ERK tended to be upregulated in CHF patients and after LVAD therapy meeting statistical significance in ICM patients (1.39 ± 0.47 vs. 0.72 ± 0.20 AU, P = 0.012 by comparing CHF+LVAD vs. NF) and in those treated for a shorter time with LVAD (1.29 ± 0.20 vs. 0.72 ± 0.20 AU, P = 0.007 by comparing CHF+LVAD vs. NF) and with a higher LVEF at baseline (1.31 ± 0.21 vs. 0.72 ± 0.20 AU, P = 0.009 by comparing CHF+LVAD vs. NF; see Fig. 9a and b). Here, MAPK1 is linked to congestive heart failure.