Dogs with CHF had significantly higher IL1¦Â (P = 0.015), IL2 (P = 0.043), MMP1 (P = 0.031), TIMP3 (P = 0.012) and lower TNF¦Á (P < 0.001), TGF¦Â3 (P = 0.006), TIMP1 (P = 0.015) and TIMP2 (P = 0.011) mRNA levels.
Increased pro-inflammatory IL1¦Â and anti-fibrotic MMP1 and reduced pro-fibrotic TGF¦Â and TIMP1 and TIMP2 in dogs with CHF suggest progressive left ventricular remodeling. The reduction of TNF¦Á and increase of immunomodulatory IL2 and TIMP3 might suggest control of the inflammatory response. A better understanding of inflammation and ECM remodeling in cardiac diseases may lead to novel treatment approaches.