Programmed cell death in heart failure: Review;

Abstract

The molecular and biochemical mechanisms of programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis, have not yet to be fully elucidated. Apoptosis is characterized by active intracellular communication, loss of cellular attachment, cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation and phagocytosis. Recently accumulated evidence indicates that apoptosis is involved in both physiological and pathophysiological processes of heart failure. Many factors have been identified that induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis during heart failure. However, many questions remain to be answered regarding the pathophysiological triggers of apoptosis and their mechanisms. As such, due to the incipient state of research regarding the question as to whether apoptotic inhibition delays or prevents heart failure, it appears advanced molecular and pharmaco-genomic studies will be essential in identifying potential targets in prospective therapies for the prevention of apoptosis. Copyright © 2005 by Türkiye Klinikleri.