamethasone