Systems biology and biomechanical model of heart failure

Curr Cardiol Rev. 2012 Aug;8(3):220-30. doi: 10.2174/157340312803217238.

Abstract

Heart failure is seen as a complex disease caused by a combination of a mechanical disorder, cardiac remodeling and neurohormonal activation. To define heart failure the systems biology approach integrates genes and molecules, interprets the relationship of the molecular networks with modular functional units, and explains the interaction between mechanical dysfunction and cardiac remodeling. The biomechanical model of heart failure explains satisfactorily the progression of myocardial dysfunction and the development of clinical phenotypes. The earliest mechanical changes and stresses applied in myocardial cells and/or myocardial loss or dysfunction activate left ventricular cavity remodeling and other neurohormonal regulatory mechanisms such as early release of natriuretic peptides followed by SAS and RAAS mobilization. Eventually the neurohormonal activation and the left ventricular remodeling process are leading to clinical deterioration of heart failure towards a multi-organic damage. It is hypothesized that approaching heart failure with the methodology of systems biology we promote the elucidation of its complex pathophysiology and most probably we can invent new therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure / etiology*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Natriuretic Peptides / physiology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Phenotype
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology
  • Systems Biology*
  • Ventricular Remodeling / physiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Natriuretic Peptides
  • Neurotransmitter Agents