Abstract
DNA content and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression were investigated in normal hearts, in hypertrophic from hemodynamic overload hearts and in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aim of this study was mainly to determine whether the hyperdiploid myocardial cells in all cases are in dynamic or static phase. The percentage of PCNA positive cells only in the HCM group was significantly higher (mean value = 25.4%) than the percentage of hyperdiploid cells (mean value = 9.3%). Therefore, the DNA replication occurs through a different process from that of normal cell cycle which lead to an increase in ploidy and eventually mitosis. These data should be interpreted not only as the result of a periodic amitotic DNA renewal and not even as the result of an increased apoptosis, but especially as a repair process of the DNA molecules affected by a various types of damages in HCMs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
