Reversal of cardiac remodeling by modulation of adrenergic receptors: a new frontier in heart failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure is a common clinical syndrome, and despite intensive medical therapy it remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Pathological stimuli promote a general remodeling process in the heart.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent animal studies have highlighted very promising novel therapeutic possibilities, based on the regulation of adrenergic receptor function, and novel signaling pathways are being discovered that could be relevant for future molecular approaches.

SUMMARY: This review highlights some of the novel approaches to reverse pathological remodeling and improve cardiac dysfunction, placing emphasis on strategies targeting the adrenergic receptors.