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[Tumor necrosis factor alpha in chronic heart failure. Clinical manifestation and therapeutic possibilities]

S Genth-Zotz1, A P Bolger, S D Anker

  • 1National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.

Herz
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Chronic heart failure (CHF) involves immune system changes, particularly elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). Targeting TNF may offer a new treatment strategy for heart failure patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiology
  • Pathophysiology

Context:

  • Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex systemic disorder with extracardiac manifestations.
  • Immunological abnormalities, including altered innate immune responses, are increasingly recognized in CHF.
  • Elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) are observed in CHF patients' circulation and myocardium compared to controls.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the role of immunological abnormalities in chronic heart failure.
  • To emphasize the significance of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) in CHF pathophysiology.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting TNF in heart failure management.

Summary:

  • Patients with chronic heart failure exhibit higher circulating and myocardial levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) than healthy individuals.
  • TNF is implicated in key pathophysiological processes contributing to the progression of chronic heart failure.
  • Modulating TNF activity presents a potential novel therapeutic avenue for managing heart failure.

Impact:

  • Understanding the immunological basis of CHF can lead to innovative treatment strategies.
  • Targeting specific inflammatory mediators like TNF may improve outcomes for heart failure patients.
  • This research opens avenues for developing new therapies aimed at the immune system's role in cardiovascular disease.
Abstract

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