This book provides an approach to discussing new targets for molecular strategies in heart failure therapy. On the basis of most recent data, international experts in this field elaborate on the most relevant pathophysiological alterations in heart failure on a molecular level and discuss potential strategies. These include technical aspects of gene transfer, gene transfer approaches to treating pump failure and arrhythmias, and gene transfer to prevent apoptosis. Furthermore, the topics myocyte transplantation and cell cycle regulation are discussed.The book contains twenty-one chapters...

The myocardium in heart failure: Cellular and subcellular alterations in the failing human myocardium. H. Just Medizinische Universitatsklinik Freiburg i. Br., Innere Medizin III - Kardiologie, FRG The syndrome of heart failure continues to be a major challenge to clinicians and scientists. Incidence and mortality of the disease are high, the patient is disabled, and is permanently threatened by the high morbidity and mortality. The clinician faces a syndrome of complex pathophysiology. Multiple causes or underlying disorders of the heart have to be differentiated from heart failure itself,...

Alteration of excitation-contraction coupling in the failing human heart was deemed an interesting subject for a dialogue between basic scientists and clinical researchers in continuation of previous Gargellen Conferences concerned with the function of the normal and failing human myocardium. In 1987 basic mechanisms and clinical implications of then new insights into cardiac energetics was followed by a comprehensive review of inotropic stimulation and myocardial energetics in 1989. Here, we undertook a re-evaluation of the principles of inotropic stimulation and of its potential therapeutic...