Plasma concentrations of tumour dimeric pyruvate kinase are increased in patients with chronic cardiac failure

Background The aim of the study was to assess the effect of chronic cardiac failure (CCF) on circulating plasma concentrations of tumour metabolic marker 2 dimeric pyruvate kinase type M2 (M2-PK). Methods Fifty patients with clinically stable CCF were studied. Patients with a history of past or ongoing malignancy were excluded. Dimeric M2-PK was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in EDTA plasma. Results Dimeric M2-PK concentration increased significantly (P= 0.005) with increasing clinical severity of CCF as assessed by the New York Heart Association classification grade. Conclusions Chronic cardiac failure results in an increased circulating plasma concentration of M2-PK, probably related to increased glycolytic flux. The physiological significance of the results is at present unclear but may relate to maintaining a balance between energy production and the supply of glycolytic intermediates to maintain synthetic processes. The results of this investigation will also have significance in the clinical interpretation of M2-PK concentrations.