BECN1 and neoplasm: Therefore, homogenates of the apex of the heart were analyzed for the expression of the autophagy protein beclin-1, the metabolic and atrophy protein p-FOXO1, and pro-inflammatory markers MyD88 (IL-1β signaling) and p-NF-κβ, to further investigate the cellular mechanisms of how tumor burden may negatively affect cardiac structure and function (Figure 5).