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Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: a therapeutic challenge and future strategies

Juan D Maya1, Michel Lapier1, Christian Castillo2

  • 1Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences
|February 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Infectious diseases cause acquired dilated cardiomyopathy through inflammation and remodeling. Chagas cardiomyopathy shares these features, highlighting microvascular dysfunction and the need for novel therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Infectious diseases are a primary cause of acquired dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • These cardiomyopathies involve inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial remodeling.
  • Coronary microvascular dysfunction is a key pathophysiological feature, distinct from coronary artery disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the pathophysiology of Chagas cardiomyopathy, focusing on vascular and inflammatory aspects.
  • To highlight similarities between Chagas cardiomyopathy and other acquired cardiomyopathies.
  • To propose novel therapeutic strategies for Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing evidence on Chagas cardiomyopathy pathophysiology.
  • Analysis of microvascular involvement and inflammatory processes.
  • Comparison with other acquired cardiomyopathies.

Main Results:

  • Chagas cardiomyopathy exhibits significant microvascular dysfunction.
  • Inflammatory processes, endothelial activation, and ischemic damage are evident.
  • Vascular characteristics resemble those of other acquired cardiomyopathies.

Conclusions:

  • Chagas cardiomyopathy involves distinct microvascular dysfunction and inflammation.
  • Current therapies for Chagas disease are limited.
  • Combining Chagas disease treatment with other strategies may improve outcomes.

Keywords:
Chagas diseaseNotch signaling pathwaybenznidazolecardiomyopathystatins

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