Ro60-associated single-stranded RNA links inflammation with fetal cardiac fibrosis via ligation of TLRs: a novel pathway to autoimmune-associated heart block.

Autoimmune-Associated Heart Block Ligation of TLRs: A Novel Pathway to via Inflammation with Fetal Cardiac Fibrosis Ro60-Associated Single-Stranded RNA Links

Role of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in mediating impaired efferocytosis of anti-SSA/Ro-bound apoptotic cardiocytes: Implications in the pathogenesis of congenital heart block.

RATIONALE Binding of maternal anti-Ro/La antibodies to cognate antigen expressed on apoptotic cardiocytes decreases clearance by healthy cardiocytes, which may contribute to the development of autoimmune associated congenital heart block and fatal cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE Given recent evidence implicating the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a "don't eat me" signal during e...

The effect of aerobic exercise on MMP-2 / miR-21 signaling pathway of cardiac fibrosis in elderly rats

Background :The concept of survival has changed since the twentieth century to guarantee quality of life in the twenty-first century (1). Aging is associated with a certain degree of interstitial fibrosis, which progresses to heart failure. Therefore, finding new and practical methods is an important and necessary help to reduce heart tissue fibrosis in the elderly (2). Providing mechanisms by ...

Maternal autoantibody profiles at risk for autoimmune congenital heart block: a prospective study in high-risk patients.

OBJECTIVE This prospective study aimed to identify antibody profiles characterising mothers with fetuses developing congenital heart block (CHB) by comparing their antibody frequencies and levels with those in unaffected mothers. METHODS Eighty-one consecutive pregnant patients positive to anti-Ro±anti-La antibodies, at high risk of developing fetal CHB were prospectively studied. The 16 pati...

Novel Model of Constrictive Pericarditis Associated With Autoimmune Heart Disease in Interferon- –Knockout Mice

Background—Constrictive pericarditis represents a serious hemodynamic syndrome that may lead to heart failure. Studies of its pathophysiological mechanisms have been impeded by the lack of an animal model. Methods and Results—Cardiac myosin–induced experimental autoimmune myocarditis in interferon (IFN)– knockout (KO) mice results in increased cardiac inflammation and development of severe gros...