Effect of polymorphism rs1799964 in TNF-α gene on survival in depressive patients with chronic heart failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Depression is common in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, impacting outcomes.
• The genetic basis for differential responses in CHF patients, particularly those with depression, remains under-explored.
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays a role in both inflammation and cardiac function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between rs1799964 genotypes in TNF-α and clinical outcomes in depressive CHF patients.
• To correlate specific TNF-α genotypes with cardiac, laboratory, and nutritional parameters in CHF.
• To identify potential genetic markers for prognosis in patients with comorbid depression and CHF.

Main Methods:

• 94 patients with CHF were enrolled.
• Depression prevalence was assessed.
• Cardiac function (EF%), NYHA class, inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α), nutritional status (cachexia), and survival were analyzed in relation to rs1799964 genotypes (CC, CT, TT).

Main Results:

• Depression was diagnosed in 70.2% of CHF patients.
• CC genotype carriers showed significantly reduced ejection fraction (EF%) and worse NYHA class.
• CC genotype was associated with higher serum CRP and TNF-α levels, increased cachexia incidence (80%), and was an unfavorable prognostic factor for survival (HR=8.87).

Conclusions:

• The CC genotype of rs1799964 in TNF-α is an unfavorable prognostic factor in depressive CHF patients.
• This genotype is linked to increased inflammation, reduced cardiac function, and poorer survival.
• Genetic predisposition, specifically the CC genotype, may significantly impact quality of life and life expectancy in this patient group.