Transcriptional evaluation of relaxin and endothelin-1 axis in heart failure patients: First evidence of its involvement during left ventricular assist device support

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are implanted in patients with end-stage heart failure (ESHF) as a mechanical support for the failing myocardium, which is characterized by an activation of the neurohormonal system, with release of vasoactive mediators, such as endothelin (ET)-1 and relaxin (RLX)-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether LVAD is able to modulate the RLX-2 and ET-1 system expression in ESHF patients.