Molecular mechanisms of cardiac electromechanical remodeling during Chagas disease: Role of TNF and TGF-beta

Author(s)

Cruz, Jader Santos ; Machado, Fabiana Simao ; Ropert, Catherine ; Roman-Campos, Danilo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TRENDS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE; v. 27, n. 2, p. 81-91, FEB 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Chagas disease is caused by the trypanosomatid Trypanosoma cruzi, which chronically causes heart problems in up to 30% of infected patients. Chagas disease was initially restricted to Latin America. However, due to migratory events, this disease may become a serious worldwide health problem. During Chagas disease, many patients die of cardiac arrhythmia despite the apparent benefits of anti arrhythmic therapy (e.g., amiodarone). Here, we assimilate the cardiac form of Chagas disease to an inflammatory cardiac disease. Evidence from the literature, mostly provided using experimental models, supports this view and argues in favor of new strategies for treating cardiac arrhythmias in Chagas disease by modulating cytokine production and/or action. But the complex nature of myocardial inflammation underlies the need to better understand the molecular mechanisms of the inflammatory response during Chagas disease. Here, particular attention has been paid to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) although other cytokines may be involved in the chagasic cardiomyopathy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/09861-1 - The role of late sodium current in the inherited and acquired cardiac arrhythmias: from the biophysics properties to new therapeutic targets
• Grantee: Danilo Roman Campos
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants