MAPK signaling in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts exposed to cholesterol secoaldehyde - Role of hydrogen peroxide

► The nature of reactive oxygen species with associated signaling was investigated in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts exposed to cholesterol secoaldehyde (ChSeco). ► Both catalase and deferoxamine, which decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species, were found to alleviate the ChSeco-induced cytotoxicity. ► ChSeco-treated cardiomyoblasts exhibited a significant decrease in catalase activity and a marked increase in lipid peroxidation. ► Pre-treatment of cardiomyoblasts with SB 203580 or MEK1/2 inhibitor offered protection against the ChSeco-induced cytotoxicity. ► These results, together with increased p-SAPK/JNK and p38 protein expression, are consistent with H2O2-dependent MAPK signaling in ChSeco-induced cytotoxicity.