Importance of selenium status in patients with chronic heart failure

Abstract Overactivity of the immune system may be a worthwhile therapeutic target for implementing prognostic improvements. Therefore the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) desensitization on survival may help in the development of novel therapies. An understanding of the pathophysiology of the trace element selenium may complement such approaches, as recent data suggest that inflammatory responses are selenium-dependent.

Leukocyte Redistribution: Effects of Beta Blockers in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND:Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a well established factor in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). Changes in cellular immunity have not been widely studied, and the impact of standard medication is uncertain. Here we investigate whether a leukocyte redistribution occurs in CHF and whether this effect is influenced by beta-blocker therapy. METHODOLOGY:We prospectively studied 75 patients with systolic CHF (age: 68+/-11 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 32+/-11%, New York Heart Association class 2.5+/-0.7) and 20 age-matched healthy control subjects (age: 63+/-10 years). We measured the response of cells to endotoxin exposure in vitro, analysed su…

Blood cells and the biosynthesis of hemocyanin in Sepia embryos.