Platelet activating factor in heart failure: potential role in disease progression and novel target for therapy

Curr Heart Fail Rep. 2013 Jun;10(2):122-9. doi: 10.1007/s11897-013-0131-2.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with cardiac, renal, neurohormonal and sympathetic nervous system's manifestations, the pathogenesis of which among others is connected to inflammation. PAF has local and systemic effects pertaining to HF progression since it causes a negative inotropic effect, it induces arrhythmias, it induces apoptosis and it is involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. In the present review the role of PAF in HF will be thoroughly presented along with the relevant data on PAF enzymes and the potential role of PAF metabolic circuit as a novel pharmacological target.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / physiopathology
  • Cardiotonic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Design
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology*
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Contraction / physiology
  • Myocardial Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Platelet Activating Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Platelet Activating Factor / physiology*

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Platelet Activating Factor