# Uncovering Proteins Commonly Expressed Between Heart Failure and Dementia Using Bioinformatic Tools

**Authors:** Filipa J. Costa, Rui Vitorino, Fernando Ribeiro, Ramiro D. Almeida

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/cimb47060437 · Current Issues in Molecular Biology · 2025-06-09

## TL;DR

This study identifies key proteins linked to both heart failure and dementia, offering insights into their shared mechanisms and potential treatments.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel bioinformatic pipeline to uncover proteins common to heart failure and dementia.

## Key findings

- Apolipoprotein E, CRP, IL6, renin, and ACE are critical in the heart–brain axis.
- Deregulated levels of these proteins are linked to both neuronal and cardiovascular diseases.
- These proteins may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for heart failure and dementia.

## Abstract

(1) Background: Heart failure (HF) and dementia are commonly associated with the elderly. A significant percentage of patients with HF are at high risk of cognitive decline and progression to dementia. Cognitive impairment is associated with both diseases. However, the molecules and mechanisms that affect the HF–dementia axis are poorly understood. (2) Objective: In this work, we aim to identify potential proteins that modulate HF and dementia. (3) Methods: We applied a pipeline using bioinformatic tools that robustly perform a literature search. (4) Results: Our results show that apolipoprotein E (APOE), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), renin (REN), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) proteins are important for maintaining homeostasis in the heart–brain axis. Additionally, deregulated levels of these proteins are associated with neuronal and cardiovascular diseases. (5) Conclusions: Our work highlights proteins that may help in understanding the pathophysiological relationship between HF and dementia. Moreover, these proteins may also be potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets.

## Linked entities

- **Proteins:** IL6 (interleukin 6), PLEKHA6 (pleckstrin homology domain containing A6)
- **Diseases:** heart failure (MONDO:0005252), dementia (MONDO:0001627)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** CRP (C-reactive protein) [NCBI Gene 1401] {aka PTX1}, IL6 (interleukin 6) [NCBI Gene 3569] {aka BSF-2, BSF2, CDF, HGF, HSF, IFN-beta-2}, APOE (apolipoprotein E) [NCBI Gene 348] {aka AD2, APO-E, ApoE4, LDLCQ5, LPG}, ACE (angiotensin I converting enzyme) [NCBI Gene 1636] {aka ACE1, CD143, DCP, DCP1}, REN (renin) [NCBI Gene 5972] {aka ADTKD4, HNFJ2, RTD}
- **Diseases:** Cognitive impairment (MESH:D003072), neuronal and cardiovascular diseases (MESH:D002318), Dementia (MESH:D003704), HF (MESH:D006333)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12191649/full.md

## References

64 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12191649/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12191649