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TNF revisited: osteoprotegerin and TNF-related molecules in heart failure

Thor Ueland1, Arne Yndestad, Christen P Dahl

  • 1Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0027, Oslo, Norway. thor.ueland@medisin.uio.no

Current Heart Failure Reports
|March 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and related superfamily members are implicated in heart failure (HF). Exploring these pathways, including the OPG/RANK/RANKL axis, may reveal new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has a known role in myocardial failure.
  • Emerging evidence implicates other members of the TNF/TNF receptor superfamily (TNFSF/TNFRSF) in chronic heart failure (HF).
  • TNFSF/TNFRSF members are expressed in myocardial cells and can influence cardiac pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of TNFSF/TNFRSF in the pathophysiology of heart failure.
  • To explore potential new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental and clinical studies on TNF and TNFSF/TNFRSF in heart failure.
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which TNF ligands affect myocardial cells, including NF-κB and death-related pathways.
  • Focus on the OPG/RANK/RANKL axis in HF pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • TNF ligands activate pathways like NF-κB, leading to myocardial apoptosis, hypertrophy, inflammation, and matrix remodeling.
  • Several TNFSF members are activated in HF.
  • The OPG/RANK/RANKL axis is highlighted for its potential role in HF pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • TNFSF/TNFRSF members play a significant role in the pathophysiology of heart failure.
  • These pathways represent promising targets for novel heart failure therapies.
  • TNFSF/TNFRSF may also serve as valuable biomarkers for heart failure.

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