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A case of fatal ephedra intake associated with lipofuscin accumulation, caspase activation and cleavage of myofibrillary proteins
Author(s) -
ChenScarabelli Carol,
Hughes Siân E.,
Landon Giorgio,
Rowley Peter,
Allebban Zuhair,
Lawson Noel,
Saravolatz Louis,
Gardin Julius,
Latchman David,
Scarabelli Tiziano M.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
european journal of heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.149
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1879-0844
pISSN - 1388-9842
DOI - 10.1016/j.ejheart.2004.09.012
Subject(s) - medicine , lipofuscin , heart failure , myocardial infarction , troponin , sudden cardiac death , myocyte , stroke (engine) , cardiology , endocrinology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Ephedra, a herb reported to suppress appetite and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system as well as cardiac performance, has recently been related to several adverse events, including seizure, stroke, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Here, we describe the case of a 45‐year‐old woman who died of cardiovascular collapse while taking ephedra. Tissue analysis revealed non‐specific degenerative alterations in the myocardium (lipofuscin accumulation, basophilic degeneration and vacuolation of myocytes, as well as myofibrillary loss), associated with myocyte apoptosis, caspase activation, and extensive cleavage of miofibrillary proteins α‐actin, α‐actinin, and cardiac troponin T. Healthcare professionals are therefore urged to warn their patients about the risk of serious adverse effects, which may follow ephedra intake.