Activated cell survival cascade protects cardiomyocytes from cell death in Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.

Aims: Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by rapid regeneration of contractile dysfunction. From recent studies it is known that excessive catecholamine levels due to emotional or physical stress might play a central role. After sympathetic activation, the PIK3/AKT pathway is a key regulator of many cellular responses, including cytoprotective effects.

Abnormalities in intracellular Ca2+ regulation contribute to the pathomechanism of Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.

Aims: The Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by a transient contractile dysfunction that has been assigned to excessive catecholamine levels after episodes of severe emotional or physical stress. Several studies have indicated that beta-adrenoceptor stimulation is associated with alteration in gene expression of Ca(2+)-regulatory proteins. Thus, the present study investigated the gene expression of crucial proteins [sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA2a), sarcolipin (SLN), phospholamban (PLN), ryanodine receptor (RyR2), and sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX)] involved in the Ca(2+)-regulating system in TTC.

Major depression as a potential trigger for Tako Tsubo cardiomyopathy.

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by the sudden onset of severe left ventricular contractile dysfunction following profound emotional or physical stress. The underlying pathomechanism still remains to be elucidated. In this case we present a, to date, unique case of a female patient suffering from an episode of major depression who shows characteristic features of TTC.

Apical regional wall motion abnormalities reminiscent to Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy following consumption of psychoactive fungi.

Consumption of natural hallucinogenic substances continues to be a problem. In this case we report from a young male patient presenting with an acute coronary syndrome with significant ST-elevation after the abuse of psychoactive fungi, commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms". Coronary angiography excludes relevant coronary artery disease.

Expression profiling of cardiac genes in Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy: insight into a new cardiac entity.

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by a transient contractile dysfunction, but its specific pathomechanism remains unknown. Thus, we performed a systematic expression profiling of genes by microarray analysis in the acute phase and after functional recovery. We studied 3 female patients presenting with TTC.

Severe mitral regurgitation in Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.

Severe emotional or physical stress precedes Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) which is characterized by transient left ventricular impairment in absence of coronary artery disease. In this case we report from a female patient presenting with characteristic features of TTC after examination of upper gastrointestinal. Additionally, severe mitral regurgitation due to acute rupture of the posteromedial papillary muscle was present.

Sympathoadrenergic overstimulation in Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by physical and emotional stress.

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) which is usually precipitated by profound emotional stress has been widely reported in the past. Recently, several co-morbidities have been found to be associated with this new cardiac entity. In this case we report from a female patient suffering from both, physical and emotional stress.