Fig. 1

The cytoplasmic expression of desmin in cardiomyocyte (brown) in examined groups (interstitial tissue stained blue; scale bar = 50 μm). a – DCM group: the cardiomyocytes are swollen and show irregular desmin expression scored 1 with no visible cross-striation; the desmosomes are not visible (score 0); b – MMVD group: cardiomyocyte with regular, well-preserved striation; the intensity of desmin expression scored 3; desmosomes are well visible (arrows; score 3); c – control group: cardiomyocyte with regular, well-preserved striation; the intensity of desmin expression scored 3; desmosomes are well visible (arrows; score 3)