Molecular biology of myocardial recovery

Surg Clin North Am. 2004 Feb;84(1):223-42. doi: 10.1016/S0039-6109(03)00222-6.

Abstract

The use of LVADs that leads to a dramatic mechanical and hemodynamic unloading of the failing left ventricle offers a unique opportunity to investigate the mechanisms of remodeling and reverse remodeling. Although it is being increasingly realized that the LVAD unloading results in regression of hypertrophy and improvement of myocyte function and LV geometry, the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects remain undefined. The favorable alterations in geometry that occur in parallel fashion at the organ, cellular, and molecular levels are most likely caused by the reduced LV wall stress/stretch as a consequence of the mechanical support provided by LVAD. If it is confirmed that LVAD unloading can contribute significantly to reverse remodeling, the role of LVADs may graduate from bridge-to-transplantation or destination therapy to bridge-to-recovery.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Creatine Kinase / analysis
  • Creatine Kinase / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / pathology*
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart-Assist Devices
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / analysis
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / pathology*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / therapy
  • Ventricular Remodeling / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Creatine Kinase