Implication of inflammation on Coxsackie virus and Adenovirus receptor expression on cardiomyocytes and the role of platelets in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Coxsackie Virus and Adenovirus Receptor (CXADR or CAR) is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We aimed to examine the relationship of CAR expression on platelets and cardiomyocytes with virus persistence, local and systemic inflammation and platelet activity in patients with DCM.

Methods: Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) samples of 38 patients (mean age 39.