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Parra-Lucares A, Villa E, Romero-Hernández E, Méndez-Valdés G, Retamal C, Vizcarra G, Henríquez I, Maldonado-Morales EAJ, Grant-Palza JH, Ruíz-Tagle S, Estrada-Bobadilla V, Toro L. Tic-Tac: A Translational Approach in Mechanisms Associated with Irregular Heartbeat and Sinus Rhythm Restoration in Atrial Fibrillation Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12859. [PMID: 37629037 PMCID: PMC10454641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac condition predominantly affecting older adults, characterized by irregular heartbeat rhythm. The condition often leads to significant disability and increased mortality rates. Traditionally, two therapeutic strategies have been employed for its treatment: heart rate control and rhythm control. Recent clinical studies have emphasized the critical role of early restoration of sinus rhythm in improving patient outcomes. The persistence of the irregular rhythm allows for the progression and structural remodeling of the atria, eventually leading to irreversible stages, as observed clinically when AF becomes permanent. Cardioversion to sinus rhythm alters this progression pattern through mechanisms that are still being studied. In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for maintaining AF and how they are modified during sinus rhythm restoration using existing therapeutic strategies at different stages of clinical investigation. Moreover, we explore potential future therapeutic approaches, including the promising prospect of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Parra-Lucares
- Critical Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
- Cardiovascular Department, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Eduardo Villa
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | | | - Gabriel Méndez-Valdés
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Catalina Retamal
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Geovana Vizcarra
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Ignacio Henríquez
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | | | - Juan H. Grant-Palza
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | - Sofía Ruíz-Tagle
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
| | | | - Luis Toro
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Clínica Avanzada, Hospital Clínico, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380420, Chile
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2
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Rebecchi M, De Ruvo E, Sgueglia M, Lavalle C, Canestrelli S, Politano A, Jacomelli I, Golia P, Crescenzi C, De Luca L, Panuccio M, Fagagnini A, Calò L. Atrial fibrillation and sympatho-vagal imbalance: from the choice of the antiarrhythmic treatment to patients with syncope and ganglionated plexi ablation. Eur Heart J Suppl 2023; 25:C1-C6. [PMID: 37125283 PMCID: PMC10132557 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
For several years, the autonomic nervous system has played a central role in the pathophysiological mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF), so much so that it has been considered one of the cornerstones of Coumel's triangle. The clinical and therapeutic management of AF secondary to sympatho-vagal imbalance represents one of the most important examples of how precision medicine should be applied. Increasing knowledge of this kind of arrhythmias has made it possible to select specific antiarrhythmic drugs and to diversify their use according to vagal or adrenergic AF forms. Ablative strategies, such as cardioneuroablation and non-direct cardiac neuromodulation methods (such as renal denervation and peripheral vagal stimulation), have gradually emerged. In the possibly near future, there will be a development of new acquisitions regarding new pharmacological therapeutic strategies and gene therapy. Finally, finding an AF in patients experiencing syncopal episodes opens a whole chapter regarding interesting, but also complex, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, ranging from neurally mediated forms to convulsive seizure that could also increase the risk of sudden death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rebecchi
- Corresponding author. Tel: +390623188406, Fax: +390623188410, ,
| | - Ermenegildo De Ruvo
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Lavalle
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Stefano Canestrelli
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Politano
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Jacomelli
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Paolo Golia
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Cinzia Crescenzi
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Lucia De Luca
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Marco Panuccio
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fagagnini
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina 1049, Rome 00100, Italy
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3
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Mehra R, Tjurmina OA, Ajijola OA, Arora R, Bolser DC, Chapleau MW, Chen PS, Clancy CE, Delisle BP, Gold MR, Goldberger JJ, Goldstein DS, Habecker BA, Handoko ML, Harvey R, Hummel JP, Hund T, Meyer C, Redline S, Ripplinger CM, Simon MA, Somers VK, Stavrakis S, Taylor-Clark T, Undem BJ, Verrier RL, Zucker IH, Sopko G, Shivkumar K. Research Opportunities in Autonomic Neural Mechanisms of Cardiopulmonary Regulation: A Report From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institutes of Health Office of the Director Workshop. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2022; 7:265-293. [PMID: 35411324 PMCID: PMC8993767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This virtual workshop was convened by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, in partnership with the Office of Strategic Coordination of the Office of the National Institutes of Health Director, and held September 2 to 3, 2020. The intent was to assemble a multidisciplinary group of experts in basic, translational, and clinical research in neuroscience and cardiopulmonary disorders to identify knowledge gaps, guide future research efforts, and foster multidisciplinary collaborations pertaining to autonomic neural mechanisms of cardiopulmonary regulation. The group critically evaluated the current state of knowledge of the roles that the autonomic nervous system plays in regulation of cardiopulmonary function in health and in pathophysiology of arrhythmias, heart failure, sleep and circadian dysfunction, and breathing disorders. Opportunities to leverage the Common Fund's SPARC (Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions) program were characterized as related to nonpharmacologic neuromodulation and device-based therapies. Common themes discussed include knowledge gaps, research priorities, and approaches to develop novel predictive markers of autonomic dysfunction. Approaches to precisely target neural pathophysiological mechanisms to herald new therapies for arrhythmias, heart failure, sleep and circadian rhythm physiology, and breathing disorders were also detailed.
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Key Words
- ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme
- AD, autonomic dysregulation
- AF, atrial fibrillation
- ANS, autonomic nervous system
- Ach, acetylcholine
- CNS, central nervous system
- COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- CSA, central sleep apnea
- CVD, cardiovascular disease
- ECG, electrocardiogram
- EV, extracellular vesicle
- GP, ganglionated plexi
- HF, heart failure
- HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- HFrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
- HRV, heart rate variability
- LQT, long QT
- MI, myocardial infarction
- NE, norepinephrine
- NHLBI, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- NPY, neuropeptide Y
- NREM, non-rapid eye movement
- OSA, obstructive sleep apnea
- PAH, pulmonary arterial hypertension
- PV, pulmonary vein
- REM, rapid eye movement
- RV, right ventricular
- SCD, sudden cardiac death
- SDB, sleep disordered breathing
- SNA, sympathetic nerve activity
- SNSA, sympathetic nervous system activity
- TLD, targeted lung denervation
- asthma
- atrial fibrillation
- autonomic nervous system
- cardiopulmonary
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- circadian
- heart failure
- pulmonary arterial hypertension
- sleep apnea
- ventricular arrhythmia
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Mehra
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Olga A. Tjurmina
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Rishi Arora
- Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Mark W. Chapleau
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael R. Gold
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - David S. Goldstein
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Beth A. Habecker
- Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - M. Louis Handoko
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - James P. Hummel
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Marc A. Simon
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Stavros Stavrakis
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | | | | | - Richard L. Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - George Sopko
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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4
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Yoo S, Geist GE, Pfenniger A, Rottmann M, Arora R. Recent advances in gene therapy for atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:2854-2864. [PMID: 34053133 PMCID: PMC9281901 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults and a major cause of stroke. Unfortunately, current treatments for AF are suboptimal as they are not targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying AF. In this regard, gene therapy is emerging as a promising approach for mechanism-based treatment of AF. In this review, we summarize recent advances and challenges in gene therapy for this important cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Yoo
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gail Elizabeth Geist
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anna Pfenniger
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Markus Rottmann
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rishi Arora
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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5
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Rebecchi M, Panattoni G, Edoardo B, de Ruvo E, Sciarra L, Politano A, Sgueglia M, Ricagni C, Verbena S, Crescenzi C, Sangiorgi C, Borrelli A, De Luca L, Scarà A, Grieco D, Jacomelli I, Martino A, Calò L. Atrial fibrillation and autonomic nervous system: A translational approach to guide therapeutic goals. J Arrhythm 2021; 37:320-330. [PMID: 33850573 PMCID: PMC8022002 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is known to play an important role in the genesis and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Biomolecular and genetic mechanisms, anatomical knowledges with recent diagnostic techniques acquisitions, both invasive and non-invasive, have enabled greater therapeutic goals in patients affected by AF related to ANS imbalance. Catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) in the left and right atrium has been proposed in varied clinical conditions. Moreover interesting results arise from renal sympathetic denervation and vagal nerve stimulation. Despite all this, in the scenario of ANS modulation translational strategies we necessary must consider the treatment or correction of dynamic factors such as obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, lifestyle, food, and stress. Finally, new antiarrhythmic drugs, gene therapy and "ablatogenomic" could be represent exciting future therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luigi Sciarra
- Department of CardiologyPoliclinico CasilinoRomeItaly
| | | | | | | | - Sara Verbena
- Department of CardiologyPoliclinico CasilinoRomeItaly
| | | | | | | | - Lucia De Luca
- Department of CardiologyPoliclinico CasilinoRomeItaly
| | - Antonio Scarà
- Department of CardiologyPoliclinico CasilinoRomeItaly
| | | | | | | | - Leonardo Calò
- Department of CardiologyPoliclinico CasilinoRomeItaly
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6
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Garnier A, Bork NI, Jacquet E, Zipfel S, Muñoz-Guijosa C, Baczkó I, Reichenspurner H, Donzeau-Gouge P, Maier LS, Dobrev D, Girdauskas E, Nikolaev VO, Fischmeister R, Molina CE. Mapping genetic changes in the cAMP-signaling cascade in human atria. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 155:10-20. [PMID: 33631188 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To obtain a quantitative expression profile of the main genes involved in the cAMP-signaling cascade in human control atria and in different cardiac pathologies. METHODS AND RESULTS Expression of 48 target genes playing a relevant role in the cAMP-signaling cascade was assessed by RT-qPCR. 113 samples were obtained from right atrial appendages (RAA) of patients in sinus rhythm (SR) with or without atrium dilation, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), persistent AF or heart failure (HF); and left atrial appendages (LAA) from patients in SR or with AF. Our results show that right and left atrial appendages in donor hearts or from SR patients have similar expression values except for AC7 and PDE2A. Despite the enormous chamber-dependent variability in the gene-expression changes between pathologies, several distinguishable patterns could be identified. PDE8A, PI3Kγ and EPAC2 were upregulated in AF. Different phosphodiesterase (PDE) families showed specific pathology-dependent changes. CONCLUSION By comparing mRNA-expression patterns of the cAMP-signaling cascade related genes in right and left atrial appendages of human hearts and across different pathologies, we show that 1) gene expression is not significantly affected by cardioplegic solution content, 2) it is appropriate to use SR atrial samples as controls, and 3) many genes in the cAMP-signaling cascade are affected in AF and HF but only few of them appear to be chamber (right or left) specific. TOPIC Genetic changes in human diseased atria. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE The cyclic AMP signaling pathway is important for atrial function. However, expression patterns of the genes involved in the atria of healthy and diseased hearts are still unclear. We give here a general overview of how different pathologies affect the expression of key genes in the cAMP signaling pathway in human right and left atria appendages. Our study may help identifying new genes of interest as potential therapeutic targets or clinical biomarkers for these pathologies and could serve as a guide in future gene therapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Garnier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, UMR-S 1180, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Nadja I Bork
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Eric Jacquet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Svante Zipfel
- Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Istvan Baczkó
- Dept. Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Univ. of Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | - Lars S Maier
- Dept. Internal Medicine II, University Heart Center, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West-German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-, Essen, Germany
| | - Evaldas Girdauskas
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany; Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viacheslav O Nikolaev
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Cristina E Molina
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, UMR-S 1180, Châtenay-Malabry, France; Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
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7
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Pfenniger A, Geist GE, Arora R. Autonomic Dysfunction and Neurohormonal Disorders in Atrial Fibrillation. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2021; 13:183-190. [PMID: 33516396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia and eludes an efficacious cure despite an increasing prevalence and a significant association with morbidity and mortality. In addition to an array of clinical sequelae, the origins and propagation of AF are multifactorial. In recent years, the contribution from the autonomic nervous system has been an area of particular interest. This review highlights the relevant physiology of autonomic and neurohormonal contributions to AF origin and maintenance, the current state of the literature on targeted therapies, and the path forward for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pfenniger
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 East Huron, Feinberg 8-503, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Gail Elizabeth Geist
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 East Huron, Feinberg 8-503, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rishi Arora
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 East Huron, Feinberg 8-503, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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8
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Yoo S, Pfenniger A, Hoffman J, Zhang W, Ng J, Burrell A, Johnson DA, Gussak G, Waugh T, Bull S, Benefield B, Knight BP, Passman R, Wasserstrom JA, Aistrup GL, Arora R. Attenuation of Oxidative Injury With Targeted Expression of NADPH Oxidase 2 Short Hairpin RNA Prevents Onset and Maintenance of Electrical Remodeling in the Canine Atrium: A Novel Gene Therapy Approach to Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation 2020; 142:1261-1278. [PMID: 32686471 PMCID: PMC9277750 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.119.044127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults and a major cause of stroke. Unfortunately, current treatments of AF are suboptimal because they are not targeted to the molecular mechanisms underlying AF. Using a highly novel gene therapy approach in a canine, rapid atrial pacing model of AF, we demonstrate that NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) generated oxidative injury causes upregulation of a constitutively active form of acetylcholine-dependent K+ current (IKACh), called IKH; this is an important mechanism underlying not only the genesis, but also the perpetuation of electric remodeling in the intact, fibrillating atrium. METHODS To understand the mechanism by which oxidative injury promotes the genesis and maintenance of AF, we performed targeted injection of NOX2 short hairpin RNA (followed by electroporation to facilitate gene delivery) in atria of healthy dogs followed by rapid atrial pacing. We used in vivo high-density electric mapping, isolation of atrial myocytes, whole-cell patch clamping, in vitro tachypacing of atrial myocytes, lucigenin chemiluminescence assay, immunoblotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS First, we demonstrate that generation of oxidative injury in atrial myocytes is a frequency-dependent process, with rapid pacing in canine atrial myocytes inducing oxidative injury through the induction of NOX2 and the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. We show that oxidative injury likely contributes to electric remodeling in AF by upregulating IKACh by a mechanism involving frequency-dependent activation of PKCε (protein kinase C epsilon). The time to onset of nonsustained AF increased by >5-fold in NOX2 short hairpin RNA-treated dogs. Furthermore, animals treated with NOX2 short hairpin RNA did not develop sustained AF for up to 12 weeks. The electrophysiological mechanism underlying AF prevention was prolongation of atrial effective refractory periods, at least in part attributable to the attenuation of IKACh. Attenuated membrane translocation of PKCε appeared to be a likely molecular mechanism underlying this beneficial electrophysiological remodeling. CONCLUSIONS NOX2 oxidative injury (1) underlies the onset, and the maintenance of electric remodeling in AF, as well, and (2) can be successfully prevented with a novel, gene-based approach. Future optimization of this approach may lead to a novel, mechanism-guided therapy for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Yoo
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Anna Pfenniger
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jacob Hoffman
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Wenwei Zhang
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jason Ng
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Amy Burrell
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - David A. Johnson
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Georg Gussak
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Trent Waugh
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Suzanne Bull
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Brandon Benefield
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Bradley P. Knight
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Rod Passman
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - J. Andrew Wasserstrom
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Rishi Arora
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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9
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Rattanawong P, Kewcharoen J, S Srivathsan K, Shen WK. Drug Therapy for Vagally-Mediated Atrial Fibrillation and Sympatho-Vagal Balance in the Genesis of Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of the Current Literature. J Atr Fibrillation 2020; 13:2410. [PMID: 33024510 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective The presence of both sympathetic activation-mediated triggers and parasympathetic activation-mediated substrates are required to initiate and maintain some forms of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF predominantly precipitated by parasympathetic stimulation is known as vagally-mediated AF (VM-AF). The role of novel drugs and molecular targeted gene therapy that modulate the autonomic nervous system are therapeutic options in this unique population with VM-AF. Here, we review the role of the sympatho-vagal balance in the genesis of AF and consider drug therapy for VM-AF. Methods In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement, literature search was conducted using the keywords "vagal", "vagal nerve", "vagus", "vagus nerve", and "atrial fibrillation". Retrieved citations were first screened independently by 2 reviewers for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results A total of 14 studies and 3 practice guidelines from 1986-2017 were included. Only two clinical investigations evaluated the effectiveness of disopyramide and sotalol in human subjects with VM-AF. The potential role of antiarrhythmic drugs has been studied in animal models. Conclusions Growing evidence suggests that the autonomic nervous system is integral in the development of VM-AF. Novel medications and genetic targets are undergoing investigation with promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakrin Kewcharoen
- University of Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Win-Kuang Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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10
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Goldberger JJ, Arora R, Buckley U, Shivkumar K. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: JACC Focus Seminar. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 73:1189-1206. [PMID: 30871703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.12.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system control of the heart is a dynamic process in both health and disease. A multilevel neural network is responsible for control of chronotropy, lusitropy, dromotropy, and inotropy. Intrinsic autonomic dysfunction arises from diseases that directly affect the autonomic nerves, such as diabetes mellitus and the syndromes of primary autonomic failure. Extrinsic autonomic dysfunction reflects the changes in autonomic function that are secondarily induced by cardiac or other disease. An array of tests interrogate various aspects of cardiac autonomic control in either resting conditions or with physiological perturbations from resting conditions. The prognostic significance of these assessments have been well established. Clinical usefulness has not been established, and the precise mechanistic link to mortality is less well established. Further efforts are required to develop optimal approaches to delineate cardiac autonomic dysfunction and its adverse effects to develop tools that can be used to guide clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Goldberger
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
| | - Rishi Arora
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Una Buckley
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
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11
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Trivedi A, Hoffman J, Arora R. Gene therapy for atrial fibrillation - How close to clinical implementation? Int J Cardiol 2019; 296:177-183. [PMID: 31439427 PMCID: PMC6907402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this review we examine the current state of gene therapy for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. We describe advances and challenges in successfully creating and incorporating gene vectors into the myocardium. After summarizing the current scientific research in gene transfer technology we then focus on the most promising areas of gene therapy, the treatment of atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. We review the scientific literature to determine how gene therapy could potentially be used to treat patients with cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Trivedi
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Jacob Hoffman
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Rishi Arora
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine, United States of America.
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12
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Bayer JD, Boukens BJ, Krul SPJ, Roney CH, Driessen AHG, Berger WR, van den Berg NWE, Verkerk AO, Vigmond EJ, Coronel R, de Groot JR. Acetylcholine Delays Atrial Activation to Facilitate Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1105. [PMID: 31551802 PMCID: PMC6737394 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acetylcholine (ACh) shortens action potential duration (APD) in human atria. APD shortening facilitates atrial fibrillation (AF) by reducing the wavelength for reentry. However, the influence of ACh on electrical conduction in human atria and its contribution to AF are unclear, particularly when combined with impaired conduction from interstitial fibrosis. Objective To investigate the effect of ACh on human atrial conduction and its role in AF with computational, experimental, and clinical approaches. Methods S1S2 pacing (S1 = 600 ms and S2 = variable cycle lengths) was applied to the following human AF computer models: a left atrial appendage (LAA) myocyte to quantify the effects of ACh on APD, maximum upstroke velocity (V max ), and resting membrane potential (RMP); a monolayer of LAA myocytes to quantify the effects of ACh on conduction; and 3) an intact left atrium (LA) to determine the effects of ACh on arrhythmogenicity. Heterogeneous ACh and interstitial fibrosis were applied to the monolayer and LA models. To corroborate the simulations, APD and RMP from isolated human atrial myocytes were recorded before and after 0.1 μM ACh. At the tissue level, LAAs from AF patients were optically mapped ex vivo using Di-4-ANEPPS. The difference in total activation time (AT) was determined between AT initially recorded with S1 pacing, and AT recorded during subsequent S1 pacing without (n = 6) or with (n = 7) 100 μM ACh. Results In LAA myocyte simulations, S1 pacing with 0.1 μM ACh shortened APD by 41 ms, hyperpolarized RMP by 7 mV, and increased V max by 27 mV/ms. In human atrial myocytes, 0.1 μM ACh shortened APD by 48 ms, hyperpolarized RMP by 3 mV, and increased V max by 6 mV/ms. In LAA monolayer simulations, S1 pacing with ACh hyperpolarized RMP to delay total AT by 32 ms without and 35 ms with fibrosis. This led to unidirectional conduction block and sustained reentry in fibrotic LA with heterogeneous ACh during S2 pacing. In AF patient LAAs, S1 pacing with ACh increased total AT from 39.3 ± 26 ms to 71.4 ± 31.2 ms (p = 0.036) compared to no change without ACh (56.7 ± 29.3 ms to 50.0 ± 21.9 ms, p = 0.140). Conclusion In fibrotic atria with heterogeneous parasympathetic activation, ACh facilitates AF by shortening APD and slowing conduction to promote unidirectional conduction block and reentry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Bayer
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (IHU-LIRYC), Bordeaux University Foundation, Bordeaux, France.,Institute of Mathematics of Bordeaux (U5251), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sébastien P J Krul
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Caroline H Roney
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Bioengineering, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Wouter R Berger
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, OLVG, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Arie O Verkerk
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edward J Vigmond
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (IHU-LIRYC), Bordeaux University Foundation, Bordeaux, France.,Institute of Mathematics of Bordeaux (U5251), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ruben Coronel
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (IHU-LIRYC), Bordeaux University Foundation, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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McRae C, Kapoor A, Kanda P, Hibbert B, Davis DR. Systematic review of biological therapies for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2019; 16:1399-1407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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14
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Trivedi A, Arora R. Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Current and Emerging Applications. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2018; 9:3440-3445. [PMID: 32477792 PMCID: PMC7252777 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2018.091204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we examine the current state of gene therapy for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. We describe advances and challenges in successfully creating and incorporating gene vectors into the myocardium. After summarizing the current scientific research in gene transfer technology, we then focus on the most promising areas of gene therapy at this time, which is the treatment of atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. We also review the scientific literature to determine how gene therapy could potentially be used to treat patients with cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Trivedi
- Department of Cardiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rishi Arora
- Department of Cardiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
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15
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Yoo S, Aistrup G, Shiferaw Y, Ng J, Mohler PJ, Hund TJ, Waugh T, Browne S, Gussak G, Gilani M, Knight BP, Passman R, Goldberger JJ, Wasserstrom JA, Arora R. Oxidative stress creates a unique, CaMKII-mediated substrate for atrial fibrillation in heart failure. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120728. [PMID: 30385719 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise mechanisms by which oxidative stress (OS) causes atrial fibrillation (AF) are not known. Since AF frequently originates in the posterior left atrium (PLA), we hypothesized that OS, via calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling, creates a fertile substrate in the PLA for triggered activity and reentry. In a canine heart failure (HF) model, OS generation and oxidized-CaMKII-induced (Ox-CaMKII-induced) RyR2 and Nav1.5 signaling were increased preferentially in the PLA (compared with left atrial appendage). Triggered Ca2+ waves (TCWs) in HF PLA myocytes were particularly sensitive to acute ROS inhibition. Computational modeling confirmed a direct relationship between OS/CaMKII signaling and TCW generation. CaMKII phosphorylated Nav1.5 (CaMKII-p-Nav1.5 [S571]) was located preferentially at the intercalated disc (ID), being nearly absent at the lateral membrane. Furthermore, a decrease in ankyrin-G (AnkG) in HF led to patchy dropout of CaMKII-p-Nav1.5 at the ID, causing its distribution to become spatially heterogeneous; this corresponded to preferential slowing and inhomogeneity of conduction noted in the HF PLA. Computational modeling illustrated how conduction slowing (e.g., due to increase in CaMKII-p-Nav1.5) interacts with fibrosis to cause reentry in the PLA. We conclude that OS via CaMKII leads to substrate for triggered activity and reentry in HF PLA by mechanisms independent of but complementary to fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Yoo
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gary Aistrup
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yohannes Shiferaw
- Department of Physics, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Jason Ng
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Peter J Mohler
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas J Hund
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Trent Waugh
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Suzanne Browne
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Georg Gussak
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mehul Gilani
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bradley P Knight
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rod Passman
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Goldberger
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - J Andrew Wasserstrom
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rishi Arora
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research and Renal Institute, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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16
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Farraha M, Kumar S, Chong J, Cho HC, Kizana E. Gene Therapy Approaches to Biological Pacemakers. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2018; 5:jcdd5040050. [PMID: 30347716 PMCID: PMC6306875 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd5040050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bradycardia arising from pacemaker dysfunction can be debilitating and life threatening. Electronic pacemakers serve as effective treatment options for pacemaker dysfunction. They however present their own limitations and complications. This has motivated research into discovering more effective and innovative ways to treat pacemaker dysfunction. Gene therapy is being explored for its potential to treat various cardiac conditions including cardiac arrhythmias. Gene transfer vectors with increasing transduction efficiency and biosafety have been developed and trialed for cardiovascular disease treatment. With an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving pacemaker development, several gene therapy targets have been identified to generate the phenotypic changes required to correct pacemaker dysfunction. This review will discuss the gene therapy vectors in use today along with methods for their delivery. Furthermore, it will evaluate several gene therapy strategies attempting to restore biological pacing, having the potential to emerge as viable therapies for pacemaker dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melad Farraha
- Centre for Heart Research, the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Saurabh Kumar
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - James Chong
- Centre for Heart Research, the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Hee Cheol Cho
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Eddy Kizana
- Centre for Heart Research, the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
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17
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Lou X, Lu Y, Tang B, Zhou X. Clinical Effects of "Selective Drug" Regulating Vagus Nerve Signal Pathway in Vagally-Mediated Atrial Fibrillation. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:2210-2217. [PMID: 29652036 PMCID: PMC5916093 DOI: 10.12659/msm.906044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cardiac autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in genesis and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) through the G protein signal transduction pathway. Therefore, intervening in the G protein signal transduction pathway may be a new “selective drug” method to regulate autonomic nerve activity to prevent vagally-mediated AF. Material/Methods Seventeen adult beagles were randomized into 3 groups: shame-operation control group (group A, n=5), empty vector gene control group (group B, n=6), and Gαi2ctp gene experimental group (group C, n=6). Group A was injected with normal saline into the anterior atrial wall, and group B and group C animals were injected with recombinant adenovirus with empty vector or Gαi2ctp vector in the same region. AF was induced by the method of rapid atrial pacing in groups B and C. To determine the clinical effect of vagal modulation, the effective refractory periods (ERP) and field action potential duration (FAPD) were evaluated by electrophysiological study. The expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyl transferase (CHAT) in different parts were determined with immunohistochemistry. Results After successful Gαi2ctp gene transfer, in group B, the ERP and FAPD significantly decreased (P<0.05), and TH and CHAT expression observably increased (P<0.05), while those differences were absent between groups A and C (P>0.05). Conclusions Recombinant adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Gαi2ctp in canine myocardial cells can interfere with the activity of the vagus nerve, reverse the development and progression of electrical remodeling, and reduce the incidence of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Lou
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yanmei Lu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Baopeng Tang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Xianhui Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (mainland)
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- From the Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (J.H.); Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Canada (J.-B.G., S.N.); University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, University Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France (J.-B.G.); Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen (D.D., S.N.); and
| | - Jean-Baptiste Guichard
- From the Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (J.H.); Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Canada (J.-B.G., S.N.); University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, University Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France (J.-B.G.); Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen (D.D., S.N.); and
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- From the Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (J.H.); Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Canada (J.-B.G., S.N.); University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, University Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France (J.-B.G.); Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen (D.D., S.N.); and
| | - Stanley Nattel
- From the Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (J.H.); Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Canada (J.-B.G., S.N.); University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, University Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France (J.-B.G.); Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen (D.D., S.N.); and
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19
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Atrial fibrillation: Neurogenic or myogenic? Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2018; 111:59-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvd.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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Improving Atrial Fibrillation Therapy: Is There a Gene for That? J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 69:2088-2095. [PMID: 28427583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an all-too-common and often challenging reality of clinical care. AF leads to significant morbidity and mortality; however, currently available treatments for AF have modest efficacy and high recurrence rates. In recent years, genetic therapy approaches have been explored in preclinical models of AF, and offer potential as a treatment modality with targeted delivery, tissue specificity, and therapy tailored to address mechanisms underlying the arrhythmia. However, many challenges remain before gene therapy can advance to a clinically relevant AF treatment. In this review, we summarize the available published data on gene therapy and discuss the challenges, opportunities, and limitations of this approach.
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21
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Arora R. Gene Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2017; 102:200-202. [PMID: 28548218 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in an aging population. Unfortunately, current treatments for AF are suboptimal, in large part because the molecular mechanisms underlying AF are not well understood. Recent advances in our understanding of the AF disease state have led to the preclinical development of gene-based therapies that are targeted to key molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis and maintenance of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Arora
- Department of Experimental Cardiac Electrophysiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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22
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Roberts JD, Marcus GM. Ablatogenomics: can genotype guide catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias? Pharmacogenomics 2016; 17:1931-1940. [PMID: 27790939 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0114] [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: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously confined to the management of rare inherited arrhythmia syndromes, a role for genetics within cardiac electrophysiology has begun to emerge for more common arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Catheter ablation for AF is an invasive procedure effective for restoring normal rhythm, however, fails in up to 40% of those undergoing their first procedure and carries a risk for serious adverse events. Recent studies have suggested that a common genetic variant within chromosome 4q25 may be a powerful predictor of procedural success, highlighting the potential of an 'ablatogenomic' strategy. Although still in its infancy, an ablatogenomic approach for AF may facilitate delivery of ablation to those most likely to benefit, while sparing those prone to fail from its risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Roberts
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 4A5, Canada
| | - Gregory M Marcus
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-1354, USA
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Treatment strategies center on controlling atrial rhythm or ventricular rate. The need for anticoagulation is an independent decision from the rate versus rhythm control debate. This review discusses novel biological strategies that have potential utility in the management of atrial fibrillation. Rate controlling strategies predominately rely on G-protein gene transfer to enhance cholinergic or suppress adrenergic signaling pathways in the atrioventricular node. Calcium channel blocking gene therapy and fibrosis enhancing cell therapy have also been reported. Rhythm controlling strategies focus on disrupting reentry by enhancing conduction or suppressing repolarization. Efforts to suppress inflammation and apoptosis are also under study. Resistance to blood clot formation has been shown with thrombomodulin. These strategies are in various stages of preclinical development.
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24
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Lugenbiel P, Schweizer PA, Katus HA, Thomas D. Antiarrhythmic gene therapy - will biologics replace catheters, drugs and devices? Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 791:264-273. [PMID: 27593579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The clinical management of heart rhythm disorders still constitutes a major challenge. The development of alternatives to current approaches is of significant interest in order to establish more effective therapies that increase quality of life and reduce symptoms and hospitalizations. Over the past two decades the mechanistic understanding of pathophysiological pathways underlying cardiac arrhythmias has advanced profoundly, opening up novel avenues for mechanism-based therapeutic approaches. In particular, gene therapy offers greater selectivity than small molecule-based or interventional treatment. The gene of interest is packaged into viral or non-viral carriers and delivered to the target area via direct injection or using catheter-based techniques, providing the advantage of site-restricted action in contrast to systemic application of drugs. This work summarizes the current knowledge on mechanistic background, application strategies, and preclinical outcome of antiarrhythmic gene therapy for atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and modulation of sinus node function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lugenbiel
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick A Schweizer
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Research Center for Molecular Medicine (HRCMM), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hugo A Katus
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dierk Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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25
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Farraha M, Chong JJ, Kizana E. Therapeutic Prospects of Gene Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. Heart Lung Circ 2016; 25:808-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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26
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Kunamalla A, Ng J, Parini V, Yoo S, McGee KA, Tomson TT, Gordon D, Thorp EB, Lomasney J, Zhang Q, Shah S, Browne S, Knight BP, Passman R, Goldberger JJ, Aistrup G, Arora R. Constitutive Expression of a Dominant-Negative TGF-β Type II Receptor in the Posterior Left Atrium Leads to Beneficial Remodeling of Atrial Fibrillation Substrate. Circ Res 2016; 119:69-82. [PMID: 27217399 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.115.307878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fibrosis is an important structural contributor to formation of atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate in heart failure. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is thought to be intricately involved in creation of atrial fibrosis. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that gene-based expression of dominant-negative type II TGF-β receptor (TGF-β-RII-DN) in the posterior left atrium in a canine heart failure model will sufficiently attenuate fibrosis-induced changes in atrial conduction and restitution to decrease AF. Because AF electrograms are thought to reflect AF substrate, we further hypothesized that TGF-β-RII-DN would lead to increased fractionation and decreased organization of AF electrograms. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-one dogs underwent injection+electroporation in the posterior left atrium of plasmid expressing a dominant-negative TGF-β type II receptor (pUBc-TGFβ-DN-RII; n=9) or control vector (pUBc-LacZ; n=12), followed by 3 to 4 weeks of right ventricular tachypacing (240 bpm). Compared with controls, dogs treated with pUBC-TGFβ-DN-RII demonstrated an attenuated increase in conduction inhomogeneity, flattening of restitution slope and decreased duration of induced AF, with AF electrograms being more fractionated and less organized in pUBc-TGFβ-DN-RII versus pUBc-LacZ dogs. Tissue analysis revealed a significant decrease in replacement/interstitial fibrosis, p-SMAD2/3 and p-ERK1/2. CONCLUSIONS Targeted gene-based reduction of TGF-β signaling in the posterior left atrium-with resulting decrease in replacement fibrosis-led to beneficial remodeling of both conduction and restitution characteristics of the posterior left atrium, translating into a decrease in AF and increased complexity of AF electrograms. In addition to providing mechanistic insights, this data may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Kunamalla
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jason Ng
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Vamsi Parini
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Shin Yoo
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Kate A McGee
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Todd T Tomson
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - David Gordon
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Edward B Thorp
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jon Lomasney
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Qiang Zhang
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Sanjiv Shah
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Suzanne Browne
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Bradley P Knight
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Rod Passman
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jeffrey J Goldberger
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Gary Aistrup
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Rishi Arora
- From the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
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Tomson TT, Arora R. Modulation of Cardiac Potassium Current by Neural Tone and Ischemia. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2016; 8:349-60. [PMID: 27261826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cardiac action potential is generated by intricate flows of ions across myocyte cell membranes in a coordinated fashion to control myocardial contraction and the heart rhythm. Modulation of the flow of these ions in response to a variety of stimuli results in changes to the action potential. Abnormal or altered ion currents can result in cardiac arrhythmias. Abnormalities of autonomic regulation of potassium current play a role in the genesis of cardiac arrhythmias, and alterations in acetylcholine-activated potassium channels may play a key role in atrial fibrillation. Ischemia is another important modulator of cardiac cellular electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd T Tomson
- Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rishi Arora
- Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Pellman J, Sheikh F. Atrial fibrillation: mechanisms, therapeutics, and future directions. Compr Physiol 2016; 5:649-65. [PMID: 25880508 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c140047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, affecting 1% to 2% of the general population. It is characterized by rapid and disorganized atrial activation leading to impaired atrial function, which can be diagnosed on an EKG by lack of a P-wave and irregular QRS complexes. AF is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is a risk factor for embolic stroke and worsening heart failure. Current research on AF support and explore the hypothesis that initiation and maintenance of AF require pathophysiological remodeling of the atria, either specifically as in lone AF or secondary to other heart disease as in heart failure-associated AF. Remodeling in AF can be grouped into three categories that include: (i) electrical remodeling, which includes modulation of L-type Ca(2+) current, various K(+) currents and gap junction function; (ii) structural remodeling, which includes changes in tissues properties, size, and ultrastructure; and (iii) autonomic remodeling, including altered sympathovagal activity and hyperinnervation. Electrical, structural, and autonomic remodeling all contribute to creating an AF-prone substrate which is able to produce AF-associated electrical phenomena including a rapidly firing focus, complex multiple reentrant circuit or rotors. Although various remodeling events occur in AF, current AF therapies focus on ventricular rate and rhythm control strategies using pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions. Recent progress in the field has started to focus on the underlying substrate that drives and maintains AF (termed upstream therapies); however, much work is needed in this area. Here, we review current knowledge of AF mechanisms, therapies, and new areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pellman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Abstract
Electroporation has been used extensively to transfer DNA to bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells in culture for the past 30 years. Over this time, numerous advances have been made, from using fields to facilitate cell fusion, delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to cells and tissues, and most importantly, gene and drug delivery in living tissues from rodents to man. Electroporation uses electrical fields to transiently destabilize the membrane allowing the entry of normally impermeable macromolecules into the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, at the appropriate field strengths, the application of these fields to tissues results in little, if any, damage or trauma. Indeed, electroporation has even been used successfully in human trials for gene delivery for the treatment of tumors and for vaccine development. Electroporation can lead to between 100 and 1000-fold increases in gene delivery and expression and can also increase both the distribution of cells taking up and expressing the DNA as well as the absolute amount of gene product per cell (likely due to increased delivery of plasmids into each cell). Effective electroporation depends on electric field parameters, electrode design, the tissues and cells being targeted, and the plasmids that are being transferred themselves. Most importantly, there is no single combination of these variables that leads to greatest efficacy in every situation; optimization is required in every new setting. Electroporation-mediated in vivo gene delivery has proven highly effective in vaccine production, transgene expression, enzyme replacement, and control of a variety of cancers. Almost any tissue can be targeted with electroporation, including muscle, skin, heart, liver, lung, and vasculature. This chapter will provide an overview of the theory of electroporation for the delivery of DNA both in individual cells and in tissues and its application for in vivo gene delivery in a number of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Young
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - David A Dean
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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30
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Liu Z, Donahue JK. The Use of Gene Therapy for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2014; 3:139-44. [PMID: 26835081 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2014.3.3.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure and morbidity and mortality. Current therapies, including rate control and rhythm control by antiarrhythmic drugs or ablation therapy, are moderately effective but far from optimal. Gene therapy has the potential to become an attractive alternative to currently available therapies for atrial fibrillation. Various gene transfer vectors have been developed for cardiovascular disease with viral vectors being most widely used due to their high efficiency. Several gene delivery methods have been employed on different therapeutic targets. With increasing understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms, novel therapeutic targets have been discovered. This review will evaluate state-of-art gene therapy strategies and approaches including sinus rhythm restoration and ventricular rate control that could eventually prevent or eliminate atrial fibrillation in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - J Kevin Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School. Worcester, Massachusetts, US
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31
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Chen PS, Chen LS, Fishbein MC, Lin SF, Nattel S. Role of the autonomic nervous system in atrial fibrillation: pathophysiology and therapy. Circ Res 2014; 114:1500-15. [PMID: 24763467 PMCID: PMC4043633 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.303772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 506] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system activation can induce significant and heterogeneous changes of atrial electrophysiology and induce atrial tachyarrhythmias, including atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation (AF). The importance of the autonomic nervous system in atrial arrhythmogenesis is also supported by circadian variation in the incidence of symptomatic AF in humans. Methods that reduce autonomic innervation or outflow have been shown to reduce the incidence of spontaneous or induced atrial arrhythmias, suggesting that neuromodulation may be helpful in controlling AF. In this review, we focus on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the pathophysiology of AF and the potential benefit and limitations of neuromodulation in the management of this arrhythmia. We conclude that autonomic nerve activity plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of AF, and modulating autonomic nerve function may contribute to AF control. Potential therapeutic applications include ganglionated plexus ablation, renal sympathetic denervation, cervical vagal nerve stimulation, baroreflex stimulation, cutaneous stimulation, novel drug approaches, and biological therapies. Although the role of the autonomic nervous system has long been recognized, new science and new technologies promise exciting prospects for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Sheng Chen
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lan S. Chen
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Michael C. Fishbein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shien-Fong Lin
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Deartment of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rasika Wickramasinghe
- From Penn Cardiovascular Institute and Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Arora R. How the pulmonary veins 'talk' to the sinoatrial node: new insights into an old mystery. Cardiovasc Res 2013; 99:380-1. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvt175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Arora R. Recent insights into the role of the autonomic nervous system in the creation of substrate for atrial fibrillation: implications for therapies targeting the atrial autonomic nervous system. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2012; 5:850-9. [PMID: 22895601 DOI: 10.1161/circep.112.972273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Arora
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Mighiu AS, Heximer SP. Controlling Parasympathetic Regulation of Heart Rate: A Gatekeeper Role for RGS Proteins in the Sinoatrial Node. Front Physiol 2012; 3:204. [PMID: 22707940 PMCID: PMC3374348 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters released from sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve terminals in the sinoatrial node (SAN) exert their effects via G-protein-coupled receptors. Integration of these different G-protein signals within pacemaker cells of the SAN is critical for proper regulation of heart rate and function. For example, excessive parasympathetic signaling can be associated with sinus node dysfunction (SND) and supraventricular arrhythmias. Our previous work has shown that one member of the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) protein family, RGS4, is highly and selectively expressed in pacemaker cells of the SAN. Consistent with its role as an inhibitor of parasympathetic signaling, RGS4-knockout mice have reduced basal heart rates and enhanced negative chronotropic responses to parasympathetic agonists. Moreover, RGS4 appears to be an important part of SA nodal myocyte signaling pathways that mediate G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK) channel activation/deactivation and desensitization. Since RGS4 acts immediately downstream of M2 muscarinic receptors, it is tempting to speculate that RGS4 functions as a master regulator of parasympathetic signaling upstream of GIRKs, HCNs, and L-type Ca2+ channels in the SAN. Thus, loss of RGS4 function may lead to increased susceptibility to conditions associated with increased parasympathetic signaling, including bradyarrhythmia, SND, and atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S Mighiu
- Department of Physiology, Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lugenbiel P, Bauer A, Kelemen K, Schweizer PA, Becker R, Katus HA, Thomas D. Biological Heart Rate Reduction Through Genetic Suppression of Gα(s) Protein in the Sinoatrial Node. J Am Heart Assoc 2012; 1:jah3-e000372. [PMID: 23130123 PMCID: PMC3487376 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.111.000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated heart rate represents an independent risk factor for cardiovascular outcome in patients with heart disease. In the sinoatrial node, rate increase is mediated by β(1) adrenoceptor mediated activation of the Gα(s) pathway. We hypothesized that genetic inactivation of the stimulatory Gα(s) protein in the sinoatrial node would provide sinus rate control and would prevent inappropriate heart rate acceleration during β-adrenergic activation. METHODS AND RESULTS Domestic pigs (n=10) were evenly assigned to receive either Ad-small interfering RNA (siRNA)-Gα(s) gene therapy to inactivate Gα(s) or adenovirus encoding for green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) as control. Adenoviruses were applied through virus injection into the sinoatrial node followed by epicardial electroporation, and heart rates were evaluated for 7 days. Genetic inhibition of Gα(s) protein significantly reduced mean heart rates on day 7 by 16.5% compared with control animals (110±8.8 vs 131±9.4 beats per minute; P<0.01). On β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol, we observed a tendency toward diminished rate response in the Ad-siRNA-Gα(s) group (Ad-siRNA-Gα(s), +79.3%; Ad-GFP, +61.7%; n=3 animals per group; P= 0.294). Adverse effects of gene transfer on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were not detected following treatment (LVEF(Ad-siRNA-Gαs), 66%; LVEF(Ad-GFP), 60%). CONCLUSIONS In this preclinical proof-of-concept study targeted Ad-siRNA-Gα(s) gene therapy reduced heart rates during normal sinus rhythm compared with Ad-GFP treatment and prevented inappropriate rate increase after β-adrenergic stimulation. Gene therapy may provide an additional therapeutic option for heart rate reduction in cardiac disease. (J Am Heart Assoc. 2012;1:jah3-e000372 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.111.000372).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lugenbiel
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
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37
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Gene therapy for AF: A dream too far? Heart Rhythm 2011; 8:1730-1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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