The Role of Inflammatory Mechanisms in Heart Failure and Cardiac Dysfunction Associated with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Summary

Heart failure is a severe, often life-threatening condition characterized by the progressive decline of cardiac function. Growing evidence suggests that inflammatory processes play a key role in its development. Similar inflammatory mechanisms are also observed in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic inflammatory liver disease arising from obesity and type 2 diabetes, which is frequently associated with cardiac problems. Our research aims to uncover how these inflammatory pathways contribute to the impairment of heart muscles in both heart failure and NASH.

Heart failure, representing the end stage of various cardiovascular diseases, is strongly influenced by chronic inflammation. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common complication of obesity and type 2 diabetes, also involves persistent inflammation and is associated with impaired cardiac function. Our research group focuses on identifying shared inflammatory mechanisms underlying these conditions to better understand the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction. By elucidating these pathways, we hope to discover new therapeutic targets that could contribute to the prevention and treatment of heart failure, thereby addressing a significant public health challenge.

Participating leading researchers, collaboration partners, universities, companies

The research is conducted by the HCEMM Nonprofit Ltd. Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, led by Zoltán Varga, MD, PhD. The project involves collaboration with national and international universities and research institutes, adopting a multidisciplinary approach that integrates expertise from cardiology, immunology, and metabolic disease research.

Applied methods and tools

Our investigations utilize advanced molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology techniques, including gene expression analysis, cytokine profiling, animal models, and imaging methods to assess cardiac function. These technologies enable the precise characterization of inflammatory processes involved in cardiac dysfunction.

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Mission and benefits

Our research seeks to clarify the inflammatory background of heart failure and metabolic-induced cardiac dysfunction, contributing to improved prevention and treatment strategies. The project aligns with the strategic goals of HCEMM and the participating university, which prioritize innovative research on widespread diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.