Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy
Iron overload cardiomyopathy is a fatal complication of systemic iron overload characterized by myocardial iron loading, causing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately cardiac failure. As a provider of research services in iron disorder metabolism, Protheragen provides one-stop iron overload cardiomyopathy research services. Our services cover the full drug discovery and development pipeline, from target identification, preclinical testing, to application, to deliver sound and trustworthy data to support your therapeutic development programs.
Overview of Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy
Iron overload cardiomyopathy is a significant and hazardous condition; this particular type of heart disease is typically associated with hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that leads to excessive iron absorption. This cardiomyopathy may also occur as a result of excessive blood transfusions, which are common in thalassemia and some anemic disorders. Without therapy, iron overload cardiomyopathy can progress to advanced heart failure, arrhythmias, and death.
Fig.1 Mechanism-targeted therapies for iron overload cardiomyopathy. (Kumfu, S., et al., 2022)
Iron Metabolism Abnormalities in Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy
Iron overload cardiomyopathy has been characterized as the presence of systolic or diastolic cardiac dysfunction due to excessive iron in the heart. When the antioxidant capacity of the cell is overwhelmed, iron, catalyzed by the fast Fenton reaction, generates hydroxyl ions, a highly reactive free radical species that produces lipid peroxidation, an alteration of membrane permeability. These alterations give rise to a leak of hydrolytic enzymes, which initiate cellular digestion and subsequently, death of cardiac myocytes. In the context of coexisting myocardial ischemia, iron overload promotes ischemia-induced reperfusion injury and an autocatalytic process that may culminate in a cardiomyopathic process.
Therapeutics Development for Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy
| Drug Name | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Resveratrol | Suppress oxidative stress related to iron and myocardial fibrosis. | SERCa2a | Preclinical |
| Ferrostatin-1 | A ferroptosis inhibitor can restore the cardiac function decline due to iron overload. | Ferroptosis | Preclinical |
| Amlodipine | Prevent excessive iron deposition into the cardiac cells by the influx of iron ions through the calcium channels into the cardiomyocytes. | L-type calcium channel | Phase III |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a therapy plan recommendation. For guidance on therapy options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
From state-of-the-art diagnostics to the latest therapeutics, we offer a full range of products and services designed to help expedite your research. Our focus on excellence is evident in our strong disease models and preclinical research platform, providing the ideal basis for your therapeutic development in this crucial space. In addition, we are a trusted partner for essential studies in pharmacokinetics and drug safety to guarantee your compounds not only demonstrate efficacy, but also the highest safety and regulatory compliance standards.
Therapeutic Development Services
Animal Model Development Services for Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy
Animal models help researchers study different aspects of iron overload cardiomyopathy, including identifying potential biomarkers of early disease, new therapy options, safety and efficacy evaluations, and even thorough disease mechanism investigations. We understand how custom and precise animal models are crucial for your investigations in iron overload cardiomyopathy, and thus, we offer custom animal model development services tailored to your exact research needs.
These models often involve genetically modified animals that exhibit impaired iron regulation, leading to systemic and cardiac iron overload.
- Hemojuvelin knockout (HJVKO) model
- Nrf2-deficient model
In these models, a high-iron diet is fed to the animals for a prolonged period of time to stimulate the overload of iron in the tissues.
This approach aims at achieving a chronic form of iron overload or a sharp one by administering repeated injections of iron dextran.
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Protheragen is committed to understanding the challenges of iron overload, particularly related to cardiac health. Our iron overload cardiomyopathy-specific drug development services cover every vital stage. Together, let's make your way through the intricacies of drug development, from concept to market. If you would like our services, please contact us.
Reference
- Kumfu, Sirinart et al. "Iron overload cardiomyopathy: Using the latest evidence to inform future applications." Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.) 247.7 (2022): 574-583.