Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor activated by various stimuli that are implicated in the progression of chronic heart failure. Therefore, we examined the activation of NF-kappaB in peripheral leukocytes, the only nucleated cell population noninvasively accessible in patients with heart failure. In patients with stable heart failure with no obvious other reason for NF-kappaB activation, NF-kappaB was significantly activated.
Copyright 2004 Excerpta Medica, Inc.