Table 3.

Potential therapeutic targets in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Therapeutic target	Molecular property	Potential benefit in PPCM
Ivabradine	Reduces heart rate through selective inhibition of the funny current (If) in the sinoatrial node	Reduction in workload on the heart and improvement of cardiac function
MicroRNA-146a antisense	Regulates inflammation and immune responses	Potential reduction in inflammation and improvement of cardiac function
Adiponectin	Holds pleiotropic metabolic effects, including potential benefits for cardiovascular health	Research is ongoing regarding its use as a therapeutic target of PPCM
Perhexiline	Prevents angina, thus improving myocardial energetics switching from fatty acids β oxidation to glycolysis	Potential improvement of cardiac function by improving the heart’s energy utilization
VEGF analogues	Promotes the production of new blood vessels	Promotion of better blood supply to cardiomyocytes
Seralaxin	Recombinant Relaxin-2, vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic effects	Potential treatment for heart failure, including PPCM
Pentoxyfylline	Anti-inflammatory properties	Prevention of inflammation associated with PPCM
Liver x receptor/ Retinoid x receptor (LXR/RXR)	Regulation of cholesterol metabolism-mediated anti-inflammation	Enhanced PPCM recovery through upregulation of LXR/RXR signalling

MicroRNA-146a microribonucleic acid-146a, PPCM peripartum cardiomyopathy, VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor