title: Molecular aspects of myocarditis.
abstract: The mechanisms of pathogenesis of myocarditis have remained elusive. Despite the demonstration a decade ago that persistent viral infection of the myocardium occurred in many patients, a clear description of the pathologic progression has not been forthcoming. Over the past year, a number of studies have added to the data defining the crucial roles of cytokine expression in the myocardium and the aberrant induction of apoptosis. Further, a mouse model of myocarditis resulting from the myocardial expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha has been described. In addition, the identification of the common coxsackievirus B and adenovirus receptor has offered an explanation for the puzzling observation that these highly distinct virus types both cause cardiac disease. Finally, the near-eradication of endocardial fibroelastosis associated with persistent mumps virus infection by vaccination supports the notion that coxsackievirus B and adenovirus vaccines may help reduce the incidence of myocarditis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Bowles
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Towbin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D014765:Viral Vaccines