title: Aetiopathogenesis of peripartum cardiomyopathy: prolactin-selenium interaction?
abstract: The aetiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy is unknown. Fragmentary evidence from the published literature are synthesised to suggest a hypothesis that prolactin-selenium interactions resulting in selenium deficiency and/or autoimmunity are responsible for peripartum cardiomyopathy. This hypothesis best explains the various known facts about the disease. The possible link between prolactin and selenium should be explored.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kothari
mesh_terms: D015551:Autoimmunity; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000502:physiology*; D012643:Selenium / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin; D012643:Selenium