The TNF-α system in heart failure and after heart transplantation; plasma protein levels, mRNA expression, soluble receptors and plasma buffer capacity

• Published in: European heart journal 1999-06, Vol.20 (11), p.833-840
• Main Authors: van Riemsdijk-van Overbeeke, I.C., Baan, C.C., Niesters, H.G.M., Hesse, C.J., Loonen, E.H.M., Balk, A.H.M.M., Maat, A.P.W.M., Weimar, W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Biological Availability; Creatinine - blood; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; heart failure; Heart Failure - metabolism; heart transplantation; Heart Transplantation - physiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor - blood; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor - genetics; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor - metabolism; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Solubility; soluble TNF receptors; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the heart; TNF-α
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1053/euhj.1998.1478

Background The two soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptors (sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2) can bind TNF-α, which is a cytokine with cardiodepressant properties. In heart failure and after heart transplantation, the TNF-α system is unbalanced, due to elevated levels of sTNF receptors. Aim To assess the activity of the TNF-α system in patients with heart failure and after heart transplantation. Methods We measured TNF-αmRNA expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, plasma levels of TNF-α and sTNF reverse transcriptase receptors, using polymerase chain reaction and ELISA and performed a TNF-α binding capacity analysis, quantitating the buffer capacity of patients’ plasma. Results In 11 patients with heart failure and in 15 cardiac allograft recipients, the TNF-α mRNA expression was comparable to controls. This level of mRNA was not accompanied by detectable TNF-αplasma levels. Significantly higher sTNF receptors levels were found in patients: (P