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Insights into pathogenesis and treatment of cytokines in cardiomyopathy
1Section of Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Bethesda Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0542, USA.
Insights
Chronic heart failure involves proinflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interlukin-6. Targeting these molecules shows promise for future heart failure treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Chronic heart failure (CHF) pathophysiology is increasingly understood.
- Proinflammatory and vasoconstrictive cytokines are implicated in CHF development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of specific cytokines in CHF.
- To discuss the potential of cytokine-targeted therapies for CHF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent investigations.
- Analysis of cytokine involvement in cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interlukin-6, and endothelin are key implicated cytokines.
- These cytokines contribute to ventricular dysfunction through various mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines play a significant role in chronic heart failure progression.
- Investigational cytokine inhibitors offer potential therapeutic strategies for CHF.
Abstract:
Our understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure is rapidly expanding. recent investigations suggest a role for various proinflammatory and vasoconstrictive cytokines in the development and progression of the disease. In particular, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interlukin-6, and endothelin have all been implicated in heart failure desease progression. These cytokines appear to be activated in response to a remodeling, induction of programmed cell death, neurohormonal activation, and hemodynamics, these agents cause a variety of deleterious effects in the setting of ventricular dysfunction. Investigational inhibitors and antagonists of these substances show promise for the future treatment of heart failure.