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Fingerprint profile of alcohol-associated heart failure in human hearts

Georges E Haddad1, Lori Saunders, Maria Carles

  • 1Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|March 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies a unique genomic "fingerprint" for alcohol-induced heart failure, distinguishing it from other forms. This discovery aids in diagnosing heart failure and understanding its causes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant cause of left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure.
  • Alcohol-induced heart failure (AHF) is often misdiagnosed as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) due to similar symptoms.
  • Distinguishing AHF from IDCM is challenging due to difficulties in accurately self-reporting alcohol consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify a distinct genetic profile for alcohol-induced heart failure.
  • To differentiate AHF from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) using genomic markers.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying AHF pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Creation of a human heart failure cDNA array with 1,143 heart-specific oligonucleotide probes.
  • Screening of RNA samples from organ donors and transplant recipients with alcohol-related heart failure using the array.
  • Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles between AHF and IDCM.

Main Results:

  • Alcohol-induced heart failure exhibits a unique 'fingerprint' of de-regulated genes.
  • This genomic profile can differentiate pure AHF from IDCM with contributing alcohol use.
  • Gene de-regulation patterns implicate matrix, cytoskeletal, and structural proteins in AHF development.

Conclusions:

  • A genomic 'fingerprint' for human alcohol-induced heart failure has been identified.
  • AHF pathogenesis likely involves alterations in architectural proteins (cytoskeletal, matrix, structural).
  • While potentially reversible upon alcohol cessation, advanced changes can lead to irreversible heart failure.
Abstract

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