Growth and Differentiation factor 15 D-Vairant Protein

Background

GDF15, a stress-responsive cytokine, stands as a distinct member within the diverse TGF-β superfamily. Its expression is typically low in most tissues during normal physiological conditions. However, when cardiac myocytes face ischemia or heightened ventricular wall stress, GDF-15 expression intensifies significantly. This cytokine has emerged as a potent prognostic indicator in various diseases, including heart diseases and cancer. Interestingly, it appears to act protectively against cardiac injury, attributed to its antihypertrophic, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, although the specific receptor through which GDF-15 exerts its effects remains unidentified. Studies have revealed a positive correlation between elevated GDF-15 levels and factors such as LV mass, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels in patients with heart failure (HF)