Cor Vasa 2003, 44(2):85-90
Cytokine system activation in chronic heart failure
- Klinika kardiologie, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha, Česká republika
Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. The importance of cytokines has first been demonstrated in acute myocarditis, cardiac dysfunction in septic shock, and in cardiac allotransplant rejection. In recent years, the contribution of cytokines to the development of conditions where immune system activation seemed to be unlikely has also been documented. These include the process of atherogenesis, acute coronary syndromes, and chronic heart failure (CHF). The article includes a review of the literature addressing concepts on complete cytokine system activation in CHF patients, and the general effects of cytokines on the cardiovascular system are described. The article also examines specific properties of individual cytokines; particularly, the importance of tumor necrosis factor-" and interleukin 6 is discussed in detail. A review of experiments carried to date and aimed at therapeutic modulation of the cytokine system in CHF is provided.
Keywords: Chronic heart failure; Cytokines; Chemokines; Adhesion molecules
Published: February 1, 2003 Show citation