Background: Desmin, one of the basic muscular-specific structural proteins, is believed to play an important role in the progression of heart failure (HF). The function of desmin in cardiomyocytes is still unclear. Mechanical, structural and regulatory functions are postulated. Regulatory function of desmin seems the most interesting. Desmin might be involved in the regulation of gene expression, myofibrillogenesis and intercellular signalling, and be responsible for shape and tension of the cell membrane and other organelles. Abnormal accumulation of desmin may disturb the function of myofibrils, lead to unusual tension of sarcolemma and atypical distribution of organelles (nucleus), and impair intra- and intercellular communication.
Aim: Evaluation of desmin expression in specimens derived from right ventricular myocardium during endomyocardial biopsy (EMB).
Methods: The study population consisted of 135 patients (86.7% males, mean age 49.4 +/- 14.1 years) presenting with clinical symptoms of HF and LVEF < 45%. During EMB 3-4 samples were taken from the right ventricular myocardium. The immunohistochemical studies of the endomyocardial specimens included immunostaining with desmin-specific antibodies. The study population was divided into three groups: I - 48 patients with normal expression of desmin, II - 54 patients with increased expression and accumulation of desmin and III - 33 patients with low expression of desmin in cardiomyocytes.
Results: The LVEF was significantly higher in group I than in groups II and III. The LV diameter was significantly lower in group I than in groups II and III. Functional status according to NYHA class was the worst in group I compared to group II and III. These differences were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Evaluation of desmin distribution in specimens derived from the right ventricular myocardium may be useful as an objective tool in the assessment of left ventricle status.