Cardiotrophin 1
Also known as: Cardiotrophin-1, Cardiotrophin‑1, CT-1, CTF1, Cytokine CLCF1
Source Cardiotrophin 1 at Peptiology
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Summary
Cardiotrophin‑1 (CT‑1) is a member of the interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) family of cytokines that signals through the gp130 receptor complex. It exerts pleiotropic effects on the heart, liver, kidney, nervous system and metabolic tissues. In research settings CT‑1 is investigated for its cardioprotective, anti‑apoptotic, metabolic and immunomodulatory properties, as well as its role in cancer‑related inflammation. The compound is not an approved drug; it is used experimentally via intravenous or subcutaneous routes.
Mechanism of Action
CT‑1 binds to a receptor complex containing the signaling subunit gp130, often together with a specific α‑receptor, triggering activation of the JAK/STAT and MAPK cascades. This signaling promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation, survival pathways, acute‑phase protein production, and metabolic regulation in adipocytes and other tissues. The shared gp130 usage links CT‑1 to other IL‑6 family cytokines that modulate inflammation, hematopoiesis, and tissue regeneration.
What the Research Shows
Pre‑clinical and clinical observations indicate that CT‑1 stimulates cardiomyocyte growth and protects against myocardial injury, while elevated plasma levels correlate with heart‑failure severity and may serve as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker. Studies also describe protective actions in liver, kidney and neuronal models, and suggest involvement in body‑weight and metabolic regulation through adipocyte signaling. Within the IL‑6 cytokine family, CT‑1 has been implicated in shaping the tumor microenvironment, contributing to cancer‑associated inflammation and resistance to immune‑checkpoint blockade, prompting interest in targeting it therapeutically. Reviews highlight its broad physiological roles and potential as a therapeutic target, though most evidence remains experimental.
Reported Benefits
Research suggests CT‑1 can promote heart muscle cell proliferation, reduce cardiac injury, and improve survival pathways in multiple organ systems. Its metabolic effects include modulation of adipocyte signaling and possible influence on body‑weight regulation. Elevated circulating CT‑1 may aid in diagnosing and prognosticating heart failure, and its involvement in tumor‑associated inflammation makes it a candidate for novel cancer‑immunotherapy strategies.
Limitations of the Evidence
Evidence for CT‑1’s therapeutic utility is largely pre‑clinical or observational; no clinical trials have established efficacy or safety for treatment. Its dual role in inflammation means it may also support tumor growth, complicating therapeutic targeting. Biomarker studies are limited by small cohorts and lack of standardized assays. The breadth of its actions raises concerns about off‑target effects, and the cytokine’s stability in circulation, while advantageous for measurement, does not guarantee therapeutic benefit.
Safety Considerations
No human safety data for administered CT‑1 are reported in the cited literature. As a cytokine that activates gp130‑dependent pathways, it could theoretically provoke pro‑inflammatory responses, acute‑phase protein elevation, or immune modulation. Blockade of IL‑6 family cytokines in other contexts has been associated with increased infection risk and metabolic disturbances, suggesting that manipulating CT‑1 may carry similar cautions. Until formal toxicity studies are performed, safety remains uncertain.
How It Is Administered
In experimental settings CT‑1 has been delivered by intravenous or subcutaneous injection. Formulations are typically recombinant protein solutions suitable for sterile injection. Dosing regimens, concentrations, and treatment schedules vary across studies and are not standardized.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Cardiac hypertrophy induction (physiological)CardiologyModerate
- NeuroprotectionNeurologyLow
- Heart failure treatmentCardiovascularModerate
- Cardiac cytoprotectionCardiologyModerate
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatmentHepatologyLow
- Cardiac hypertrophy modulationResearchModerate
- Heart failure therapyCardiovascularModerate
- Anti-obesity / metabolic regulationMetabolic DiseaseModerate
Contraindications
- Active malignancyOncologyHighUse caution or avoid depending on agent and context
- Severe inflammatory conditions / sepsisImmunologyModerate
- Pre-existing pathological cardiac hypertrophyCardiologyModerate
Adverse Effects
- Injection site reactionsLocalUnknown
- HypotensionCardiovascularUnknownLow blood pressure
- Pro-inflammatory cytokine releaseImmunologicalUnknown
- Cardiac hypertrophyCardiovascularUnknown
Drug Interactions
- JAK inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib, tofacitinib)Moderate
- Anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies (e.g., tocilizumab)Moderate
- Cardiotoxic chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., doxorubicin)Low
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Pediatric populationsAgeRelative
- Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)CardiovascularRelative
- Immunocompromised patientsImmunologicRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNo marketing authorization.
- United StatesUnapprovedInvestigational use only.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNo MHRA approval. Research molecule only.
No regulatory approval; used only in pre‑clinical and early clinical research.
Evidence & Sources
- Journal ArticleModerateLópez-Yoldi M, Moreno-Aliaga MJ, Bustos M2015-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateStejskal D, Ruzicka V2008-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateSoler MF, et al.2023-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateRose-John S2018-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateJones SA, Jenkins BJ2018-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateHeinrich PC, et al.2003-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardiotrophin‑1?
Cardiotrophin‑1 (CT‑1) is a cytokine belonging to the IL‑6 family that signals through the gp130 receptor complex, influencing heart, liver, kidney, nervous system and metabolic processes.
How does CT‑1 work in the body?
CT‑1 binds gp130‑containing receptors, activating JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways. This triggers cell survival, proliferation, acute‑phase protein production and metabolic signaling, especially in cardiomyocytes and adipocytes.
Is CT‑1 an approved drug for any disease?
No. CT‑1 is currently a research compound; it has not received regulatory approval for therapeutic use in any indication.
What conditions are being studied with CT‑1?
Research focuses on heart failure (as a biomarker and potential therapy), organ protection (liver, kidney, brain), metabolic regulation, and its role in cancer‑related inflammation and resistance to immunotherapy.
How is CT‑1 administered in studies?
Experimental protocols use intravenous or subcutaneous injection of recombinant CT‑1 protein, with formulations prepared as sterile aqueous solutions.
What is Cardiotrophin 1 used for?
Cardiotrophin 1 is educationally associated with: Cardiac hypertrophy induction (physiological), Neuroprotection, Heart failure treatment, Cardiac cytoprotection, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatment, Cardiac hypertrophy modulation, Heart failure therapy, Anti-obesity / metabolic regulation. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Cardiotrophin 1 administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Cardiotrophin 1?
Reported adverse effects include: Injection site reactions, Hypotension, Pro-inflammatory cytokine release, Cardiac hypertrophy. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Cardiotrophin 1?
Recorded contraindications: Active malignancy, Severe inflammatory conditions / sepsis, Pre-existing pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Consult a qualified clinician before use.