Autoimmune Mechanisms as the Basis for Human Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

摘要: The etiology and mechanisms of pathogenesis human peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) remain unknown. incidence prevalence this disease is rare in some parts the world more common others. purpose review to summarize our current knowledge factors that have been entertained which may contribute PPCM with special emphasis on recent data from laboratory provide support view an autoimmune multiple contributing effector mechanisms. This supported by fact sera patients contain high titers auto-antibodies against normal cardiac tissue proteins 37, 33, 25 kD was not present idiopathic (IDCM), indicating for first time distinct IDCM. In addition autoantibodies, PBMC's demonstrate a heightened level fetal microchimerism, abnormal cytokine profile, decreased levels CD4+ CD25lo regulatory T cells, significant reduction plasma progesterone, estradiol relaxin as compared other pregnant non-PPCM patients. A potential role reduced selenium select also noted. These findings suggest such abnormalities concert lead initiation perpetuation process, leads failure disease. Identification precise nature autoantigens (currently progress) will pave way delineation mechanism working model described herein.