Cytokines in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy

Cytokines have been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Persistent expressions of proinflammatory cytokines were seen in animal models of these diseases. IL-10 suppressed the expression of cytokines and improved viral myocarditis. A phosphodiesterase inhibitor, pimobendan, prolonged survival and attenuated inflammatory lesions and the production of intra-cardiac cytokines. The inhibitory effect was explained by its inhibitory effect on the activation of NF-kappa B. Cytokine gene therapy by in vivo electroporation is a promising treatment for viral myocarditis.