CARDIOTONIC STEROIDS AS MODULATORS OF NEURONAL SURVIVAL SIGNALING PATHWAYS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT RESEARCH

Brain cell metabolism is characterized by numerous cellular and molecular mechanisms. Exposure of brain cells to damaging factors leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and the development of oxidative stress. Neuroprotection is a set of mechanisms aimed at protecting cells of the central nervous system. Endogenous cardiotonic steroids – ouabain and marinobufagenin – slow down oxidative, biochemical, and molecular signaling cascades in brain neurons exposed to stress factors.

The aim of this review is to establish new understanding of the mechanisms of action of cardiotonic steroids on neurons under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. To study scientific advances in the interactions between Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and cardiotonic steroids, methods such as systems-structural and comparative analysis were used.

Using these methods, we presented a schematic diagram depicting the general patterns of metabolic changes in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase in CNS pathologies. Based on literature review, the molecular mechanisms of action of cardiotonic steroids under physiological and pathological conditions are presented. Endogenous and exogenous representatives of the class of cardiotonic steroid metabolites are examined. It is established that the action of these hormone-like compounds is directly linked to Na⁺/, K+-ATPase, cytoplasmic, and membrane proteins. Potential molecular forms of cardiotonic steroids that correlate with the development of certain pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system are identified.

A conclusion is drawn regarding the need for further study of the mechanism of action of cardiotonic steroid metabolites for both fundamental neurobiology and clinical medicine.

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