Pro-inflammatory cytokines in chronic cardiac failure: state of problem

Systemic inflammation is characterized by the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the increased level of which in the blood of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) correlates with unfavorable clinical outcomes. However, it is unclear whether pro-inflammatory cytokines are the cause or the consequence of the disease progression. CHF with preserved ejection fraction and CHF with reduced ejection fraction demonstrate different inflammatory features, which suggests different degrees of pro-inflammatory pathway activation. The review deals with participation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in pathophysiological processes of CHF development, emphasizing the role of interleukin-6 activation and the effects of accompanying diseases on the course of systemic inflammation. The search for new approaches to prevention and therapy of CHF remains actual. The review presents the results of clinical trials of targeted anti-cytokine therapy which have revealed difficulties in controlling inflammation under the conditions of CHF. Identification of specific pro-inflammatory pathways in CHF pathogenesis will allow one to control inflammatory cascades, thus providing a prospective therapeutic strategy.