Chaar D, Dumont B, Vulesevic B, et al. - Findings demonstrate a significant role of neutrophils in heart failure (HF).

• Subclinical inflammation is a characteristic of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

• This study included 52 patients, aged 68.8 ± 1.7 years, with HFrEF and left ventricular ejection fraction 28.7 ± 1.0%, as well as 21 healthy controls.

• Type 2 diabetes was present in 25 HF patients.

• Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reduced significantly in HFrEF patients.

• A significant increase in various pro-inflammatory markers occurs in HFrEF.

• In HFrEF patients, there was marked alteration in the release of VEGF and other pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines by the stimulated neutrophil.

• In cases with HFrEF and diabetes, significantly increased interleukin-6 release was evident in response to lipopolysaccharide.