We observed trends towards a protective effect of the dominant G allele at SPP1rs28357094 and recessive T allele at LTBP4 rs10880, which was statistically significant in steroid-treated patients for LTBP4 rs10880 (< 50% T/T patients developing DCM during follow-up [n = 13]; median DCM onset 17.6 years for C/C-C/T, log-rank p = 0.027).
In contrast, expression of OPN mRNA in heart biopsy specimens decreased significantly after LVAD support (the relative quantity decreased > 90% in IHD and 50% in DCM).