Abstract
Background Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4) is an essential cofactor of nitric oxide synthase, and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCHI) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of BH 4. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was earlier demonstrated in the ventricles of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) although that of GCHI was not clarified. The present study was designed to determine the GCHI mRNA expression as well as to confirm iNOS mRNA expression in endomyocardial biopsy specimens from patients with DCM. Methods Clinical details were assessed in 19 patients with DCM and in 9 control subjects. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on total RNA extracted from endomyocardial biopsy specimens. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA was quantified for use as an internal control. Results iNOS/GAPDH for the DCM samples was 4.8-fold greater than that for the control ones ( P<0.01), whereas the GCHI/GAPDH for the DCM samples was reduced to 31.1% of the control ( P<0.05). Conclusions The increased expression of iNOS mRNA was confirmed in endomyocardial biopsy specimens from patients with DCM. The GCHI mRNA level was suppressed in these specimens.
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
