Scriptie: Role of miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis. Practical part: The effect of LVAD support on the expression of TGF-β1.

Abstract

Heart failure is a common problem in developed countries. During heart failure, cardiac remodelling takes place which leads to cardiac fibrosis. TGF-β is at a key central position in mediating fibrosis. Anti-fibrotic strategies are increasingly recognized as a promising approach in the prevention and treatment of heart failure. Targeting the TGF-β axis in developing anti-fibrotic therapies, will influence the immune regulation and accelerate plaque formation. Therefore, specific intervention points downstream of TGF-β ligand and receptors are required. New evidence is showing that microRNAs may have a potential influence in the pathway of cardiac fibrosis. These microRNAs can give new directions for a future therapeutic for heart failure and can have a function a biomarker for better diagnostics.