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Lip G, Van Gelder I, Bax J, Hylek E, Kääb S, Schotten U, Wegscheider K, Boriani G, Ezekowitz M, Diener H, Heidbuchel H, Lane D, Mont L, Willems S, Dorian P, Vardas P, Breithardt G, John Camm A, Kirchhof P. Comprehensive risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation: Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic options. Thromb Haemost 2017; 106:1012-9. [DOI: 10.1160/th11-07-0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
SummaryThere are exciting new developments in several areas of atrial fibrillation (AF) management that carry the hope of improving outcomes in AF patients. This paper is an executive summary that summarises the proceedings from the 3rd AFNET/EHRA consensus conference on atrial fibrillation, held in Sophia Antipolis from November 7th to 9th 2010, shortly after the release of the new ESC guidelines on AF. The conference was jointly organised by the German Atrial Fibrillation competence NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). This executive summary report covers four sections: 1. Risk factors and risk markers for AF, 2. Pathophysiological classification of AF, 3. Relevance of monitored AF duration for AF-related outcomes, and 4. Perspectives and needs for implementing better antithrombotic therapy.
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Hohl M, Lau DH, Müller A, Elliott AD, Linz B, Mahajan R, Hendriks JML, Böhm M, Schotten U, Sanders P, Linz D. Concomitant Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Add to the Atrial Arrhythmogenic Phenotype in Male Hypertensive Rats. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.117.006717. [PMID: 28919580 PMCID: PMC5634308 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.006717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Besides hypertension, obesity and the metabolic syndrome have recently emerged as risk factors for atrial fibrillation. This study sought to delineate the development of an arrhythmogenic substrate for atrial fibrillation in hypertension with and without concomitant obesity and metabolic syndrome. Methods and Results We compared obese spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR‐obese, n=7–10) with lean hypertensive controls (SHR‐lean, n=7–10) and normotensive rats (n=7–10). Left atrial emptying function (MRI) and electrophysiological parameters were characterized before the hearts were harvested for histological and biochemical analyses. At the age of 38 weeks, SHR‐obese, but not SHR‐lean, showed increased body weight and impaired glucose tolerance together with dyslipidemia compared with normotensive rats. Mean blood pressure was similarly increased in SHR‐lean and SHR‐obese when compared with normotensive rats (178±9 and 180±8 mm Hg [not significant] versus 118±5 mm Hg, P<0.01 for both), but left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure was more increased in SHR‐obese than in SHR‐lean. Impairment of left atrial emptying function, increase in total atrial activation time, and conduction heterogeneity, as well as prolongation of inducible atrial fibrillation durations, were more pronounced in SHR‐obese as compared with SHR‐lean. Histological and biochemical examinations revealed enhanced triglycerides and more pronounced fibrosis in the left atrium of SHR‐obese. Besides increased expression of profibrotic markers in SHR‐lean and SHR‐obese, the profibrotic extracellular matrix protein osteopontin was highly upregulated only in SHR‐obese. Conclusions In addition to hypertension alone, concomitant obesity and metabolic syndrome add to the atrial arrhythmogenic phenotype by impaired left atrial emptying function, local conduction abnormalities, interstitial atrial fibrosis formation, and increased propensity for atrial fibrillation.
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Linz D, Hohl M, Ruf S, Sadowski T, Boehm M, Schotten U, Sanders P. P4484Cathepsin A inhibition prevents left atrial fibrotic remodeling associted with heart failure in rats. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p4484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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154
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Dudink E, Jacobs J, Bidar E, Weijs B, Luermans J, Maesen B, Cheriex E, Schotten U, Maessen J, Hoorntje J, Crijns H, Verheule S. P3628Age and extent of coronary artery disease are associated with complexity of induced atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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155
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Conte G, Mainardi L, Corino V, Caputo M, Regoli F, Moccetti T, Schotten U, Auricchio A. P4578Atrial electrical abnormalities in patients with Brugada syndrome: a comparison with healthy subjects and patients with history of atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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156
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Lau DH, Linz D, Schotten U, Mahajan R, Sanders P, Kalman JM. Pathophysiology of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Rotors, Foci and Fibrosis. Heart Lung Circ 2017; 26:887-893. [PMID: 28610723 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.05.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) have further underscored the complex pathophysiological basis of the arrhythmia. It has become apparent that the current clinical classification of AF does not reflect the severity of the underlying atrial disease. Atrial fibrosis has been identified as the key structural change in different substrates that are responsible for the perpetuation of AF. Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping and late gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging are novel modalities that can be used to facilitate identification and quantitation of atrial fibrosis for improved delineation of the AF substrate. Advances in AF mapping technology using endocardial 'panaromic' basket-type catheter and non-invasive body surface electrodes have facilitated the identification of two major arrhythmic mechanisms of interest, namely rotational ('rotors') and ectopic focal activations ('foci'). Ongoing research on these potential drivers of AF may provide guidance to more mechanistic based therapies to improve outcomes for this complex arrhythmia in the future. Here, we aim to review the differences in AF substrate in those with paroxysmal and more persistent forms of the arrhythmia by evaluating fibrosis, rotors and foci, towards improved AF substrate classification and individualised substrate based therapies.
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Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castellá M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Alexandru Popescu B, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation Developed in Collaboration With EACTS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 70:50. [PMID: 28038729 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2016.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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158
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van Hunnik A, Nasrallah H, Lau DH, Kuiper M, Verheule S, Schotten U. Vernakalant does not alter early repolarization or contractility in normal and electrically remodelled atria. Europace 2017; 20:140-148. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eux025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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159
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Pasdois P, Nasrallah H, Kuiper M, Beauvoit B, Luiken J, Loyer V, Dos Santos P, Lendeckel U, Schild L, Jais P, Schotten U, Verheule S. Early metabolic and mitochondrial remodeling in a pig model of atrial fibrillation. ARCHIVES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUPPLEMENTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s1878-6480(17)30403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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160
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Agewall S, Camm J, Barón Esquivias G, Budts W, Carerj S, Casselman F, Coca A, De Caterina R, Deftereos S, Dobrev D, Ferro JM, Filippatos G, Fitzsimons D, Gorenek B, Guenoun M, Hohnloser SH, Kolh P, Lip GY, Manolis A, McMurray J, Ponikowski P, Rosenhek R, Ruschitzka F, Savelieva I, Sharma S, Suwalski P, Luis Tamargo J, Taylor CJ, Van Gelder IC, Voors AA, Windecker S, Luis Zamorano J, Zeppenfeld K, Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castellá M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Alexandru Popescu B, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P. Guía ESC 2016 sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular, desarrollada en colaboración con la EACTS. Rev Esp Cardiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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161
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Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castellá M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Alexandru Popescu B, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation Developed in Collaboration With EACTS. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2017. [PMID: 28038729 DOI: 10.15829/1560-4071-2017-7-7-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Di Biase L, Callans D, Hæusler KG, Hindricks G, Al-Khalidi H, Mont L, Cosedis Nielsen J, Piccini JP, Schotten U, Kirchhof P. Rationale and design of AXAFA-AFNET 5: an investigator-initiated, randomized, open, blinded outcome assessment, multi-centre trial to comparing continuous apixaban to vitamin K antagonists in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Europace 2016; 19:132-138. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euw368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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163
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Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castella M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Popescu BA, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with EACTS. Eur Heart J 2016; 37:2893-2962. [PMID: 27567408 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4682] [Impact Index Per Article: 585.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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164
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Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castella M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Popescu BA, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P, Agewall S, Camm J, Baron Esquivias G, Budts W, Carerj S, Casselman F, Coca A, De Caterina R, Deftereos S, Dobrev D, Ferro JM, Filippatos G, Fitzsimons D, Gorenek B, Guenoun M, Hohnloser SH, Kolh P, Lip GYH, Manolis A, McMurray J, Ponikowski P, Rosenhek R, Ruschitzka F, Savelieva I, Sharma S, Suwalski P, Tamargo JL, Taylor CJ, Van Gelder IC, Voors AA, Windecker S, Zamorano JL, Zeppenfeld K. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with EACTS. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2016; 50:e1-e88. [DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezw313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 602] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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165
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Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castella M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Popescu BA, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P, Agewall S, Camm J, Baron Esquivias G, Budts W, Carerj S, Casselman F, Coca A, De Caterina R, Deftereos S, Dobrev D, Ferro JM, Filippatos G, Fitzsimons D, Gorenek B, Guenoun M, Hohnloser SH, Kolh P, Lip GYH, Manolis A, McMurray J, Ponikowski P, Rosenhek R, Ruschitzka F, Savelieva I, Sharma S, Suwalski P, Tamargo JL, Taylor CJ, Van Gelder IC, Voors AA, Windecker S, Zamorano JL, Zeppenfeld K. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with EACTS. Europace 2016; 18:1609-1678. [PMID: 27567465 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euw295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1305] [Impact Index Per Article: 163.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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166
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Manninger M, Zweiker D, Van Hunnik A, Alogna A, Schönleitner P, Schwarzl M, Zeemering S, Herbst V, Thon-Gutschi E, Zirngast B, Huber S, Sereinigg M, Prenner G, Rohrer U, Ebner J, Pieske B, Brussee H, Schotten U, Antoons G, Heinzel F, Post H, Scherr D. 136-04: Increased AF stability in a porcine model of rapid atrial pacing and arterial hypertension: Structural and electrical remodelling. Europace 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/18.suppl_1.i90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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167
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Gharaviri A, Potse M, Verheule S, Coudière Y, Krause R, Auricchio A, Schotten U. 18-02: Fibrosis explains increased epicardial breakthrough in AF. Europace 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/18.suppl_1.i163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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168
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Reilly SN, Liu X, Carnicer R, Recalde A, Muszkiewicz A, Jayaram R, Carena MC, Wijesurendra R, Stefanini M, Surdo NC, Lomas O, Ratnatunga C, Sayeed R, Krasopoulos G, Rajakumar T, Bueno-Orovio A, Verheule S, Fulga TA, Rodriguez B, Schotten U, Casadei B. Up-regulation of miR-31 in human atrial fibrillation begets the arrhythmia by depleting dystrophin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Sci Transl Med 2016; 8:340ra74. [PMID: 27225184 PMCID: PMC4993239 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aac4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing public health burden, and its treatment remains a challenge. AF leads to electrical remodeling of the atria, which in turn promotes AF maintenance and resistance to treatment. Although remodeling has long been a therapeutic target in AF, its causes remain poorly understood. We show that atrial-specific up-regulation of microRNA-31 (miR-31) in goat and human AF depletes neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) by accelerating mRNA decay and alters nNOS subcellular localization by repressing dystrophin translation. By shortening action potential duration and abolishing rate-dependent adaptation of the action potential duration, miR-31 overexpression and/or disruption of nNOS signaling recapitulates features of AF-induced remodeling and significantly increases AF inducibility in mice in vivo. By contrast, silencing miR-31 in atrial myocytes from patients with AF restores dystrophin and nNOS and normalizes action potential duration and its rate dependency. These findings identify atrial-specific up-regulation of miR-31 in human AF as a key mechanism causing atrial dystrophin and nNOS depletion, which in turn contributes to the atrial phenotype begetting this arrhythmia. miR-31 may therefore represent a potential therapeutic target in AF.
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169
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Van Gelder IC, Hobbelt AH, Marcos EG, Schotten U, Cappato R, Lewalter T, Schwieler J, Rienstra M, Boriani G. Tailored treatment strategies: a new approach for modern management of atrial fibrillation. J Intern Med 2016; 279:457-66. [PMID: 26991684 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is not benign. Cardiovascular diseases and risk factors differ importantly amongst patients. Careful phenotyping with the aim to start tailored therapy may improve outcome and quality of life. Furthermore, structural remodelling plays an important role in initiation and progression of AF. Therapies that interfere in the remodelling processes are promising because they may modify the atrial substrate. However, success is still limited probably due to variations in the underlying substrate in individual patients. The most favourable effects of lifestyle changes on success of rhythm control have been demonstrated in obese patients with AF. Differences in genotype may also play an important role. Common gene variants have been associated with recurrence of AF after electrical cardioversion, antiarrhythmic drug therapy and catheter ablation. Therefore, both phenotyping and genotyping may become useful for patient selection in the future. Beside the choice of rate or rhythm control, and type of rhythm control, prevention of complications associated with AF may also differ depending on genotype and phenotype. Efficacy of stroke prevention has been well established, but bleeding remains a clinically relevant problem. Risk stratification is still cumbersome, especially in low-risk patients and in those with a high bleeding risk. The decision whether to start anticoagulation (and if so which type of anticoagulant) or, alternatively, to implant an occlusion device of the left atrial appendage may also be improved by genotyping and phenotyping. In this review, we will summarize new insights into the roles of phenotype and genotype in generating more tailored treatment strategies in patients with AF and discuss several patient-tailored treatment options.
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170
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Schotten U, Dobrev D, Platonov PG, Kottkamp H, Hindricks G. Current controversies in determining the main mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. J Intern Med 2016; 279:428-38. [PMID: 26991914 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable basic research into the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation (AF), not much progress has been made in the prognosis of patients with AF. With the exception of anticoagulant therapy, current treatments for AF still do not improve major cardiovascular outcomes. This may be due partly to the diverse aetiology of AF with increasingly more factors found to contribute to the arrhythmia. In addition, a strong increase has been seen in the technological complexity of the methods used to quantify the main pathophysiological alterations underlying the initiation and progression of AF. Because of the lack of standardization of the technological approaches currently used, the perception of basic mechanisms of AF varies widely in the scientific community. Areas of debate include the role of Ca(2+) -handling alterations associated with AF, the contribution and noninvasive assessment of the degree of atrial fibrosis, and the best techniques to identify electrophysiological drivers of AF. In this review, we will summarize the state of the art of these controversial topics and describe the diverse approaches to investigating and the scientific opinions on leading AF mechanisms. Finally, we will highlight the need for transparency in scientific reporting and standardization of terminology, assumptions, algorithms and experimental conditions used for the development of better AF therapies.
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171
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Lankveld T, de Vos CB, Limantoro I, Zeemering S, Dudink E, Crijns HJ, Schotten U. Systematic analysis of ECG predictors of sinus rhythm maintenance after electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2016; 13:1020-1027. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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172
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Kuklik P, Zeemering S, van Hunnik A, Maesen B, Pison L, Lau DH, Maessen J, Podziemski P, Meyer C, Schaffer B, Crijns H, Willems S, Schotten U. Identification of Rotors during Human Atrial Fibrillation Using Contact Mapping and Phase Singularity Detection: Technical Considerations. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2016; 64:310-318. [PMID: 27101596 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2016.2554660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore technical challenges of phase singularity (PS) mapping during atrial fibrillation (AF) using direct contact electrograms. METHODS AF mapping was performed in high-density epicardial recordings of human paroxysmal (PAF) or persistent (PersAF) (N = 20 pts) AF with an array of 16 × 16 electrodes placed on atrial epicardium. PS points were detected using subsets of electrodes forming rings of varying sizes. RESULTS PS detection using a 2 × 2 electrode ring identified 0.88 ± 1.00 PS/s in PAF group and 3.91 ± 2.51 per s in PersAF group (p < 0.001) in 2.4 × 2.4 cm mapping area. All detected PS had a short lifespan with the longest being 1100 ms (6.8 rotations). Exploration of the PS detection in a numerical model demonstrated that at least eight electrodes are required to avoid frequent false positive PS detection due to chance. Application of a detection grid consisting a double ring of electrodes (2 × 2 and 4 × 4 rings) decreased the number of false positive detections. The double ring was more resilient to electrode swapping (with just three instances of false positives versus 4380 false positives using 2 × 2 ring). CONCLUSIONS The number of detected rotors critically depends upon the parameters of the detection algorithm, especially the number of electrodes used to detect PS. Based on our results, we recommend double ring comprised of 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 grid of electrodes for robust rotor detection. SIGNIFICANCE Great methodological care has to be taken before equating detected PS with rotating waves and using PS detection algorithms to guide catheter ablation of AF.
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173
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Spronk HMH, De Jong AM, Verheule S, De Boer HC, Maass AH, Lau DH, Rienstra M, van Hunnik A, Kuiper M, Lumeij S, Zeemering S, Linz D, Kamphuisen PW, Ten Cate H, Crijns HJ, Van Gelder IC, van Zonneveld AJ, Schotten U. Hypercoagulability causes atrial fibrosis and promotes atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2016; 38:38-50. [PMID: 27071821 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) produces a hypercoagulable state. Stimulation of protease-activated receptors by coagulation factors provokes pro-fibrotic, pro-hypertrophic, and pro-inflammatory responses in a variety of tissues. We studied the effects of thrombin on atrial fibroblasts and tested the hypothesis that hypercoagulability contributes to the development of a substrate for AF. METHODS AND RESULTS In isolated rat atrial fibroblasts, thrombin enhanced the phosphorylation of the pro-fibrotic signalling molecules Akt and Erk and increased the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (2.7-fold) and the pro-inflammatory factor monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (6.1-fold). Thrombin also increased the incorporation of 3H-proline, suggesting enhanced collagen synthesis by fibroblasts (2.5-fold). All effects could be attenuated by the thrombin inhibitor dabigatran. In transgenic mice with a pro-coagulant phenotype (TMpro/pro), the inducibility of AF episodes lasting >1 s was higher (7 out of 12 vs. 1 out of 10 in wild type) and duration of AF episodes was longer compared with wild type mice (maximum episode duration 42.8 ± 68.4 vs. 0.23 ± 0.39 s). In six goats with persistent AF treated with nadroparin, targeting Factor Xa-mediated thrombin generation, the complexity of the AF substrate was less pronounced than in control animals (LA maximal activation time differences 23.3 ± 3.1 ms in control vs. 15.7 ± 2.1 ms in nadroparin, P < 0.05). In the treated animals, AF-induced α-smooth muscle actin expression was lower and endomysial fibrosis was less pronounced. CONCLUSION The hypercoagulable state during AF causes pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory responses in adult atrial fibroblasts. Hypercoagulability promotes the development of a substrate for AF in transgenic mice and in goats with persistent AF. In AF goats, nadroparin attenuates atrial fibrosis and the complexity of the AF substrate. Inhibition of coagulation may not only prevent strokes but also inhibit the development of a substrate for AF.
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174
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Linz D, Hohl M, Dhein S, Ruf S, Reil JC, Kabiri M, Wohlfart P, Verheule S, Böhm M, Sadowski T, Schotten U. Cathepsin A mediates susceptibility to atrial tachyarrhythmia and impairment of atrial emptying function in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 110:371-80. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Kirchhof P, Goette A, Näbauer M, Schotten U. [AFNET. A translational research network develops into an academic research organization]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2016; 59:514-22. [PMID: 26979716 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-016-2323-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" (Aristotle).Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and affects 1-2 % of the population in developed countries, especially the elderly. We expect that the prevalence of AF will double in the next few decades. The last decades have seen important improvements in the management of atrial fibrillation, but many questions remain regarding the optimal diagnosis and management of the condition. The German Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) was one of three cardiovascular competence networks in medicine funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research between 2003-2014. AFNET has contributed to the understanding of atrial fibrillation, and AFNET-led studies have led to improved clinical practices and practice guidelines in Germany and in Europe. This work has been expanded and is continuing in the AFNET association (AFNET e. V.). The AFNET association, founded in 2010 and continuing to this day, has developed into a small but fully formed academic research organisation that conducts investigator-initiated clinical trials as the responsible sponsor in Germany, Europe, and beyond. The AFNET association currently cooperates with EHRA (The European Heart Rhythm Association), ESC (The European Society of Cardiology) and DZHK (The German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) and receives funding from the European Union to generate evidence that can in the future lead to better prevention and management of AF.
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