The ontogeny of biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction

James C Huhta1, Alfred Asante-Korang, Maria Serrano

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33701, USA. huhfam@aol.com

Insights

Biochemical markers like natriuretic peptides and cardiac enzymes signal heart strain in pediatric patients. Early detection aids in diagnosing cardiac involvement and maladaptation during development.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Cardiac involvement is a concern in various pediatric diseases.
  • Biochemical markers can indicate cardiac stress and maladaptation.
  • Understanding these markers' expression across development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review biochemical markers for detecting cardiac involvement in pediatric disease.
  • To summarize markers identified in fetal and pediatric practice.
  • To trace marker expression from embryonic development through adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on biochemical markers in pediatric cardiology.
  • Analysis of available diagnostic markers in clinical laboratories.
  • Tracing the developmental expression of cardiac markers.

Main Results:

  • Three key biochemical markers are readily available for improved diagnosis.
  • Increased cardiac workload triggers the release of natriuretic peptides and cardiac enzymes.
  • These markers indicate activated genetic programs and maladaptation in the heart.

Conclusions:

  • Biochemical markers are valuable tools for detecting cardiac involvement in pediatric conditions.
  • The expression of these markers changes throughout development, offering insights into cardiac health.
  • Consideration of these markers is recommended for comprehensive pediatric cardiac assessment.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance01:29

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...