Molecular Mechanisms of Diaphragm Myopathy in Humans With Severe Heart Failure
Diaphragm weakness impairs quality of life, exercise capacity, and survival in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Diaphragm weakness in CHF was associated with intracellular abnormalities. In vitro, respiratory muscle function and diaphragm thickness were reduced by 38% and 23%. Mitochondria showed accumulation of small mitochondria and inhibited autophagy/mitophagy. We speculate this offers a novel therapeutic molecular.
