Aspects of molecular mechanisms in myocardial hypertrophy, particular morphological changes and cell bioenergetic characteristics in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Aim: To present the particular morphological aspects of hypertrophied myocardium by determining protein expression profile, the role of creatine kinase in cardiac cell function and mitochondrial respiration using endomyocardial biopsy samples obtained at cardiac catheterization in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Material And Methods: The study included 43 DCM patients (37 men and 6 women, mean age 34 +/- 8.6 years).

Annexins, calcium-dependent phospholipid binding proteins in irreducible heart failure.

Aim: To analyze the expression and distribution of annexins V and VI in intact human hearts and in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in patients with irreducible heart failure.

Material And Methods: The study included nine patients with DCM and irreducible heart failure. By immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, the amount and location of annexins was determined using samples of left ventricular (LV) myocardium collected during orthotopic heart allotransplantation.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and pulmonary hypertension.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors Enalapril, Fosonopril and Moexipril on mean and systolic pulmonary artery pressure.

Material And Methods: The study included Ill patients with chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathies associated with arterial hypertension and mild to moderate heart failure (NYHA I-II class). The patients were examined at baseline and after 60 days of treatment.