The Relationship between Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is a prevalent condition.
• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, an inflammatory cytokine, contributes to cardiac structural changes leading to LV diastolic dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum levels of TNF alpha and LV diastolic function.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 40 patients with LV diastolic dysfunction and 40 healthy controls.
• Echocardiography assessed LV and left atrial volumes, systolic and diastolic function.
• Serum TNF alpha levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Main Results:

• Mean serum TNF alpha was significantly higher in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction (3.48 ± 1.06 pg/ml) compared to controls (1.22 ± 0.36 pg/ml).
• Serum TNF alpha levels were higher in Grade 2 diastolic dysfunction (3.91 ± 1.21 pg/ml) than in Grade 1 (3.18 ± 0.86 pg/ml).
• TNF alpha correlated with indexed left atrial volume (LAVI) in patients but not controls, and trended with worsening heart failure symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Serum TNF alpha is elevated in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction and correlates with LAVI.
• Higher TNF alpha levels are associated with more severe diastolic dysfunction (Grade 2 vs. Grade 1).
• Increased TNF alpha levels correlate with worsening heart failure symptoms.