Cardiac molecular markers of programmed cell death are activated in end-stage heart failure patients supported by left ventricular assist device

Background: Cardiomyocyte apoptosis increases in heart failure (HF) and is implicated in disease progression. The apoptotic cell is not inevitably committed to death, and appropriate therapy like left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support could offer a rescue of cellular functions. Literature data regarding the modulation of the apoptotic process during LVAD support are still controversial.