CDK4/6 inhibitor protects against myocardial cells apoptosis by inhibiting RB phosphorylation in H9c2 cells

Cell cycle dysregulation is typical in human cancers, and CDK4/6 inhibitors targeting cell cycle have potential antiapoptosis effect. The aim of this work is to identify the regulatory effect of Palbociclib on apoptosis of H9c2 cells induced by high glucose (HG) and to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms. It was observed that Palbociclib decreased intracellular ROS production, augmented mitochondrial membrane potential and hindered apoptosis of H9c2 cells. Palbociclib increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, diminished the expressions of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, and affected the RB phosphorylation and p53 expression. Altogether, the anti-apoptotic efficacy of Palbociclib could be attributed in part to the modulation of the mitochondria apoptotic pathway. •CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib protects high glucose-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells.•Palbociclib decreased intracellular ROS production, augmented mitochondrial membrane potential of H9c2 cells.•RB phosphorylation and p53 are involved the protection effect of Palbociclib.