Effect of chronic heart failure on nuclear factor kappa B in peripheral leukocytes

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor activated by various stimuli that are implicated in the progression of chronic heart failure. Therefore, we examined the activation of NF-κB in peripheral leukocytes, the only nucleated cell population noninvasively accessible in patients with heart failure. In patients with stable heart failure with no obvious other reason for NF-κB activation, NF-κB was significantly activated.