Effects of levosimendan on circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and soluble apoptosis mediators in patients with decompensated advanced heart failure.

Journal article

This randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed that levosimendan administration causes a significant reduction of circulating proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and soluble apoptosis mediators, such as soluble Fas and Fas ligand in patients with decompensated heart failure. These immunomodulatory effects may lead to improvement of symptoms and echocardiographic markers of cardiac contractile performance in these patients.

Authors: Parissis, J; Adamopoulos, S; Antoniades, C; Kostakis, G; Rigas, A

• Journal: American journal of cardiology
• Volume: 93
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1309-1312
• Publication date: 2004-05-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2004.01.073
• EISSN: 1879-1913
• ISSN: 0002-9149
• Language: English
• Keywords: Interleukin-6; Aged; Male; Pyridazines; Female; Hydrazones; Infusions, Intravenous; Fas Ligand Protein; Humans; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Membrane Glycoproteins; Heart Failure; Ventricular Function, Left; Cardiotonic Agents