Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 04, 2026 1 hour, 36 minutes ago
Medical News: A Common Medicine Reveals a Surprising New Role
A drug long used to treat nausea and vomiting may soon play a life-saving role in protecting the heart during severe infections. New research has revealed that ondansetron, a widely prescribed medication, can significantly reduce heart damage caused by sepsis, a dangerous condition that affects millions worldwide.
A common anti-nausea drug shows potential in protecting the heart from severe sepsis-related damage
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection becomes overwhelming, leading to widespread inflammation and organ failure. One of the most serious complications is septic cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart weakens and cannot pump blood effectively. Despite its severity, there are currently no specific treatments targeting this heart damage.
Researchers and Institutions Behind the Study
The study was conducted by researchers from the Department of Cardiology at Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, along with experts from the International Medical College of Chongqing Medical University and Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
What Causes the Heart Damage
The research focused on a destructive process known as ferroptosis, a type of cell death caused by iron buildup and oxidative stress. This process leads to damage in heart cells, particularly during sepsis, where inflammation and chemical imbalances spiral out of control.
Scientists have increasingly linked ferroptosis to worsening heart function in septic patients, making it a key target for new treatments.
How the Study Was Conducted
To understand the effects of ondansetron, researchers used both laboratory-grown heart cells and animal models designed to mimic sepsis. They exposed these models to bacterial toxins that trigger septic conditions and then treated them with the drug.
The team measured heart performance, levels of inflammation, iron accumulation, and damage to cellular structures, including mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production.
Key Findings Show Strong Protective Effects
The results showed that ondansetron significantly improved heart function in septic conditions. Treated subjects had stronger heart contractions compared to untreated ones, indicating better overall cardiac performance.
At the same time, the drug reduced iron buildup and limited lipid damage, both of which are hallmarks of ferroptosis. It also restored levels of protective molecules that help defend cells against oxidative stress.
This
Medical News report highlights that ondansetron not only reduced cell death but also improved the internal balance within heart cells, helping them survive under extreme stress.
Protecting Cells at a Deeper Level
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Further analysis revealed that ondansetron helped stabilize mitochondria, preventing structural damage and maintaining energy production. It also reduced harmful reactive oxygen species, which are known to damage cells during sepsis.
In addition, the drug lowered inflammation markers and reduced stress inside the endoplasmic reticulum, another critical part of the cell involved in protein processing.
The Key Mechanism Explained Simply
The researchers identified a specific pathway known as the HTR3A-ATF3 axis. Ondansetron works by blocking a receptor called HTR3A, which in turn reduces the activity of a stress-related protein called ATF3.
When ATF3 levels are high, cells become more vulnerable to damage and death. By suppressing this protein, ondansetron helps protect heart cells and prevents ferroptosis from progressing.
Importantly, when scientists artificially increased ATF3 levels, the protective effects of ondansetron disappeared, confirming the importance of this pathway.
Why This Discovery Matters
This finding is especially important because ondansetron is already widely available and has a well-established safety profile. Repurposing such a drug could fast-track new treatments for septic cardiomyopathy without the long delays associated with developing new medications.
If future clinical trials confirm these results in humans, this approach could offer a simple and effective way to reduce heart damage and improve survival rates in sepsis patients.
Conclusion
The study provides strong evidence that ondansetron can protect the heart during sepsis by targeting a key mechanism responsible for cell damage. By reducing ferroptosis, controlling oxidative stress, and preserving mitochondrial function, the drug shows potential as a powerful new therapy for a condition that currently lacks targeted treatment.
While more research is needed before it can be used routinely in clinical settings, the findings open the door to a promising new strategy. With further validation, this commonly used anti-nausea drug could become an important tool in saving lives and improving outcomes for patients suffering from severe infections.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biomedicines
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/5/1040
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/sepsis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/cardiology
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/med-news
Medical Disclaimer: All content published by Thailand Medical News is based on scientific research and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers must not attempt to use, apply, or experiment with any protocols, compounds, or therapies mentioned without first consulting a qualified and licensed medical doctor. Many findings discussed are experimental or preliminary, and only a licensed healthcare professional can determine what is safe and appropriate for an individual’s specific medical condition.
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