DNA Damage in Chronic Heart Failure: Consequences Beyond those in the Heart

Chronic heart failure (CHF) affects approximately 1% to 2% of the population of developed countries and its prevalence increases approximately 1% in individuals aged 55 to 64 years and up to 17.4% in individuals aged 85 years and over.^, CHF is a complex disease with multiple causes and myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause. It is characterized by structural or functional cardiac alterations, affecting the ventilatory mechanics that impairs the oxygen uptake and supply to the systems, inducing oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress, also currently called redox imbalance, is known to be associated with the development of several pathologies, either as a trigger or consequence. The biological system of redox reactions may break out of its equilibrium status when the formation of oxidizing species overcomes the antioxidant defense. This scenario favors the oxidation of biomolecules (lipids, proteins, DNA) resulting in their structural and functional damage, that is, contributing to significant pathological outcomes.

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