Tumour necrosis factor-alpha and the failing heart--pathophysiology and therapeutic implications

Immune activation plays a significant role in the development and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). Indeed, pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) are activated in this condition and exert direct detrimental actions on the myocardium. Physiological dampeners of TNFalpha production, such as interleukin-10, catecholamines, cortisol, and others fail in the course of the disease. However, the outcomes of two large-scale clinical trials with etanercept and infliximab, which directly antagonise TNFalpha have been rather disappointing. Nevertheless, TNFalpha antagonism remains a major target of CHF therapy, although counterbalancing this cytokine alone may not be sufficient.