[Tumor necrosis factor alpha in chronic heart failure. Clinical manifestation and therapeutic possibilities].

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) may be seen as a multi-system disorder with its origin in the heart but including many extracardiac manifestations. Immunological abnormalities are recognized in this context, in particular, changes in the expression of mediators of the innate immune response. IMPORTANCE OF TNF: Higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) are found in the circulation and in the myocardium of patients with chronic heart failure than in controls. TNF has been implicated in a number of pathophysiological processes that are thought to be important to the progression of chronic heart failure. Therapies directed against this cytokine might therefore represent a novel approach to heart failure management.