Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes syndrome with dilated cardiomyopathy: A case report

BACKGROUND Polyneuropathy,organomegaly,endocrinopathy,M-protein,skin changes(POEMS)syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome that encompass multiple systems.The most common clinical symptoms of POEMS syndrome are pro-gressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy,organ enlargement,endocrine disorders,darkening skin,a monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder,and lymph node hyperplasia.The organomegaly consists of hepatosplenomegaly and/or lym-phadenopathy;cases of cardiomyopathy are rare.Diagnoses are often delayed because of the atypical nature of the syndrome,exposing patients to possibly severe disability.Therefore,identifying atypical symptoms can improve the prognosis and quality of life among POEMS syndrome patients.lenalidomide and dexamethasone.CONCLUSION When patients with cardiomyopathy have systemic manifestations such as numb limbs and darkening skin,the POEMS syndrome is the most possible diagnosis.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Relationship between Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Chronic Heart Failure

Objective: To screen and analyze the differentially expressed genes between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic heart failure (CHF) based on bioinformatics methods. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used for data retrieval, and the chip data GSE3585 was downloaded, which was the original data of DCM and normal control group. At the same time, the chip data GSE76701 was downloaded, which was the original data of CHF and control group. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were screened by R language limma package, the data were standardized, and the common differentially expressed genes were screened. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the common differentially expressed genes. String11.0 online tool was used for data analysis to obtain differentially expressed genes, and the results were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. The results were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, and the common expression gene module was obtained by MOCDE algorithm. Nine Hub genes were obtained by 10 algorithms such as MCC. Results: A total of 248 differentially expressed genes were screened. GO analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in 9 different physiological and pathological processes. KEGG analysis showed that the main signaling pathways involved in differentially expressed genes were 2, and 9 key differentially expressed genes were predicted: NPPB, NPPA, MYH6, FRZB, ASPN, SFRP4, RPS4Y1, DDX3Y. Conclusion: This study preliminarily explored the molecular mechanism of DCM and CHF, and obtained the common differentially expressed genes of the two diseases. Further experimental studies are needed to verify the correlation between gene expression and clinicopathological features. Provide new ideas for clinical drug treatment research.

Construction of A Prediction Model for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure

Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)is a common myocardial disease characterized by enlargement of the heart cavity and decreased systolic function,often leading to heart failure(HF)and arrhythmia.The occurrence of atrial fibrillation(AF)is closely related to the progression and prognosis of the disease.In recent years,with the advancement of medical imaging and biomarkers,models for predicting the occurrence of AF in DCM patients have gradually become a research hotspot.This article aims to review the current situation of AF in DCM patients and explore the importance and possible methods of constructing predictive models to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment.We comprehensively analyzed the risk factors for AF in DCM patients from epidemiological data,pathophysiological mechanisms,clinical and laboratory indicators,electrocardiogram and imaging parameters,and biomarkers,and evaluated the effectiveness of existing predictive models.Through analysis of existing literature and research,this article proposes a predictive model that integrates multiple parameters to improve the accuracy of predicting AF in DCM patients and provide a scientific basis for personalized treatment.

Identification of a LMNA (c.646C>T) variant by whole-exome sequencing in combination with a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) related gene filter in a family with familiar DCM

Dilated cardiomyopathy（DCM）is characterized by the dilated heart chambers and reduced systolic function in the absence of specific aetiology[1].Approximately one third of DCM cases are hereditary.In recent years,DCM concomitant with arrhythmias and sudden death resulting from gene mutation has been widely

Diagnostic and classification value of immune-related lncRNAs in dilated cardiomyopathy

Background:Various physiological mechanisms are linked to dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)development,including oxidative stress,immune irregularities,inflammation,fibrosis,and genetic changes.However,precise molecular drivers of DCM,especially regarding abnormal immune responses,remain unclear.This study investigates immune-related long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)in DCM’s diagnostic and therapeutic potential.Methods:GSE141910,GSE135055,and GSE165303 datasets were acquired from the GEO database.LASSO,SVM-RFE,and random forest algorithms identified DCM-associated immune-related lncRNAs.Diagnostic capabilities were assessed by Nomogram and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Multivariate linear regression explored lncRNA correlations with ejection fraction.Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis(ssGSEA)gauged immune cell infiltration/functions.Functional enrichment analyses were performed using Gene set variation analysis(GSVA),gene ontology(GO),and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).Consensus clustering categorized DCM cases.Results:Ten immune-related lncRNAs emerged:C10orf71-AS1,FHAD1-AS1,SCIRT,FNDC1-AS1,MELTFAS1,LOC101928834,GDNF-AS1,DCXR-DT,C3orf36,and LOC107985323.These lncRNAs,tied to immunomodulation,showed promising DCM diagnostic accuracy.Adjusted for confounders,they independently correlated with ejection fraction.Using lncRNA expression,DCM patients were grouped into subtypes.Subtype C1 displayed a higher level of immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression compared to subtype C2,emphasizing the variations in the immune microenvironment.Conclusion:This study identifies ten immune-related lncRNAs for further exploration in DCM diagnosis and subtyping.Based on expression patterns,we propose two potential DCM subtypes.Notably,findings are preliminary and hypothesis-generating,demanding validation and further investigation.This research provides insights into DCM diagnosis and classification.

Pediatric acute heart failure caused by endocardial fibroelastosis mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND Endocardial fibroelastosis(EFE)is a diffuse endocardial collagen and elastin hyperplasia disease of unknown etiology,which may be accompanied by myocardial degenerative changes leading to acute or chronic heart failure.However,acute heart failure(AHF)without obvious associated triggers is rare.Prior to the report of endomyocardial biopsy,the diagnosis and treatment of EFE are highly susceptible to being confounded with other primary cardiomyopathies.Here,we report a case of pediatric AHF caused by EFE mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM),with the aim of providing a valuable reference for clinicians to early identify and diagnose EFE-induced AHF.CASE SUMMARY A 13-mo-old female child was admitted to hospital with retching.Chest X-ray demonstrated enhanced texture in both lungs and an enlarged heart shadow.Color doppler echocardiography showed an enlarged left heart with ventricular wall hypokinesis and decreased left heart function.Abdominal color ultrasonography revealed a markedly enlarged liver.Pending the result of the endomyocardial biopsy report,the child was treated with a variety of resuscitative measures including nasal cannula for oxygen,intramuscular sedation with chlorpromazine and promethazine,cedilanid for cardiac contractility enhancement,and diuretic treatment with furosemide.Subsequently,the child’s endomyocardial biopsy report result was confirmed as EFE.After the above early interventions,the child’s condition gradually stabilized and improved.One week later,the child was discharged.During a 9-mo follow-up period,the child took intermittent low-dose oral digoxin with no signs of recurrence or exacerbation of the heart failure.CONCLUSION Our report suggests that EFE-induced pediatric AHF may present in children over 1 year of age without any apparent precipitants,and that the associated clinical presentations are grossly similar to that of pediatric DCM.Nonetheless,it is still possible to be diagnosed effectively on the basis of the comprehensive analysis of auxiliary inspection findings before the result of the endomyocardial biopsy is reported.

Study of pathogenic genes in a pedigree with familial dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)is a genetically heterogeneous cardiac disorder characterized by left ventricular dilation and contractile dysfunction.The substantial genetic heterogeneity evident in patients with DCM contributes to variable disease severity and complicates overall prognosis,which can be very poor.AIM To identify pathogenic genes in DCM through pedigree analysis.METHODS Our research team identified a patient with DCM in the clinic.Through invest-igation,we found that the family of this patient has a typical DCM pedigree.High-throughput sequencing technology,next-generation sequencing,was used to sequence the whole exomes of seven samples in the pedigree.RESULTS A novel and potentially pathogenic gene mutation-ANK2p.F3067L-was discovered.The mutation was completely consistent with the clinical information for this DCM pedigree.Sanger sequencing was used to further verify the locus of the mutation in pedigree samples.These results were consistent with those of high-throughput sequencing.CONCLUSIONS ANK2p.F3067L is considered a novel and potentially pathogenic gene mutation in DCM.

Association between late gadolinium enhancement and outcome in dilated cardiomyopathy:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement(LGE)derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance(CMR)is well studied,and several new metrics of LGE have emerged.However,some controversies remain;therefore,further discussion is needed,and more precise risk stratification should be explored.AIM To investigate the associations between the positivity,extent,location,and pattern of LGE and multiple outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).METHODS PubMed,Ovid MEDLINE,and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that investigated the prognostic value of LGE in patients with DCM.Pooled hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals were calculated to assess the role of LGE in the risk stratification of DCM.RESULTS Nineteen studies involving 7330 patients with DCM were included in this metaanalysis and covered a wide spectrum of DCM,with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction between 21%and 50%.The meta-analysis revealed that the presence of LGE was associated with an increased risk of multiple adverse outcomes(all-cause mortality,HR:2.14;arrhythmic events,HR:5.12;and composite endpoints,HR:2.38;all P<0.001).Furthermore,every 1%increment in the extent of LGE was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.Analysis of a subgroup revealed that the prognostic value varied based on different location and pattern of LGE.Additionally,we found that LGE was a stronger predictor of arrhythmic events in patients with greater left ventricular ejection fraction.CONCLUSION LGE by CMR in patients with DCM exhibited a substantial value in predicting adverse outcomes,and the extent,location,and pattern of LGE could provide additional information for risk stratification.

Cardiac remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation reversing bradycardia-induced cardiomyopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND Bradycardia-induced cardiomyopathy(BIC),which is a disease resulting from bradycardia,is characterized by cardiac chamber enlargement and diminished cardiac function.The correction of bradycardia can allow for significant improvements in both cardiac function and structure;however,this disease has been infrequently documented.In this case,we conducted a longitudinal followup of a patient who had been enduring BIC for more than 40 years to heighten awareness and prompt timely diagnosis and rational intervention.CASE SUMMARY A woman who presented with postactivity fatigue and dyspnea was diagnosed with bradycardia at the age of 7.Since she had no obvious symptoms,she did not receive any treatment to improve her bradycardia during the 42-year follow-up,except for the implantation of a temporary pacemaker during labor induction surgery.As time progressed,the patient's heart gradually expanded due to her low ventricular rate,and she was diagnosed with BIC.In 2014,the patient developed atrial fibrillation,her ventricular rate gradually increased,and her heart shape gradually returned to normal.This report describes the cardiac morphological changes caused by the heart rate changes in BIC patients older than 40 years,introduces another possible outcome of BIC,and emphasizes the importance of early intervention in treating BIC.CONCLUSION BIC can induce atrial fibrillation,causing an increased ventricular rate and leading to positive cardiac remodeling.

益气复脉注射液联合呋塞米治疗DCM心力衰竭患者的效果

目的探讨益气复脉注射剂联合呋塞米治疗扩张型心肌病(DCM)心力衰竭患者的效果。方法采用随机对照研究。选取商丘市第一人民医院2019年6月至2022年3月收治的DCM心力衰竭患者98例,信封法随机分为对照组49例和观察组49例。对照组给予呋塞米治疗,观察组给予益气复脉注射液联合呋塞米治疗。比较两组患者的临床疗效及药物不良反应,所有患者均在治疗前及治疗后接受超声心电图扫描,测定心功能指标,采用免疫比浊法测定D二聚体(D-D)水平,免疫荧光定量法测定B型利钠肽原(BNP)水平,酶联免疫吸附法检测血管紧张素Ⅱ(ANGⅡ)水平。采用t、χ^(2)检验进行统计分析。结果观察组总有效率为95.92%(47/49),高于对照组的83.67%(41/49),两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与治疗前比较,治疗后两组患者左心室射血分数(LVEF)水平均升高,且观察组高于对照组(均P<0.05);左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)水平均降低,且观察组均低于对照组(均P<0.05)。与治疗前比较,治疗后两组患者血浆D-D、BNP、ANGⅡ水平均下降,且观察组均低于对照组(均P<0.05)。两组不良反应比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论DCM心力衰竭患者采用益气复脉注射液联合呋塞米治疗,能提高患者治疗总有效率,改善其心功能,降低D-D、BNP、ANGⅡ水平,具有较高的应用价值。

Mechanism of Anti-β-adrenoceptor Antibody Mediated Myocardial Damage in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Antibodies against &-adrenoceptor can be detected in serum of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which have 5-agonist-like activity, and induce a positive chronotropic effect on cardiac myocytes by its persistence at full strength. Effects of the antibodies against Padrenoceptor from sera of patients with DCM on myocardial cytotoxicity and cytoplasmic free Ca2+-concentration (LCa2+ji) were observed in the cultured single layer SD rat ventricular cells by using the cytotoxicity assay and fluorescent Ca2+- indicat0r fura-2/AM. The positive sera of the anti-&adrenoceptor antibodies from patients with DCM markedly enhanced myocardial [Ca2+]i. Betaloc, a 5, -receptor blocker, might inhibit the increase of the antibody-mediated myocardial [Ca2+]i, and the sera from healthy donors had no effect on myocardial [Ca2+]i,. Our results suggest that the anti-β-adrenoceptor antibody might increase myocardial [Ca2+]i, and result in myocardial damage. The antibodies might activate receptor-gating Ca2+-channel, thereby causing myocardial [Ca2+]i, rise and calcium overload. Early use of betaloc is recommended in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy.

D-dimer level and long-term outcome in patients with end-stage heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background Previous studies had demonstrated hemostatic abnormalities in patients with heart failure (HF) and several studies have shown that abnormal coagulation indices, represented by elevated D-dimer, had prognostic significance in patients with compatible or acute decompensated HF. However, the impact of D-dimer on the outcome in patients with end-stage HF remains unclear. Methods A total of 244 consecutive patients with end-stage HF due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were prospectively enrolled from February 2011 to September 2014. D-dimer levels were measured and its prognostic value was assessed. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were stroke, bleeding, occurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results D-dimer was significantly elevated in the non-survivors (median: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/L, P < 0.001). Traditional markers including B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin I, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension provided limited prognostic value;but the addition of D-dimer refined the risk stratification. The optimal cut-off value of D-dimer to predict all-cause mortality was 0.84 mg/L by receiver operator characteristic analysis. Elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality (HR = 2.315, 95% CI: 1.570–3.414, P < 0.001) and MACE (HR = 1.256, 95% CI: 1.058–1.490, P = 0.009), and the predictive value was independent of age, sex, atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation status. Conclusions Elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with poor long-term outcome in patients with end-stage HF secondary to idiopathic DCM, and the predictive value was superior to that of traditional prognostic markers.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: a tertiary center experience

Background Contemporary heart failure medications have led to considerable improvement in the survival of patients with heart failure. However,limited evidence is available regarding the effect of those medications in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM),particularly in China. We sought to analyze the trends in clinical characteristics and the prescription rate of recommended therapies and its prognostic impact in patients with IDCM. Methods From 2009 to 2016,1441 consecutive patients (age: 55±14 years,68% men,LVEF: 33%± 12%) fulfilling World Health Organization criteria for IDCM were enrolled in the current retrospective cohort study. Temporal trends of baseline clinical characteristics,treatment and prognosis were analyzed,and potential influential factors were explored. Results Rates of patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptors blockers,β-blockers,aldosterone receptor antagonists and diuretics increased from 55%,45%,58%,51% in 2009 to 67%,69%,71%,64% in 2016,respectively (P < 0.05);whereas,the proportion of patients receiving digoxin decreased from 39% in 2009 to 28% in 2016 (P < 0.05). The overall proportion of patients with optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) was 44.6%;however,that rate increased from 33% in 2009 to 41%,49% and 56% in 2012,2014 and 2016 respectively (P < 0.05). Patients with optimal GDMT had a better outcome than those without,but there was no temporal trend toward improvement in the overall long-term prognosis of IDCM patients with the years. There was a trend towards admission of patients with milder disease and toward increased admission to a cardiology ward with the years. Conclusions An improvement in prescription rates of guideline-recommended medications in IDCM patients was observed. However,it remains suboptimal,and there is still some room for improvement. The prognosis of patients with optimal GDMT was better than those without. Moreover,the following patient category also had an improved prognosis: patients with LVEF ≥ 40%,with device therapy,and those admitted to a cardiology ward.

Non-invasive evaluation of arrhythmic risk in dilated cardiomyopathy:From imaging to electrocardiographic measures

Malignant ventricular arrhythmias are a major adverse event and worsen the prognosis of patients affected by ischemic and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.The main parameter currently used to stratify arrhythmic risk and guide decision making towards the implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator is the evaluation of the left ventricular ejection fraction.However,this strategy is characterized by several limitations and consequently additional parameters have been suggested in order to improve arrhythmic risk stratification.The aim of this review is to critically revise the prognostic significance of non-invasive diagnostic tools in order to better stratify the arrhythmic risk prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy patients.

Prognostic Value of Feature-Tracking Circumferential Strain in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients with Severely Reduced Ejection Fraction Incremental to Late Gadolinium Enhancement

Myocardial fiber deformation measurements have been reported to be associated with adverse outcomes in patients with acute heart failure and those with myocardial infarction.However,few studies have addressed the prognostic value of global circumferential strain(GCS)in dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)patients with severely impaired systolic function.This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)-derived GCS in DCM patients with severely reduced ejection.Consecutive DCM patients with severely reduced ejection fraction(EF<35%)who underwent CMR were included.GCS was calculated from CMR cine images.The clinical endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality,heart transplantation,implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD)implantation and aborted sudden cardiac death(SCD).A total of 129 patients with a mean EF of 15.33%(11.36%–22.27%)were included.During a median follow-up of 518 days,endpoint events occurred in 50 patients.Patients with GCS≥the median(−5.17%)had significantly reduced event-free survival as compared with those with GCS<the median(P<0.01).GCS was independently associated with adverse events after adjusting for clinical and imaging risk factors including extent of late gadolinium enhancement(LGE)(P<0.05).Adding GCS into the model including the extent of LGE resulted in significant improvements in the C-statistic(from 0.706 to 0.742;P<0.05)with a continuous net reclassification improvement(NRI)of 29.71%.It was concluded that GCS derived from CMR could be useful for risk stratification in DCM patients with severely reduced EF,which may increase common imaging risk factors including LGE.

A novel mitochondrial tRNA gene mutation in a chinese family with dilated cardiomyopathy and sensorineural deafness

Objective： To determine whether a mutation of mitochondrial DNA induces familial dilated cardiomyopathy in Chinese families with cardiomyopathy, and analyzed the correlation between the genotype and phenotype. Methods： Affected members in three Chinese families of the familial dilated cardiomyopathy underwent clinical evaluation and DNA analysis. Polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing were used to screen for mitochondrial DNA mutation. The type of mtDNA variations and clinical situation were analysed on the patients with mitochondrial DNA mutation. Results： The mitochondrial A3434G mutation was identified in one of the three families,the 3434 th nucleotide A was replaced by G, which led to change of amino acid. No mutations were identified in the clinically unaffected members of the family and all members of the other two families. Conclusion： This study indicates that the mitochondrial A3434G mutation maybe related with familial dilated cardiomyopathy and deafness.

Effect of arotinolol on right ventricular function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Objective Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) is generally considered to be accompanied by both left and right ventricular dysfunction,but most studies only analyze the left ventricular function. In this study,we evaluated the effect of arotinolol on right ventricular function in patients with DCM. Methods Right ventricular ejection fraction(RVEF) and right ventricular diameter(RVD) were measured by two-dimensional echocardiography(2-DE) in 33 DCM patients;RVEF measured by first-pass radionuclide angiography(FPRA) was compared with that by 2-DE. Results The treatment with arotinolol for one year resulted in a reduction in the right ventricular diameter(baseline,23.0 ± 8.3 mm vs after one-year treatment,20.7 ± 5.4 mm;P=0.004 ) and an associated increase in ejection fraction(baseline,36.9 ± 10.3% vs after one-year treatment,45.8 ± 9.6%;P < 0.001 ) ;there is a high correlation between the 2-DE method and radionuclide ventriculographic method. The correlation coefficient is 0.933(P<0.001) . Conclusion Arotinolol therapy could not only improve left ventricular function,but also improve right ventricular function in DCM patients.

HLA-DRB1 Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

To probe into the genetic background and immunopathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism in 68 patients with DCM and 175 normal control subjects were analyzed by using the polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primer (PCR/SSP) techniques. It was found that the frequencies of HLA-DRB1 15 and HLA-DRB1 03 alleles were significantly lower in DCM patients than those in normal controls (14. 71 % vs 29. 71 % and 4. 41 % vs 15. 43 %, respectively), the relative risks (RR) in the DCM patients being 0. 41 and 0. 25, respectively, all P<0. 05. However, the frequencied of HLA-DRB1 11 and HLA-DRB1. 12 alleles were significantly higher in the DCM patients than in controls (29. 4 % vs 12. 00 % and 36. 76 % vs 12. 57 %, respectively) with the RR in the DCM patients being 3. 06 and 4. 04, respectively, all P<0. 01. These findings further demonstrated that-immunogenetics might play a predominant pathogenetic role in partial DCM patients.

Dhcr24 activates the PI3K/Akt/HKII pathway and protects against dilated cardiomyopathy in mice

Background: 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase(Dhcr24) catalyzes the last step of cholesterol biosynthesis, which is required for normal development and antiapoptotic activities of tissues. We found that Dhcr24 expression decreased in the cTnTR141 Wdilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) transgenic mice. Therefore, we tested whether rescued expression of Dhcr24 could prevent the development of DCM and its possible mechanism.Methods: Heart tissue specific transgenic overexpression mice of Dhcr24 was generated, then was crossed to c TnTR141 Wmouse to obtain the double transgenic mouse(DTG). The phenotypes were demonstrated by the survival, cardiac geometry and function analysis, as well as microstructural and ultrastructural observations based on echocardiography and histology examination. The pathway and apoptosis were analysed by western blotting and TUNEL assay in vivo and in vitro.Results: We find that Dhcr24 decreased in hearts tissues of cTnTR141 Wand LMNAE82 KDCM mice. The transgenic overexpression of Dhcr24 significantly improves DCM phenotypes in cTnTR141 Wmice, and activates PI3K/Akt/HKII pathway, followed by a reduction of the translocation of Bax and release of cytochrome c, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and myocyte apoptosis. Knockdown the expression of Dhcr24 reduces the activation of PI3K/Akt/HKII pathway and inhibition of the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic effect of Dhcr24 could be completely removed by the inhibition of PI3K pathway and partly removed by the HKII inhibitor in H9c2 cell line.Conclusion: Compensatory expression of Dhcr24 protect against DCM through activated PI3K/Akt/HKII pathway and reduce Bax translocation. This is the first investigation for the molecular mechanism of Dhcr24 participate in development of DCM.

EFFECT OF AROTINOLOL ON LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with arotinolol in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(IDCM).Methods Sixty-three patients with IDCM were evaluated at baseline and after 12-month therapy with arotinolol.The conventional therapy for congestive heart failure was continued throughout the study with arotinolol as the only β-blocker.Left ventricular function was assessed with the New York Heart Association functional class and two-dimensional echocardiography.Results After 12-month arotinolol treatment,there was a significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function.Left ventricular end-systolic dimension significantly decreased from 59.52±8.83 mm to 50.89±8.17 mm(P<0.001).Left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased from 27.39%±7.94% to 41.13%±9.45%(P<0.001).Left ventricular mass index decreased from 150.47±42.42 g/m2 to 141.58±34.36 g/m2(P<0.01).No adverse events leading to premature discontinuation of study drug occurred.Conclusion In this preliminary study,12-month arotinolol treatment has a favorable effect on left ventricular function in patients with IDCM,and it is safe and well tolerated.