Transcriptional levels of calcium handling genes in atrial cells of heart failure patients.

Abstract

Heart failure has been a major cause of concern as it is one of the major causes of deaths worldwide. Calcium regulation in failing hearts has been shown to be altered in the failing heart as compared to the normal heart. Transcriptional levels in calcium handling genes have been reported to differ between failing and non-failing hearts. Gel electrophoresis quantification of mRNA levels of calcium handling genes are conducted in this study using samples from patients diagnosed with a history of cardiac disease. Increased levels of RyR mRNA were found in patients with impaired LVEF. Differences in transcriptional levels of RyR, IP3R2 and NCX have been found correlate with LVIDd and LVIDs values. Extension studies could be conducted using other calcium regulating genes such as calcineurin and plasma membrane calcium ATPase etc.. Comprehension of calcium signalling pathways leading up to cardiac contraction and cardiomyocyte proliferation would aid in the better understanding of the mechanics of heart failure.