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Longo S, Legramante JM, Rizza S, Federici M. Vasovagal syncope: An overview of pathophysiological mechanisms. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 112:6-14. [PMID: 37030995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Syncope is a short-term transient loss of consciousness, characterized by rapid onset and complete spontaneous recovery. According to the 2018 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, three different types of syncope have been identified. However, all forms of syncope share a common final pathophysiological event, global cerebral hypoperfusion, which results from the inability of the circulatory system to maintain blood pressure at the level required to efficiently supply blood to the brain. The vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common form of syncope. Although, VVS is generally harmless, its frequent occurrence can negatively affect quality of life and increase the risk of adverse events. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VVS remain obscure. The multifaceted nature of VVS presents a veritable challenge to understanding this condition and developing preventative strategies. Thus, the aim of this review was to discuss the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of VVS and provide guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Longo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133 ITALY
| | - Jacopo M Legramante
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133 ITALY
| | - Stefano Rizza
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133 ITALY
| | - Massimo Federici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133 ITALY.
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2
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Vasovagal Syncope Is Associated with Variants in Genes Involved in Neurohumoral Signaling Pathways. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091653. [PMID: 36140820 PMCID: PMC9498630 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of sudden loss of consciousness. VVS results from cerebral hypoperfusion, due to abnormal autonomic control of blood circulation, leading to arterial hypotension. It is a complex disease, and its development is largely associated with genetic susceptibility. Since abnormal neurohumoral regulation plays an important role in VVS development, we analyzed the association of VVS with polymorphic variants of ADRA1A, ADRB1, HTR1A, ADORA2A, COMT, and NOS3 genes, the products of which are involved in neurohumoral signaling, in patients with a confirmed VVS diagnosis (157 subjects) and individuals without a history of syncope (161 subjects). We were able to identify the associations between VVS and alleles/genotypes ADRA1A rs1048101, ADRB1 rs1801253, ADORA2A rs5751876, and COMT rs4680, as well as NOS3 rs2070744 in biallelic combination with COMT rs4680. Thus, we are the first to observe, within a single study, the role of the genes that encode α- and β-adrenergic receptors, catechol-O-methyltransferase, adenosine receptors and nitric oxide synthase in VVS development. These findings demonstrate that the genes involved in neurohumoral signaling pathways contribute to the formation of a genetic susceptibility to VVS.
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3
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Genetic Analysis of Cardiac Syncope-Related Genes in Korean Patients with Recurrent Neurally Mediated Syncope. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9080265. [PMID: 36005429 PMCID: PMC9409957 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9080265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is a common clinical problem. The underlying genetic factors of NMS remain controversial. We hypothesized that cardiac syncope-related genes may contribute to NMS in patients with previous frequent syncopal episodes and/or a family history of syncope. A total of 54 consecutive patients diagnosed with NMS were prospectively enrolled between 2013 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were more than five syncopal episodes with a family history of syncope (n = 17) or more than five syncopal episodes with no family history of syncope (n = 37). Ninety-eight cardiac syncope-related genes (channelopathy: 43 genes, cardiomyopathy: 50 genes, primary pulmonary hypertension: 5 genes) were screened by exome sequencing. All identified variants were classified according to the standards and guidelines by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Of the 54 patients, 17 patients (31.5%) had a family history of syncope. Two patients (3.7%) had pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPV) in cardiac syncope-related genes TTN and MYH7. We investigated genetic variation in patients with frequent NMS with a positive family history of syncope in Korea. PV/LPVs in genes related to cardiomyopathy were associated with recurrent NMS in Korean patients. Closer follow-up of these patients might be needed.
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Matušková L, Javorka M. Adrenergic receptors gene polymorphisms and autonomic nervous control of heart and vascular tone. Physiol Res 2022; 70:S495-S510. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are the primary targets of catecholamines released from the sympathetic nerve endings during their activation. ARs play a central role in autonomic nervous system and serve as important targets of widely used drugs. Several ARs gene polymorphisms were found to be associated with cardiovascular disease in previous clinical studies. Although more precise mechanism of the polymorphisms influence on autonomic control of cardiovascular system was studied in many previous physiological studies, their results are not unequivocal. This paper reviews the results of clinical and physiological studies focused on the impact of selected common single nucleotide polymorphisms of ARs genes involved in sympathetic control on cardiovascular system and its control. In summary, many studies assessed only a very limited range of cardiovascular control related parameters providing only very limited view on the complex cardiovascular control. The overview of partially contradicting results underlines a need to examine wider range of cardiovascular measures including their reactivity under various stress conditions requiring further study. It is expected that an effect of one given polymorphism is not very prominent, but it is suggested that even subtle differences in cardiovascular control could – on a longer time scale – lead to the development of severe pathological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Matušková
- Department of Physiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - M Javorka
- Department of Physiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
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5
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Matveeva N, Titov B, Bazyleva E, Pevzner A, Favorova O. Towards Understanding the Genetic Nature of Vasovagal Syncope. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10316. [PMID: 34638656 PMCID: PMC8508958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncope, defined as a transient loss of consciousness caused by transient global cerebral hypoperfusion, affects 30-40% of humans during their lifetime. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope, the etiology of which is still unclear. This review summarizes data on the genetics of VVS, describing the inheritance pattern of the disorder, candidate gene association studies and genome-wide studies. According to this evidence, VVS is a complex disorder, which can be caused by the interplay between genetic factors, whose contribution varies from monogenic Mendelian inheritance to polygenic inherited predisposition, and external factors affecting the monogenic (resulting in incomplete penetrance) and polygenic syncope types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Matveeva
- National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (N.M.); (B.T.); (E.B.); (A.P.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Medical Biotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris Titov
- National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (N.M.); (B.T.); (E.B.); (A.P.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Medical Biotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizabeth Bazyleva
- National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (N.M.); (B.T.); (E.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Alexander Pevzner
- National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (N.M.); (B.T.); (E.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Olga Favorova
- National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (N.M.); (B.T.); (E.B.); (A.P.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Medical Biotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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6
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Sheldon RS, Gerull B. Genetic markers of vasovagal syncope. Auton Neurosci 2021; 235:102871. [PMID: 34474354 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vasovagal syncope may have a genetic predisposition. It has a high prevalence in some families, and children of a fainting parent are more likely to faint than those without a parent who faints. Having two fainting parents or a fainting twin increases the likelihood even further. Several genotypes appear to associate with the phenotype of positive tilt tests, but the control subjects are usually those who faint and have negative tilt tests. Twin studies, highly focused genome-wide association studies, and copy number variation studies all suggest there are loci in the genome that associate with vasovagal syncope, although the specific genes, pathways, and proteins are unknown. A recent multigenerational kindred candidate gene study identified 3 genes that associate with vasovagal syncope. The best evidence to date is for central signaling genes involving serotonin and dopamine. Genome-wide association studies to date have not yet been helpful. Our understanding of the genetic correlates of vasovagal syncope leaves ample opportunity for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine I and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University of Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Brenda Gerull
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine I and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University of Würzburg, Germany
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7
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Alboni P, Messop AC, Lauri A, Furlan R. Are women really more affected by vasovagal syncope than men? J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2021; 22:69-78. [PMID: 32925389 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
It is commonly reported that vasovagal syncope (VVS) is more frequent in women. Presently, this issue has never been investigated. The purpose of this review was to evaluate, through an extensive review of the literature, whether women are really more affected by VVS than men. The gender distribution was investigated in individuals with classical and nonclassical VVS. The database PubMed was searched using the terms 'syncope', 'vasovagal syncope', 'neurally mediated syncope' and 'tilt testing'. Twelve studies dealing with classical and 75 with nonclassical VVS were eligible. In the individuals with classical (N = 1861) and nonclassical VVS (N = 9696), a trend towards a greater percentage of women emerged (P = 0.14 and 0.07, respectively). In the total population with VVS (N = 11 557), the percentage of women was significantly higher than that of men (58 versus 42%, P = 0.03). Most of the individuals were young or middle-aged. In 84% of the studies, the percentage of women was greater than that of men. A separate analysis was carried out in older VVS patients (≥60 years) and only two studies were eligible to be evaluated. Considering that almost all the studies were carried out in the western nations, where the number of men and women is almost superimposable until the age of 65 years and a bias by gender has never been reported in the management of VVS, these data strongly suggest that young and middle-aged women are more affected by VVS than their male counterparts. At present, data are too scant to draw a definitive conclusion in older VVS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandro Lauri
- Section of Economics and Statistics, Ospedale Privato Quisisana, Ferrara
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
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8
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Hadji-Turdeghal K, Andreasen L, Hagen CM, Ahlberg G, Ghouse J, Bækvad-Hansen M, Bybjerg-Grauholm J, Hougaard DM, Hedley P, Haunsø S, Svendsen JH, Kanters JK, Jepps TA, Skov MW, Christiansen M, Olesen MS. Genome-wide association study identifies locus at chromosome 2q32.1 associated with syncope and collapse. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:138-148. [PMID: 31049583 PMCID: PMC6918066 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Syncope is a common condition associated with frequent hospitalization or visits to the emergency department. Family aggregation and twin studies have shown that syncope has a heritable component. We investigated whether common genetic variants predispose to syncope and collapse. Methods and results We used genome-wide association data on syncope on 408 961 individuals with European ancestry from the UK Biobank study. In a replication study, we used the Integrative Psychiatric Research Consortium (iPSYCH) cohort (n = 86 189), to investigate the risk of incident syncope stratified by genotype carrier status. We report on a genome-wide significant locus located on chromosome 2q32.1 [odds ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.17, P = 5.8 × 10−15], with lead single nucleotide polymorphism rs12465214 in proximity to the gene zinc finger protein 804a (ZNF804A). This association was also shown in the iPSYCH cohort, where homozygous carriers of the C allele conferred an increased hazard ratio (1.30, 95% CI 1.15–1.46, P = 1.68 × 10−5) of incident syncope. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed ZNF804A to be expressed most abundantly in brain tissue. Conclusion We identified a genome-wide significant locus (rs12465214) associated with syncope and collapse. The association was replicated in an independent cohort. This is the first genome-wide association study to associate a locus with syncope and collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katra Hadji-Turdeghal
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Andreasen
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian M Hagen
- Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gustav Ahlberg
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Ghouse
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Bækvad-Hansen
- Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Bybjerg-Grauholm
- Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David M Hougaard
- Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Hedley
- Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stig Haunsø
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper H Svendsen
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen K Kanters
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas A Jepps
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten W Skov
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Christiansen
- Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten S Olesen
- Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Cardioinhibitory syncope: from pathophysiology to treatment—should we think on cardioneuroablation? J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2020; 59:441-461. [DOI: 10.1007/s10840-020-00758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Syncope in Malaysian populations. Clin Auton Res 2020; 30:101-103. [DOI: 10.1007/s10286-019-00663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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11
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Sheldon RS, Sandhu RK. The Search for the Genes of Vasovagal Syncope. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:175. [PMID: 31850372 PMCID: PMC6892747 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Only humans faint, and not all do so. Syncope tends to recur, and the predisposition to syncope can persist over many decades. Observations such as these have suggested that there may be a genetic predisposition to vasovagal syncope. It seems to have a high prevalence in some families; having a parent who faints increases the likelihood of an offspring fainting, and this is increased even further if both biological parents faint. Numerous studies have correlated a number of genotypes with positive tilt tests. However, the control subjects are usually those who faint, but have negative tilt tests, making the conclusions about association with the clinical phenotype less certain. Twin studies, highly focused genome-wide association studies, and gene duplicate studies all suggest there are sites in the genome that associate with vasovagal syncope, although the specific genes, pathways, and proteins are unknown. A recent large, candidate gene study of kindreds with high, multigenerational prevalence of the vasovagal syncope identified 3 genes that associate with vasovagal syncope. Our understanding of the genetic correlates of vasovagal syncope is in its infancy, with much to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Sheldon
- The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,The Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Roopinder K Sandhu
- The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,The Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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12
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Sheldon R, Rose MS, Ritchie D, Martens K, Maxey C, Jagers J, Parboosingh J, Gerull B. Genetic Association Study in Multigenerational Kindreds With Vasovagal Syncope: Evidence for Involvement of Sex-Specific Serotonin Signaling. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2019; 12:e006884. [PMID: 30636478 DOI: 10.1161/circep.118.006884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies suggest that vasovagal syncope has a genetic origin, but this is unclear. We assessed whether plausible gene variants associate with vasovagal syncope. METHODS We studied 160 subjects in 9 kindreds comprising 82 fainters and 78 controls. The diagnosis was ascertained with the Calgary Syncope Score. Common genetic variants were genotyped for 12 genes for vascular signaling, potassium channels, the HTR1A(serotonin 5-HT1A receptor), SLC6A4(serotonin reuptake transporter), and COMT(catecholamine O-methyltransferase). Sex-specific associations between genotypes and phenotypes were tested. RESULTS In 9 out of 12 variants, there was no significant association between genotype and phenotype. However, the HTR1A(-1019) G alleles associated with syncope in males, but not in females ( P=0.005). CC and GG males had 9% versus 77% likelihoods of syncope. The SLC6A4 promoter L alleles associated with decreased syncope in males but increased in females ( P=0.059). The LL and SS males had 25% and 47% syncope likelihoods, whereas females had 75% and 50% syncope likelihoods. The COMT c.472 A alleles associated with decreased syncope in males but increased in females ( P=0.017). The GG and AA males had 50% and 15% syncope likelihoods, whereas females had 52% and 73% syncope likelihoods. CONCLUSIONS There is a sex-dependent effect of alleles of serotonin signaling and vasovagal syncope, supporting the serotonin hypothesis of the physiology of vasovagal syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (R.S., M.S.R., D.R., K.M., C.M., J.J., B.G.)
| | - M Sarah Rose
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (R.S., M.S.R., D.R., K.M., C.M., J.J., B.G.)
| | - Debbie Ritchie
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (R.S., M.S.R., D.R., K.M., C.M., J.J., B.G.)
| | - Kristina Martens
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (R.S., M.S.R., D.R., K.M., C.M., J.J., B.G.)
| | - Connor Maxey
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (R.S., M.S.R., D.R., K.M., C.M., J.J., B.G.)
| | - Jennie Jagers
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (R.S., M.S.R., D.R., K.M., C.M., J.J., B.G.)
| | - Jillian Parboosingh
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada (J.P.)
| | - Brenda Gerull
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (R.S., M.S.R., D.R., K.M., C.M., J.J., B.G.).,Department Kardiovasculare Genetik, University Hospital Würzburg and University Würzburg, Germany (B.G.)
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13
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Márquez MF, Gómez-Flores JR, González-Hermosillo JA, Ruíz-Siller TDJ, Cárdenas M. [Role of the sympathetic nervous system in vasovagal syncope and rationale for beta-blockers and norepinephrine transporter inhibitors]. Medwave 2016; 16:e6824. [PMID: 28055999 DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2016.6824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasovagal or neurocardiogenic syncope is a common clinical situation and, as with other entities associated with orthostatic intolerance, the underlying condition is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This article reviews various aspects of vasovagal syncope, including its relationship with orthostatic intolerance and the role of the autonomic nervous system in it. A brief history of the problem is given, as well as a description of how the names and associated concepts have evolved. The response of the sympathetic system to orthostatic stress, the physiology of the baroreflex system and the neurohumoral changes that occur with standing are analyzed. Evidence is presented of the involvement of the autonomic nervous system, including studies of heart rate variability, microneurography, cardiac innervation, and molecular genetic studies. Finally, we describe different studies on the use of beta-blockers and norepinephrine transporter inhibitors (sibutramine, reboxetine) and the rationality of their use to prevent this type of syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlio F Márquez
- Departamento de Electrofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México. Address: Juan Badiano 1, Colonia Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, Distrito Federal, México.
| | - Jorge Rafael Gómez-Flores
- Departamento de Electrofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jesús A González-Hermosillo
- Departamento de Proyectos de Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Manuel Cárdenas
- Departamento de Electrofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
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Gradinaru I, Babaeva E, Schwinn DA, Oganesian A. Alpha1a-Adrenoceptor Genetic Variant Triggers Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Hyperproliferation and Agonist Induced Hypertrophy via EGFR Transactivation Pathway. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142787. [PMID: 26571308 PMCID: PMC4646490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
α1a Adrenergic receptors (α1aARs) are the predominant AR subtype in human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). α1aARs in resistance vessels are crucial in the control of blood pressure, yet the impact of naturally occurring human α1aAR genetic variants in cardiovascular disorders remains poorly understood. To this end, we present novel findings demonstrating that 3D cultures of vascular SMCs expressing human α1aAR-247R (247R) genetic variant demonstrate significantly increased SMC contractility compared with cells expressing the α1aAR-WT (WT) receptor. Stable expression of 247R genetic variant also triggers MMP/EGFR-transactivation dependent serum- and agonist-independent (constitutive) hyperproliferation and agonist-dependent hypertrophy of SMCs. Agonist stimulation reduces contractility Using pathway-specific inhibitors we determined that the observed hyperproliferation of 247R-expressing cells is triggered via β-arrestin1/Src/MMP-2/EGFR/ERK-dependent mechanism. MMP-2-specific siRNA inhibited 247R-triggered hyperproliferation indicating MMP-2 involvement in 247R-triggered hyperproliferation in SMCs. β-arrestin1-specific shRNA also inhibited 247R-triggered hyperproliferation but did not affect hypertrophy in 247R-expressing SMCs, indicating that agonist-dependent hypertrophy is independent of β-arrestin1. Our data reveal that in different cardiovascular cells the same human receptor genetic variant can activate alternative modulators of the same signaling pathway. Thus, our findings in SMCs demonstrate that depending on the type of cells expressing the same receptor (or receptor variant), different target-specific inhibitors could be used to modulate aberrant hyperproliferative or hypertrophic pathways in order to restore normal phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gradinaru
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ekaterina Babaeva
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Debra A. Schwinn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Anush Oganesian
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Schleifer JW, Shen W. Vasovagal syncope: an update on the latest pharmacological therapies. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2014; 16:501-13. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2015.996129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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16
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Klein KM, Berkovic SF. Genetics of vasovagal syncope. Auton Neurosci 2014; 184:60-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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