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Laurita KR, Piktel JS, Irish L, Nassal M, Cheng A, McCauley M, Pawlowski G, Dennis AT, Suen Y, Almahameed S, Ziv O, Gourdie RG, Wilson LD. Spontaneous Repolarization Alternans Causes VT/VF Rearrest That Is Suppressed by Preserving Gap Junctions. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:1271-1286. [PMID: 38752959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.03.027] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) rearrest after successful resuscitation is common, and survival is poor. A mechanism of VT/VF, as demonstrated in ex vivo studies, is when repolarization alternans becomes spatially discordant (DIS ALT), which can be enhanced by impaired gap junctions (GJs). However, in vivo spontaneous DIS ALT-induced VT/VF has never been demonstrated, and the effects of GJ on DIS ALT and VT/VF rearrest are unknown. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine whether spontaneous VT/VF rearrest induced by DIS ALT occurs in vivo, and if it can be suppressed by preserving Cx43-mediated GJ coupling and/or connectivity. METHODS We used an in vivo porcine model of resuscitation from ischemia-induced cardiac arrest combined with ex vivo optical mapping in porcine left ventricular wedge preparations. RESULTS In vivo, DIS ALT frequently preceded VT/VF and paralleled its incidence at normal (37°C, n = 9) and mild hypothermia (33°C, n = 8) temperatures. Maintaining GJs in vivo with rotigaptide (n = 10) reduced DIS ALT and VT/VF incidence, especially during mild hypothermia, by 90% and 60%, respectively (P < 0.001; P < 0.013). Ex vivo, both rotigaptide (n = 5) and αCT11 (n = 7), a Cx43 mimetic peptide that promotes GJ connectivity, significantly reduced DIS ALT by 60% and 100%, respectively (P < 0.05; P < 0.005), and this reduction was associated with reduced intrinsic heterogeneities of action potential duration rather than changes in conduction velocity restitution. CONCLUSIONS These results provide the strongest in vivo evidence to date suggesting a causal relationship between spontaneous DIS ALT and VT/VF in a clinically realistic scenario. Furthermore, our results suggest that preserving GJs during resuscitation can suppress VT/VF rearrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Laurita
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
| | - Joseph S Piktel
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Laken Irish
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle Nassal
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Aurelia Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew McCauley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Gary Pawlowski
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adrienne T Dennis
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yi Suen
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Soufian Almahameed
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ohad Ziv
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech University, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Lance D Wilson
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Lei M, Salvage SC, Jackson AP, Huang CLH. Cardiac arrhythmogenesis: roles of ion channels and their functional modification. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1342761. [PMID: 38505707 PMCID: PMC10949183 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1342761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias cause significant morbidity and mortality and pose a major public health problem. They arise from disruptions in the normally orderly propagation of cardiac electrophysiological activation and recovery through successive cardiomyocytes in the heart. They reflect abnormalities in automaticity, initiation, conduction, or recovery in cardiomyocyte excitation. The latter properties are dependent on surface membrane electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the cardiac action potential. Their disruption results from spatial or temporal instabilities and heterogeneities in the generation and propagation of cellular excitation. These arise from abnormal function in their underlying surface membrane, ion channels, and transporters, as well as the interactions between them. The latter, in turn, form common regulatory targets for the hierarchical network of diverse signaling mechanisms reviewed here. In addition to direct molecular-level pharmacological or physiological actions on these surface membrane biomolecules, accessory, adhesion, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal anchoring proteins modify both their properties and localization. At the cellular level of excitation-contraction coupling processes, Ca2+ homeostatic and phosphorylation processes affect channel activity and membrane excitability directly or through intermediate signaling. Systems-level autonomic cellular signaling exerts both acute channel and longer-term actions on channel expression. Further upstream intermediaries from metabolic changes modulate the channels both themselves and through modifying Ca2+ homeostasis. Finally, longer-term organ-level inflammatory and structural changes, such as fibrotic and hypertrophic remodeling, similarly can influence all these physiological processes with potential pro-arrhythmic consequences. These normal physiological processes may target either individual or groups of ionic channel species and alter with particular pathological conditions. They are also potentially alterable by direct pharmacological action, or effects on longer-term targets modifying protein or cofactor structure, expression, or localization. Their participating specific biomolecules, often clarified in experimental genetically modified models, thus constitute potential therapeutic targets. The insights clarified by the physiological and pharmacological framework outlined here provide a basis for a recent modernized drug classification. Together, they offer a translational framework for current drug understanding. This would facilitate future mechanistically directed therapeutic advances, for which a number of examples are considered here. The latter are potentially useful for treating cardiac, in particular arrhythmic, disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C. Salvage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Otani NF, Figueroa E, Garrison J, Hewson M, Muñoz L, Fenton FH, Karma A, Weinberg SH. Ephaptic Coupling as a Resolution to the Paradox of Action Potential Wave Speed and Discordant Alternans Spatial Scales in the Heart. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 130:218401. [PMID: 37295103 PMCID: PMC10688031 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.130.218401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous computer simulations have suggested that existing models of action potential wave propagation in the heart are not consistent with observed wave propagation behavior. Specifically, computer models cannot simultaneously reproduce the rapid wave speeds and small spatial scales of discordant alternans patterns measured experimentally in the same simulation. The discrepancy is important, because discordant alternans can be a key precursor to the development of abnormal and dangerous rapid rhythms in the heart. In this Letter, we show that this paradox can be resolved by allowing so-called ephaptic coupling to play a primary role in wave front propagation in place of conventional gap-junction coupling. With this modification, physiological wave speeds and small discordant alternans spatial scales both occur with gap-junction resistance values that are more in line with those observed in experiments. Our theory thus also provides support to the hypothesis that ephaptic coupling plays an important role in normal wave propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels F. Otani
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - Eileen Figueroa
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - James Garrison
- Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia 23943, USA
| | - Michelle Hewson
- Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, USA
| | - Laura Muñoz
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | | | - Alain Karma
- Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Otani NF, Figueroa E, Garrison J, Hewson M, Muñoz L, Fenton FH, Karma A, Weinberg SH. Role of ephaptic coupling in discordant alternans domain sizes and action potential propagation in the heart. Phys Rev E 2023; 107:054407. [PMID: 37329030 PMCID: PMC10688036 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.107.054407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Discordant alternans, the spatially out-of-phase alternation of the durations of propagating action potentials in the heart, has been linked to the onset of fibrillation, a major cardiac rhythm disorder. The sizes of the regions, or domains, within which these alternations are synchronized are critical in this link. However, computer models employing standard gap junction-based coupling between cells have been unable to reproduce simultaneously the small domain sizes and rapid action potential propagation speeds seen in experiments. Here we use computational methods to show that rapid wave speeds and small domain sizes are possible when a more detailed model of intercellular coupling that accounts for so-called ephaptic effects is used. We provide evidence that the smaller domain sizes are possible, because different coupling strengths can exist on the wavefronts, for which both ephaptic and gap-junction coupling are involved, in contrast to the wavebacks, where only gap-junction coupling plays an active role. The differences in coupling strength are due to the high density of fast-inward (sodium) channels known to localize on the ends of cardiac cells, which are only active (and thus engage ephaptic coupling) during wavefront propagation. Thus, our results suggest that this distribution of fast-inward channels, as well as other factors responsible for the critical involvement of ephaptic coupling in wave propagation, including intercellular cleft spacing, play important roles in increasing the vulnerability of the heart to life-threatening tachyarrhythmias. Our results, combined with the absence of short-wavelength discordant alternans domains in standard gap-junction-dominated coupling models, also provide evidence that both gap-junction and ephaptic coupling are critical in wavefront propagation and waveback dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels F. Otani
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - Eileen Figueroa
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - James Garrison
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia 23943, USA
| | - Michelle Hewson
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, USA
| | - Laura Muñoz
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - Flavio H. Fenton
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Alain Karma
- Physics Department and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Complex Systems, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Seth H. Weinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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Levosimendan attenuates electrical alternans and prevents ventricular arrhythmia during therapeutic hypothermia in isolated rabbit hearts. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:744-753. [PMID: 36804540 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) increases the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) by prolonging action potential duration (APD) and facilitating arrhythmogenic spatially discordant alternans (SDA). Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer, has been reported to shorten APD by enhancing the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K current. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that, during TH, levosimendan shortens the already prolonged APD, attenuates SDA, and prevents VA. METHODS Langendorff-perfused isolated rabbit hearts were subjected to TH (30°C) for 15 minutes, followed by treatment with either levosimendan 0.5 μM (n = 9) or vehicle (n = 8) for an additional 30 minutes under TH. Using an optical mapping system, epicardial APD was evaluated by S1 pacing. SDA threshold was defined as the longest pacing cycle length (PCL) that induces the phenomenon of SDA. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) inducibility was evaluated by burst pacing for 30 seconds at the shortest PCL that achieved 1:1 ventricular capture. RESULTS During TH, levosimendan shortened ventricular APD (PCL 400 ms; from 259 ± 8 ms to 241 ± 18 ms; P = .036) and decreased SDA threshold (from 327 ± 88 ms to 311 ± 68 ms; P = .011). VF inducibility was lowered from 39% ± 30% to 14% ± 12% with levosimendan (P = .018), whereas APD at PCL 400 ms (P = .161), SDA threshold (P = 1), and VF inducibility (P = .173) were not changed by vehicle. CONCLUSION During TH, levosimendan could protect hearts against VA by shortening APD and decreasing SDA threshold. Enhancing ATP-sensitive K current with levosimendan might be a novel approach to preventing VA during TH.
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Durkina AV, Bernikova OG, Gonotkov MA, Mikhaleva NJ, Sedova KA, Malykhina IA, Kuzmin VS, Velegzhaninov IO, Azarov JE. Melatonin treatment improves ventricular conduction via upregulation of Nav1.5 channel proteins and sodium current in the normal rat heart. J Pineal Res 2022; 73:e12798. [PMID: 35384053 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin treatment was reported to reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, and crucial for this antiarrhythmic action was the effect of melatonin on activation spread. The aim of the present study was evaluation of the mechanisms of this activation enhancement. Experiments were performed in a total of 123 control and melatonin-treated (10 mg/kg, daily, for 7 days) male Wistar rats. In epicardial mapping studies (64 leads, interlead distance 0.5 mm) in the anesthetized animals, activation times (ATs) were determined in each lead as dV/dt minimum during QRS complex under sinus rhythm. Epicardial pacing was performed to measure conduction velocity (CV) across the mapped area. Average left ventricular ATs were shorter in the treated animals as compared to the controls, whereas the minimal epicardial ATs indicating the duration of activation propagation via the ventricular conduction system did not differ between the groups. CV was higher in the treated groups indicating that melatonin affected conduction via contractile myocardium The area of Cx43-derived fluorescence, as well as the expression of Cx43 protein, was similar in ventricles in the control and melatonin-treated groups. Expression of Gja1 gene transcripts encoding Cx43, was increased in the last group. An uncoupling agent octanol modified myocardial conduction properties (time of activation, action potential upstroke velocity, passive electrotonic phase duration) similarly in both groups. On the other hand, the expression of both Scn5a gene transcripts encoding Nav1.5 proteins, as well as peak density of transmembrane sodium current were increased in the ventricular myocytes from the melatonin-treated animals. Thus, a week-long melatonin treatment caused the increase of conduction velocity via enhancement of sodium channel proteins expression and increase of sodium current in the ventricular myocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra V Durkina
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Olesya G Bernikova
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Gonotkov
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Natalia J Mikhaleva
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Ksenia A Sedova
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Inna A Malykhina
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav S Kuzmin
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya O Velegzhaninov
- Department of Radioecology, Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Centre, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Jan E Azarov
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
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Lee HL, Chang PC, Wo HT, Liu HT, Wen MS, Chou CC. Beneficial Electrophysiological Effects of Rotigaptide Are Unable to Suppress Therapeutic Hypothermia-Provoked Ventricular Fibrillation in Failing Rabbit Hearts With Acute Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Front Physiol 2021; 12:726389. [PMID: 34588996 PMCID: PMC8473906 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.726389] [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] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Whether therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is proarrhythmic in preexisting failing hearts with acute ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is unknown. Additionally, the effectiveness of rotigaptide on improving conduction slowing in hearts with IR injury is ambiguous. We investigated the electrophysiological effects of TH and rotigaptide in failing rabbit hearts with acute IR injury and determined the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods and Results: Heart failure was induced by right ventricular pacing (320 beats/min, 4 weeks). Rabbits with pacing-induced heart failure were randomly divided into TH (n = 14) and non-TH (n = 7) groups. The IR rabbit model was created by ligating the coronary artery for 60 min, followed by reperfusion for 15 min in vivo. Then, the hearts were excised quickly and Langendorff-perfused for simultaneous voltage and intracellular Ca2+ (Cai) optical mapping. Electrophysiological studies were conducted, and vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation (VF) was evaluated using pacing protocols. TH (33°C) was instituted after baseline studies, and electrophysiological studies were repeated. Rotigaptide (300 nM) was infused for 20 min, and electrophysiological studies were repeated under TH. Cardiac tissues were sampled for Western blotting. TH increased the dispersion and beat-to-beat variability of action potential duration (APD), aggravated conduction slowing, and prolonged Cai decay to facilitate spatially discordant alternans (SDA) and VF induction. Rotigaptide reduced the dispersion and beat-to-beat variability of APD and improved slowed conduction to defer the onset of arrhythmogenic SDA by dynamic pacing and elevate the pacing threshold of VF during TH. However, the effect of rotigaptide on TH-enhanced VF inducibility was statistically insignificant. TH attenuated IR-induced dysregulation of protein expression, but its functional role remained uncertain. Conclusion: Therapeutic hypothermia is proarrhythmic in failing hearts with acute IR injury. Rotigaptide improves TH-induced APD dispersion and beat-to-beat variability and conduction disturbance to defer the onset of arrhythmogenic SDA and elevate the VF threshold by dynamic pacing, but these beneficial electrophysiological effects are unable to suppress TH-enhanced VF inducibility significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ling Lee
- Department of Anesthesia, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ta Wo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Tien Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shien Wen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chuan Chou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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Jost N, Christ T, Magyar J. New Strategies for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090926. [PMID: 34577626 PMCID: PMC8466466 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia in the clinical practice. It significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality of the elderly population. Over the past 25-30 years intense effort in basic research has advanced the understanding of the relationship between the pathophysiology of AF and atrial remodelling. Nowadays it is clear that the various forms of atrial remodelling (electrical, contractile and structural) play crucial role in initiating and maintaining the persistent and permanent types of AF. Unlike in ventricular fibrillation, in AF rapid ectopic firing originating from pulmonary veins and re-entry mechanism may induce and maintain (due to atrial remodelling) this complex cardiac arrhythmia. The present review presents and discusses in detail the latest knowledge on the role of remodelling in AF. Special attention is paid to novel concepts and pharmacological targets presumably relevant to the drug treatment of atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Torsten Christ
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - János Magyar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Bragard J, Witt A, Laroze D, Hawks C, Elorza J, Rodríguez Cantalapiedra I, Peñaranda A, Echebarria B. Conductance heterogeneities induced by multistability in the dynamics of coupled cardiac gap junctions. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2021; 31:073144. [PMID: 34340360 DOI: 10.1063/5.0053651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we study the propagation of the cardiac action potential in a one-dimensional fiber, where cells are electrically coupled through gap junctions (GJs). We consider gap junctional gate dynamics that depend on the intercellular potential. We find that different GJs in the tissue can end up in two different states: a low conducting state and a high conducting state. We first present evidence of the dynamical multistability that occurs by setting specific parameters of the GJ dynamics. Subsequently, we explain how the multistability is a direct consequence of the GJ stability problem by reducing the dynamical system's dimensions. The conductance dispersion usually occurs on a large time scale, i.e., thousands of heartbeats. The full cardiac model simulations are computationally demanding, and we derive a simplified model that allows for a reduction in the computational cost of four orders of magnitude. This simplified model reproduces nearly quantitatively the results provided by the original full model. We explain the discrepancies between the two models due to the simplified model's lack of spatial correlations. This simplified model provides a valuable tool to explore cardiac dynamics over very long time scales. That is highly relevant in studying diseases that develop on a large time scale compared to the basic heartbeat. As in the brain, plasticity and tissue remodeling are crucial parameters in determining the action potential wave propagation's stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bragard
- Departamento de Física y Matemática Aplicada, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31080, Spain
| | - A Witt
- Max-Planck Institute, Gottingen 37077, Germany
| | - D Laroze
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, CEDENNA, Universidad de Tarapacá, Casilla 7D, Arica, Chile
| | - C Hawks
- Departamento de Física y Matemática Aplicada, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31080, Spain
| | - J Elorza
- Departamento de Física y Matemática Aplicada, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31080, Spain
| | | | - A Peñaranda
- Departament de Física, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona 08068, Spain
| | - B Echebarria
- Departament de Física, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona 08068, Spain
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10
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Tsai YN, Cheng WH, Chang YT, Hsiao YW, Chang TY, Hsieh YC, Lin YJ, Lo LW, Chao TF, Kuo MJ, Higa S, Chang SL, Chen SA. Mechanism of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor in suppression of ventricular arrhythmia. J Cardiol 2021; 78:275-284. [PMID: 34059408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) suppression of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of ARNi-related suppression of VA in a heart failure (HF) model. METHODS New Zealand white rabbits (n = 6 per group) were assigned to normal, HF [4 weeks of left ascending artery (LAD) ligation], angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB, valsartan at 27 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks after 1 week of LAD ligation), and ARNi (sacubitril at 34 mg/kg/day and valsartan at 27 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks after 1 week of LAD ligation) groups. Experiments involving echocardiogram, optical mapping, histological of trichrome stain and immunostain, and flow cytometry were performed. RESULTS HF group had larger left ventricular (LV) internal dimensions in diastole and systole, and lower LV ejection fraction and fractional shortening than normal, ARB, and ARNi groups. HF group had a prolonged action potential duration (APD) and decreased conduction velocity (CV), which was mitigated in ARB and ARNi groups. HF group had a prolonged QRS duration, QT and QTc intervals, which was reversed in ARB and ARNi groups. HF group had a steeper maximum slope of APD restitutions, which was attenuated in normal, ARB, and ARNi groups. HF group had increased number of phase singularities (PSs) and VA inducibility than normal, ARB, and ARNi groups. A higher content of fibrosis was found in HF group than that in normal, ARB, and ARNi groups. Compared to ARB group, ARNi had a lower context of fibrosis. HF group had more peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ cells count than normal, ARB, and ARNi group. CONCLUSIONS In a rabbit model of ischemic HF, ventricular arrhythmogenesis could be suppressed by ARNi treatment. This appears to be mediated by reversing changes in the APD, CV, maximum slope of the APDR, PSs, fibrosis, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Nan Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Han Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ting Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Hsiao
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yung Chang
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Hsieh
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yenn-Jiang Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Lo
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Fan Chao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Kuo
- Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Satoshi Higa
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Laboratory, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Makiminato Central Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shih-Lin Chang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Heart Rhythm Center and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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11
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Handa BS, Li X, Baxan N, Roney CH, Shchendrygina A, Mansfield CA, Jabbour RJ, Pitcher DS, Chowdhury RA, Peters NS, Ng FS. Ventricular fibrillation mechanism and global fibrillatory organization are determined by gap junction coupling and fibrosis pattern. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1078-1090. [PMID: 32402067 PMCID: PMC7983010 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Conflicting data exist supporting differing mechanisms for sustaining ventricular fibrillation (VF), ranging from disorganized multiple-wavelet activation to organized rotational activities (RAs). Abnormal gap junction (GJ) coupling and fibrosis are important in initiation and maintenance of VF. We investigated whether differing ventricular fibrosis patterns and the degree of GJ coupling affected the underlying VF mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS Optical mapping of 65 Langendorff-perfused rat hearts was performed to study VF mechanisms in control hearts with acute GJ modulation, and separately in three differing chronic ventricular fibrosis models; compact fibrosis (CF), diffuse fibrosis (DiF), and patchy fibrosis (PF). VF dynamics were quantified with phase mapping and frequency dominance index (FDI) analysis, a power ratio of the highest amplitude dominant frequency in the cardiac frequency spectrum. Enhanced GJ coupling with rotigaptide (n = 10) progressively organized fibrillation in a concentration-dependent manner; increasing FDI (0 nM: 0.53 ± 0.04, 80 nM: 0.78 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), increasing RA-sustained VF time (0 nM: 44 ± 6%, 80 nM: 94 ± 2%, P < 0.001), and stabilized RAs (maximum rotations for an RA; 0 nM: 5.4 ± 0.5, 80 nM: 48.2 ± 12.3, P < 0.001). GJ uncoupling with carbenoxolone progressively disorganized VF; the FDI decreased (0 µM: 0.60 ± 0.05, 50 µM: 0.17 ± 0.03, P < 0.001) and RA-sustained VF time decreased (0 µM: 61 ± 9%, 50 µM: 3 ± 2%, P < 0.001). In CF, VF activity was disorganized and the RA-sustained VF time was the lowest (CF: 27 ± 7% vs. PF: 75 ± 5%, P < 0.001). Global fibrillatory organization measured by FDI was highest in PF (PF: 0.67 ± 0.05 vs. CF: 0.33 ± 0.03, P < 0.001). PF harboured the longest duration and most spatially stable RAs (patchy: 1411 ± 266 ms vs. compact: 354 ± 38 ms, P < 0.001). DiF (n = 11) exhibited an intermediately organized VF pattern, sustained by a combination of multiple-wavelets and short-lived RAs. CONCLUSION The degree of GJ coupling and pattern of fibrosis influences the mechanism sustaining VF. There is a continuous spectrum of organization in VF, ranging between globally organized fibrillation sustained by stable RAs and disorganized, possibly multiple-wavelet driven fibrillation with no RAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balvinder S Handa
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Xinyang Li
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nicoleta Baxan
- Biological Imaging Centre, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline H Roney
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Bioengineering, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Anastasia Shchendrygina
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Catherine A Mansfield
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Richard J Jabbour
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - David S Pitcher
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rasheda A Chowdhury
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nicholas S Peters
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, ICTEM Building, 72 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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12
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Tsai YN, Hsiao YW, Lin SF, Chan YH, Hsieh YC, Tang WH, Lee AS, Huang YT, Li HY, Chao TF, Higa S, Wu TJ, Chang SL, Chen SA. Proinflammatory Cytokine Modulates Intracellular Calcium Handling and Enhances Ventricular Arrhythmia Susceptibility. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:623510. [PMID: 33796569 PMCID: PMC8007768 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.623510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mechanism of Interleukin-17 (IL-17) induced ventricular arrhythmia (VA) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intracellular calcium (Cai) handling and VA susceptibility by IL-17. Methods: The electrophysiological properties of isolated perfused rabbit hearts under IL-17 (20 ng/ml, N = 6) and the IL-17 with neutralizer (0.4 μg/ml, N = 6) were evaluated using an optical mapping system. The action potential duration (APD) and Cai transient duration (CaiTD) were examined, and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of ion channels was performed. Results: There were longer APD80, CaiTD80 and increased thresholds of APD and CaiTD alternans, the maximum slope of APD restitution and induction of VA threshold in IL-17 group compared with those in IL-17 neutralizer and baseline groups. During ventricular fibrillation, the number of phase singularities and dominant frequency were both significantly greater in IL-17 group than in baseline group. The mRNA expressions of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, phospholamban, and ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channel were upregulated, and the subunit of L-type Ca2+ current and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a were significantly reduced in IL-17 group compared to baseline and IL-17 neutralizer group. Conclusions: IL-17 enhanced CaiTD and APD alternans through disturbances in calcium handling, which may increase VA susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Nan Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Hsiao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shien-Fong Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chiao-Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Chan
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Hsieh
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hua Tang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - An-Sheng Lee
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Yuan Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Fan Chao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Satoshi Higa
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Laboratory, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Makiminato Central Hospital, Urasoe, Japan
| | - Tsu-Juey Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Lin Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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You T, Luo C, Zhang K, Zhang H. Electrophysiological Mechanisms Underlying T-Wave Alternans and Their Role in Arrhythmogenesis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:614946. [PMID: 33746768 PMCID: PMC7969788 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.614946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T-wave alternans (TWA) reflects every-other-beat alterations in the morphology of the electrocardiogram ST segment or T wave in the setting of a constant heart rate, hence, in the absence of heart rate variability. It is believed to be associated with the dispersion of repolarization and has been used as a non-invasive marker for predicting the risk of malignant cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death as numerous studies have shown. This review aims to provide up-to-date review on both experimental and simulation studies in elucidating possible mechanisms underlying the genesis of TWA at the cellular level, as well as the genesis of spatially concordant/discordant alternans at the tissue level, and their transition to cardiac arrhythmia. Recent progress and future perspectives in antiarrhythmic therapies associated with TWA are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting You
- Key Lab of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cunjin Luo
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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14
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Yang TT, Qian F, Liu L, Peng XC, Huang JR, Ren BX, Tang FR. Astroglial connexins in epileptogenesis. Seizure 2020; 84:122-128. [PMID: 33348235 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The astroglial network connected through gap junctions assembling from connexins physiologically balances the concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters around neurons. Astrocytic dysfunction has been associated with many neurological disorders including epilepsy. Dissociated gap junctions result in the increased activity of connexin hemichannels which triggers brain pathophysiological changes. Previous studies in patients and animal models of epilepsy indicate that the reduced gap junction coupling from assembled connexin hemichannels in the astrocytes may play an important role in epileptogenesis. This abnormal cell-to-cell communication is now emerging as an important feature of brain pathologies and being considered as a novel therapeutic target for controlling epileptogenesis. In particular, candidate drugs with ability of inhibition of connexin hemichannel activity and enhancement of gap junction formation in astrocytes should be explored to prevent epileptogenesis and control epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China.
| | - Lian Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Jiang-Rong Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Bo-Xu Ren
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Feng-Ru Tang
- Radiobiology Research Laboratory, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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15
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Zhao N, Li Q, Zhang K, Wang K, He R, Yuan Y, Zhang H. Heart failure-induced atrial remodelling promotes electrical and conduction alternans. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1008048. [PMID: 32658888 PMCID: PMC7402519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is associated with an increased propensity for atrial fibrillation (AF), causing higher mortality than AF or HF alone. It is hypothesized that HF-induced remodelling of atrial cellular and tissue properties promotes the genesis of atrial action potential (AP) alternans and conduction alternans that perpetuate AF. However, the mechanism underlying the increased susceptibility to atrial alternans in HF remains incompletely elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of how HF-induced atrial cellular electrophysiological (with prolonged AP duration) and tissue structural (reduced cell-to-cell coupling caused by atrial fibrosis) remodelling can have an effect on the generation of atrial AP alternans and their conduction at the cellular and one-dimensional (1D) tissue levels. Simulation results showed that HF-induced atrial electrical remodelling prolonged AP duration, which was accompanied by an increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content and Ca2+ transient amplitude. Further analysis demonstrated that HF-induced atrial electrical remodelling increased susceptibility to atrial alternans mainly due to the increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) Ca2+ reuptake, modulated by increased phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation, and the decreased transient outward K+ current (Ito). The underlying mechanism has been suggested that the increased SR Ca2+ content and prolonged AP did not fully recover to their previous levels at the end of diastole, resulting in a smaller SR Ca2+ release and AP in the next beat. These produced Ca2+ transient alternans and AP alternans, and further caused AP alternans and Ca2+ transient alternans through Ca2+→AP coupling and AP→Ca2+ coupling, respectively. Simulation of a 1D tissue model showed that the combined action of HF-induced ion channel remodelling and a decrease in cell-to-cell coupling due to fibrosis increased the heart tissue’s susceptibility to the formation of spatially discordant alternans, resulting in an increased functional AP propagation dispersion, which is pro-arrhythmic. These findings provide insights into how HF promotes atrial arrhythmia in association with atrial alternans. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults, especially in the elderly, with the increased incidence of stroke being a major complication that increases morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of AF is often accompanied by heart failure (HF). AF and HF are also known to have the bidirectional relationship that AF worsens HF and HF promotes AF. HF can induce atrial remodelling, including electrical remodelling, atrial fibrosis, stretch and dilatation, and oxidative stress, in which many factors are associated with arrhythmogenic atrial alternans. HF-induced atrial remodelling varies during various stages and complications of HF, but possible mechanisms underlying their pro-susceptibility to alternans have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of HF-induced atrial remodelling with prolonged action potential duration (APD) and decreased cell-to-cell coupling on susceptibility to atrial alternans. Simulation results showed that HF-induced an increase in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) Ca2+ reuptake caused by increased phospholamban phosphorylation and a decrease in transient outward K+ current played significant roles in the genesis of Ca2+ transient alternans and action potential alternans at the single-cell level. The HF-induced decline of cell-to-cell coupling and APD prolongation promoted the genesis of spatially discordant alternans in atrial tissue. This provides insights into how HF facilitates atrial arrhythmia in relation to atrial alternans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Qince Li
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kevin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Imperial College of London, United Kingdom
| | - Kuanquan Wang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Runnan He
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yongfeng Yuan
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Henggui Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Hsieh YC, Hsieh WH, Li CH, Liao YC, Lin JC, Weng CJ, Lo MT, Tuan TC, Lin SF, Yeh HI, Huang JL, Haugan K, Larsen BD, Lin YJ, Lin WW, Wu TJ, Chen SA. Ventricular divergence correlates with epicardial wavebreaks and predicts ventricular arrhythmia in isolated rabbit hearts during therapeutic hypothermia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228818. [PMID: 32084145 PMCID: PMC7034916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High beat-to-beat morphological variation (divergence) on the ventricular electrogram during programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) is associated with increased risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF), with unclear mechanisms. We hypothesized that ventricular divergence is associated with epicardial wavebreaks during PVS, and that it predicts VF occurrence. METHOD AND RESULTS Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n = 10) underwent 30-min therapeutic hypothermia (TH, 30°C), followed by a 20-min treatment with rotigaptide (300 nM), a gap junction modifier. VF inducibility was tested using burst ventricular pacing at the shortest pacing cycle length achieving 1:1 ventricular capture. Pseudo-ECG (p-ECG) and epicardial activation maps were simultaneously recorded for divergence and wavebreaks analysis, respectively. A total of 112 optical and p-ECG recordings (62 at TH, 50 at TH treated with rotigaptide) were analyzed. Adding rotigaptide reduced ventricular divergence, from 0.13±0.10 at TH to 0.09±0.07 (p = 0.018). Similarly, rotigaptide reduced the number of epicardial wavebreaks, from 0.59±0.73 at TH to 0.30±0.49 (p = 0.036). VF inducibility decreased, from 48±31% at TH to 22±32% after rotigaptide infusion (p = 0.032). Linear regression models showed that ventricular divergence correlated with epicardial wavebreaks during TH (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Ventricular divergence correlated with, and might be predictive of epicardial wavebreaks during PVS at TH. Rotigaptide decreased both the ventricular divergence and epicardial wavebreaks, and reduced the probability of pacing-induced VF during TH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Hsieh
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Data Science and Big Data Analytics and Department of Financial Engineering, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Wan-Hsin Hsieh
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hung Li
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Data Science and Big Data Analytics and Department of Financial Engineering, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Liao
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Data Science and Big Data Analytics and Department of Financial Engineering, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Cherng Lin
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Data Science and Big Data Analytics and Department of Financial Engineering, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jen Weng
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Data Science and Big Data Analytics and Department of Financial Engineering, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Men-Tzung Lo
- Research Center for Adaptive Data Analysis, National Central University, Jhongli City, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chuan Tuan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shien-Fong Lin
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chiao-Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hung-I Yeh
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Long Huang
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ketil Haugan
- Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Yenn-Jiang Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Lin
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Juey Wu
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Chiayi Branch, Taichung and Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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17
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Swift LM, Burke M, Guerrelli D, Reilly M, Ramadan M, McCullough D, Prudencio T, Mulvany C, Chaluvadi A, Jaimes R, Posnack NG. Age-dependent changes in electrophysiology and calcium handling: implications for pediatric cardiac research. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 318:H354-H365. [PMID: 31886723 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00521.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Rodent models are frequently employed in cardiovascular research, yet our understanding of pediatric cardiac physiology has largely been deduced from more simplified two-dimensional cell studies. Previous studies have shown that postnatal development includes an alteration in the expression of genes and proteins involved in cell coupling, ion channels, and intracellular calcium handling. Accordingly, we hypothesized that postnatal cell maturation is likely to lead to dynamic alterations in whole heart electrophysiology and calcium handling. To test this hypothesis, we employed multiparametric imaging and electrophysiological techniques to quantify developmental changes from neonate to adult. In vivo electrocardiograms were collected to assess changes in heart rate, variability, and atrioventricular conduction (Sprague-Dawley rats). Intact, whole hearts were transferred to a Langendorff-perfusion system for multiparametric imaging (voltage, calcium). Optical mapping was performed in conjunction with an electrophysiology study to assess cardiac dynamics throughout development. Postnatal age was associated with an increase in the heart rate (181 ± 34 vs. 429 ± 13 beats/min), faster atrioventricular conduction (94 ± 13 vs. 46 ± 3 ms), shortened action potentials (APD80: 113 ± 18 vs. 60 ± 17 ms), and decreased ventricular refractoriness (VERP: 157 ± 45 vs. 57 ± 14 ms; neonatal vs. adults, means ± SD, P < 0.05). Calcium handling matured with development, resulting in shortened calcium transient durations (168 ± 18 vs. 117 ± 14 ms) and decreased propensity for calcium transient alternans (160 ± 18- vs. 99 ± 11-ms cycle length threshold; neonatal vs. adults, mean ± SD, P < 0.05). Results of this study can serve as a comprehensive baseline for future studies focused on pediatric disease modeling and/or preclinical testing.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to assess cardiac electrophysiology and calcium handling throughout postnatal development, using both in vivo and whole heart models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luther M Swift
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Morgan Burke
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Devon Guerrelli
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Marissa Reilly
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Manelle Ramadan
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Damon McCullough
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Tomas Prudencio
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Colm Mulvany
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ashika Chaluvadi
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Rafael Jaimes
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nikki Gillum Posnack
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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18
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Kanaporis G, Kalik ZM, Blatter LA. Action potential shortening rescues atrial calcium alternans. J Physiol 2018; 597:723-740. [PMID: 30412286 DOI: 10.1113/jp277188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Cardiac alternans refers to a beat-to-beat alternation in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology and Ca2+ transient (CaT) amplitude, and represents a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation. We developed strategies to pharmacologically manipulate the AP waveform with the goal to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of CaT and contraction alternans in atrial tissue. With combined patch-clamp and intracellular Ca2+ measurements we investigated the effect of specific ion channel inhibitors and activators on alternans. In single rabbit atrial myocytes, suppression of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels eliminated AP duration alternans, but prolonged the AP and failed to eliminate CaT alternans. In contrast, activation of K+ currents (IKs and IKr ) shortened the AP and eliminated both AP duration and CaT alternans. As demonstrated also at the whole heart level, activation of K+ conductances represents a promising strategy to suppress alternans, and thus reducing a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. ABSTRACT At the cellular level alternans is observed as beat-to-beat alternations in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology and magnitude of the Ca2+ transient (CaT). Alternans is a well-established risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation. This study investigates whether pharmacological manipulation of AP morphology is a viable strategy to reduce the risk of arrhythmogenic CaT alternans. Pacing-induced AP and CaT alternans were studied in rabbit atrial myocytes using combined Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological measurements. Increased AP duration (APD) and beat-to-beat alternations in AP morphology lowered the pacing frequency threshold and increased the degree of CaT alternans. Inhibition of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels reduced beat-to-beat AP alternations, but prolonged APD and failed to suppress CaT alternans. In contrast, AP shortening induced by activators of two K+ channels (ML277 for Kv7.1 and NS1643 for Kv11.1) abolished both APD and CaT alternans in field-stimulated and current-clamped myocytes. K+ channel activators had no effect on the degree of Ca2+ alternans in AP voltage-clamped cells, confirming that suppression of Ca2+ alternans was caused by the changes in AP morphology. Finally, activation of Kv11.1 channel significantly attenuated or even abolished atrial T-wave alternans in isolated Langendorff perfused hearts. In summary, AP shortening suppressed or completely eliminated both CaT and APD alternans in single atrial myocytes and atrial T-wave alternans at the whole heart level. Therefore, we suggest that AP shortening is a potential intervention to avert development of alternans with important ramifications for arrhythmia prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giedrius Kanaporis
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Zane M Kalik
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Lothar A Blatter
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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19
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Abstract
The connexin family of channel-forming proteins is present in every tissue type in the human anatomy. Connexins are best known for forming clustered intercellular channels, structurally known as gap junctions, where they serve to exchange members of the metabolome between adjacent cells. In their single-membrane hemichannel form, connexins can act as conduits for the passage of small molecules in autocrine and paracrine signalling. Here, we review the roles of connexins in health and disease, focusing on the potential of connexins as therapeutic targets in acquired and inherited diseases as well as wound repair, while highlighting the associated clinical challenges.
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20
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Chang SL, Hsiao YW, Tsai YN, Lin SF, Liu SH, Lin YJ, Lo LW, Chung FP, Chao TF, Hu YF, Tuan TC, Liao JN, Hsieh YC, Wu TJ, Higa S, Chen SA. Interleukin-17 enhances cardiac ventricular remodeling via activating MAPK pathway in ischemic heart failure. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2018; 122:69-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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21
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Sung YL, Wu CE, Syu JY, Kuo TBJ, Li JY, Chen CW, Weng CH, Hsu WH, Chen SA, Hu YF, Lin SF. Effects of long-term exercise on arrhythmogenesis in aged hypertensive rats. Comput Biol Med 2018; 102:390-395. [PMID: 30144936 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hypertension is a multifactorial disease that is highly associated with cardiovascular disorders. Physical activity, such as long-term exercise, is advocated as a treatment for hypertension, but the responses of different age groups to long-term exercise are unknown. We used aged spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs, 80 weeks old) to test the hypothesis that long-term exercise compensated for deficient autonomic control and reduced susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in this animal model. The aged SHRs were divided into control and voluntary exercise groups. Ambulatory electrocardiography was recorded for the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Programmed stimulation was applied to exposed hearts to induce ventricular arrhythmia in situ. Then, the hearts were isolated for an optical mapping study. The results showed that increased HRV indices were broadly related to vagal dominance in the high-intensity exercise group. Exercise altered the electrical propagation dynamic properties, such as the action potential duration restitution (APDR). Furthermore, the VF inducibility decreased with increased exercise intensity. Taken together, our results suggest that long-term exercise reduces the risk of arrhythmogenesis in aged SHRs through enhanced vagal control and stabilized electrical dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ling Sung
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-En Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jhen-Yang Syu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Terry B J Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Yi Li
- Department of Health and Leisure Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Wen Chen
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Weng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsuan Hsu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Hu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shien-Fong Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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22
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Montgomery J, Ghatnekar GS, Grek CL, Moyer KE, Gourdie RG. Connexin 43-Based Therapeutics for Dermal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061778. [PMID: 29914066 PMCID: PMC6032231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The most ubiquitous gap junction protein within the body, connexin 43 (Cx43), is a target of interest for modulating the dermal wound healing response. Observational studies found associations between Cx43 at the wound edge and poor healing response, and subsequent studies utilizing local knockdown of Cx43 found improvements in wound closure rate and final scar appearance. Further preclinical work conducted using Cx43-based peptide therapeutics, including alpha connexin carboxyl terminus 1 (αCT1), a peptide mimetic of the Cx43 carboxyl terminus, reported similar improvements in wound healing and scar formation. Clinical trials and further study into the mode of action have since been conducted on αCT1, and Phase III testing for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is currently underway. Therapeutics targeting connexin activity show promise in beneficially modulating the human body’s natural healing response for improved patient outcomes across a variety of injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Montgomery
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | | | | | - Kurtis E Moyer
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
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23
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Effect of Wenxin Granules on Gap Junction and MiR-1 in Rats with Myocardial Infarction. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:3495021. [PMID: 29094045 PMCID: PMC5637836 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3495021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) patients are at high risk of potential lethal arrhythmia. Gap junction and microRNA-1 (miR-1) are both arrhythmia generating conditions. The present study investigated whether Wenxin Granules (Wenxin-Keli, WXKL) could prevent potential lethal arrhythmia by improving gap junctions and miR-1 following MI. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into control, model, metoprolol, low dose WXKL, and high dose WXKL groups. The MI rat model was created by coronary artery ligation. Treatments were administrated intragastrically to the rats for 4 weeks. Conventional transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the ultrastructure of gap junctions. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of miR-1, protein kinase C (PKC), and related proteins. Additionally, a programmatic electrophysiological stimulation test was performed to detect the ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT). WXKL protected the ultrastructure of the gap junctions and their constituent Cx43 by regulating miR-1 and PKC mediated signal transduction and increased the VFT significantly in the rat MI model. The results suggested that WXKL is an effective alternative medicine to prevent potentially lethal arrhythmia following MI.
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24
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Kanaporis G, Blatter LA. Alternans in atria: Mechanisms and clinical relevance. MEDICINA-LITHUANIA 2017; 53:139-149. [PMID: 28666575 DOI: 10.1016/j.medici.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and its prevalence is rapidly rising with the aging of the population. Cardiac alternans, defined as cyclic beat-to-beat alternations in contraction force, action potential (AP) duration and intracellular Ca2+ release at constant stimulation rate, has been associated with the development of ventricular arrhythmias. Recent clinical data also provide strong evidence that alternans plays a central role in arrhythmogenesis in atria. The aim of this article is to review the mechanisms that are responsible for repolarization alternans and contribute to the transition from spatially concordant alternans to the more arrhythmogenic spatially discordant alternans in atria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giedrius Kanaporis
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA.
| | - Lothar A Blatter
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA
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25
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Tse G, Chan YWF, Keung W, Yan BP. Electrophysiological mechanisms of long and short QT syndromes. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2017; 14:8-13. [PMID: 28382321 PMCID: PMC5368285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The QT interval on the human electrocardiogram is normally in the order of 450 ms, and reflects the summated durations of action potential (AP) depolarization and repolarization of ventricular myocytes. Both prolongation and shortening in the QT interval have been associated with ventricular tachy-arrhythmias, which predispose affected individuals to sudden cardiac death. In this article, the molecular determinants of the AP duration and the causes of long and short QT syndromes (LQTS and SQTS) are explored. This is followed by a review of the recent advances on their arrhythmogenic mechanisms involving reentry and/or triggered activity based on experiments conducted in mouse models. Established and novel clinical risk markers based on the QT interval for the prediction of arrhythmic risk and cardiovascular mortality are presented here. It is concluded by a discussion on strategies for the future rational design of anti-arrhythmic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Yin Wah Fiona Chan
- Department of Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Keung
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Bryan P Yan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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26
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Tse G, Yeo JM, Tse V, Kwan J, Sun B. Gap junction inhibition by heptanol increases ventricular arrhythmogenicity by reducing conduction velocity without affecting repolarization properties or myocardial refractoriness in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4069-4074. [PMID: 27633494 PMCID: PMC5101880 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, arrhythmogenic effects of the gap junction inhibitor heptanol (0.05 mM) were examined in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. Monophasic action potential recordings were obtained from the left ventricular epicardium during right ventricular pacing. Regular activity was observed both prior and subsequent to application of heptanol in all of the 12 hearts studied during 8 Hz pacing. By contrast, induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) was observed after heptanol treatment in 6/12 hearts using a S1S2 protocol (Fisher's exact test; P<0.05). The arrhythmogenic effects of heptanol were associated with increased activation latencies from 13.2±0.6 to 19.4±1.3 msec (analysis of variance; P<0.001) and reduced conduction velocities (CVs) from 0.23±0.01 to 0.16±0.01 msec (analysis of variance; P<0.001) in an absence of alterations in action potential durations (ADPs) at x=90% (38.0±1.0 vs. 38.3±1.8 msec), 70% (16.8±1.0 vs. 19.5±0.9 msec), 50% (9.2±0.8 vs. 10.1±0.6 msec) or 30% (4.8±0.5 vs. 6.3±0.6 msec) repolarization (APDx) or in effective refractory period (ERPs) (39.6±1.9 vs. 40.6±3.0 msec) (all P>0.05). Consequently, excitation wavelengths (λ; CV x ERP) were reduced from 9.1±0.6 to 6.5±0.6 mm (P<0.01), however critical intervals for re‑excitation (APD90 ‑ ERP) were unaltered (‑1.1±2.4 vs. ‑2.3±1.8 msec; P>0.05). Together, these observations demonstrate for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that inhibition of gap junctions alone using a low heptanol concentration (0.05 mM) was able to reduce CV, which alone was sufficient to permit the induction of VT using premature stimulation by reducing λ, which therefore appears central in the determination of arrhythmic tendency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Jie Ming Yeo
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Vivian Tse
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Joseph Kwan
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Bing Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji University Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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27
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Tse G, Wong ST, Tse V, Lee YT, Lin HY, Yeo JM. Cardiac dynamics: Alternans and arrhythmogenesis. J Arrhythm 2016; 32:411-417. [PMID: 27761166 PMCID: PMC5063258 DOI: 10.1016/j.joa.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-existing heterogeneities present in cardiac tissue are essential for maintaining the normal electrical and mechanical functions of the heart. Exacerbation of such heterogeneities or the emergence of dynamic factors can produce repolarization alternans, which are beat-to-beat alternations in the action potential time course. Traditionally, this was explained by restitution, but additional factors, such as cardiac memory, calcium handling dynamics, refractory period restitution, and mechano-electric feedback, are increasingly recognized as the underlying causes. The aim of this article is to review the mechanisms that generate cardiac repolarization alternans and convert spatially concordant alternans to the more arrhythmogenic spatially discordant alternans. This is followed by a discussion on how alternans generate arrhythmias in a number of clinical scenarios, and concluded by an outline of future therapeutic targets for anti-arrhythmic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sheung Ting Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK
| | - Vivian Tse
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Canada
| | - Yee Ting Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hiu Yu Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jie Ming Yeo
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK
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28
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Choy L, Yeo JM, Tse V, Chan SP, Tse G. Cardiac disease and arrhythmogenesis: Mechanistic insights from mouse models. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2016; 12:1-10. [PMID: 27766308 PMCID: PMC5064289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The mouse is the second mammalian species, after the human, in which substantial amount of the genomic information has been analyzed. With advances in transgenic technology, mutagenesis is now much easier to carry out in mice. Consequently, an increasing number of transgenic mouse systems have been generated for the study of cardiac arrhythmias in ion channelopathies and cardiomyopathies. Mouse hearts are also amenable to physical manipulation such as coronary artery ligation and transverse aortic constriction to induce heart failure, radiofrequency ablation of the AV node to model complete AV block and even implantation of a miniature pacemaker to induce cardiac dyssynchrony. Last but not least, pharmacological models, despite being simplistic, have enabled us to understand the physiological mechanisms of arrhythmias and evaluate the anti-arrhythmic properties of experimental agents, such as gap junction modulators, that may be exert therapeutic effects in other cardiac diseases. In this article, we examine these in turn, demonstrating that primary inherited arrhythmic syndromes are now recognized to be more complex than abnormality in a particular ion channel, involving alterations in gene expression and structural remodelling. Conversely, in cardiomyopathies and heart failure, mutations in ion channels and proteins have been identified as underlying causes, and electrophysiological remodelling are recognized pathological features. Transgenic techniques causing mutagenesis in mice are extremely powerful in dissecting the relative contributions of different genes play in producing disease phenotypes. Mouse models can serve as useful systems in which to explore how protein defects contribute to arrhythmias and direct future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois Choy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jie Ming Yeo
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Vivian Tse
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Canada
| | - Shing Po Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gary Tse
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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29
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Tse G, Sun B, Wong ST, Tse V, Yeo JM. Anti-arrhythmic effects of hypercalcemia in hyperkalemic, Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. Biomed Rep 2016; 5:301-310. [PMID: 27588173 PMCID: PMC4998139 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the ventricular arrhythmic and electrophysiological properties during hyperkalemia (6.3 mM [K+] vs. 4 mM in normokalemia) and anti-arrhythmic effects of hypercalcemia (2.2 mM [Ca2+]) in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. Monophasic action potential recordings were obtained from the left ventricle during right ventricular pacing. Hyperkalemia increased the proportion of hearts showing provoked ventricular tachycardia (VT) from 0 to 6 of 7 hearts during programmed electrical stimulation (Fisher's exact test, P<0.05). It shortened the epicardial action potential durations (APDx) at 90, 70, 50 and 30% repolarization and ventricular effective refractory periods (VERPs) (analysis of variance, P<0.05) without altering activation latencies. Endocardial APDx and VERPs were unaltered. Consequently, ∆APDx (endocardial APDx-epicardial APDx) was increased, VERP/latency ratio was decreased and critical intervals for reexcitation (APD90-VERP) were unchanged. Hypercalcemia treatment exerted anti-arrhythmic effects during hyperkalemia, reducing the proportion of hearts showing VT to 1 of 7 hearts. It increased epicardial VERPs without further altering the remaining parameters, returning VERP/latency ratio to normokalemic values and also decreased the critical intervals. In conclusion, hyperkalemia exerted pro-arrhythmic effects by shortening APDs and VERPs. Hypercalcemia exerted anti-arrhythmic effects by reversing VERP changes, which scaled the VERP/latency ratio and critical intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Bing Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji University Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | | | - Vivian Tse
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jie Ming Yeo
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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30
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Tse G, Yeo JM, Chan YW, Lai ETHL, Yan BP. What Is the Arrhythmic Substrate in Viral Myocarditis? Insights from Clinical and Animal Studies. Front Physiol 2016; 7:308. [PMID: 27493633 PMCID: PMC4954848 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains an unsolved problem in the twenty-first century. It is often due to rapid onset, ventricular arrhythmias caused by a number of different clinical conditions. A proportion of SCD patients have identifiable diseases such as cardiomyopathies, but for others, the causes are unknown. Viral myocarditis is becoming increasingly recognized as a contributor to unexplained mortality, and is thought to be a major cause of SCD in the first two decades of life. Myocardial inflammation, ion channel dysfunction, electrophysiological, and structural remodeling may play important roles in generating life-threatening arrhythmias. The aim of this review article is to examine the electrophysiology of action potential conduction and repolarization and the mechanisms by which their derangements lead to triggered and reentrant arrhythmogenesis. By synthesizing experimental evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies, a framework of how host (inflammation), and viral (altered cellular signaling) factors can induce ion electrophysiological and structural remodeling is illustrated. Current pharmacological options are mainly supportive, which may be accompanied by mechanical circulatory support. Heart transplantation is the only curative option in the worst case scenario. Future strategies for the management of viral myocarditis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
| | - Jie M. Yeo
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Yin Wah Chan
- Department of Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK
| | - Eric T. H. Lai Lai
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
| | - Bryan P. Yan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
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31
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Tse G, Lai ETH, Yeo JM, Tse V, Wong SH. Mechanisms of Electrical Activation and Conduction in the Gastrointestinal System: Lessons from Cardiac Electrophysiology. Front Physiol 2016; 7:182. [PMID: 27303305 PMCID: PMC4885840 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an electrically excitable organ system containing multiple cell types, which coordinate electrical activity propagating through this tract. Disruption in its normal electrophysiology is observed in a number of GI motility disorders. However, this is not well characterized and the field of GI electrophysiology is much less developed compared to the cardiac field. The aim of this article is to use the established knowledge of cardiac electrophysiology to shed light on the mechanisms of electrical activation and propagation along the GI tract, and how abnormalities in these processes lead to motility disorders and suggest better treatment options based on this improved understanding. In the first part of the article, the ionic contributions to the generation of GI slow wave and the cardiac action potential (AP) are reviewed. Propagation of these electrical signals can be described by the core conductor theory in both systems. However, specifically for the GI tract, the following unique properties are observed: changes in slow wave frequency along its length, periods of quiescence, synchronization in short distances and desynchronization over long distances. These are best described by a coupled oscillator theory. Other differences include the diminished role of gap junctions in mediating this conduction in the GI tract compared to the heart. The electrophysiology of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastroparesis, and functional problems such as irritable bowel syndrome are discussed in detail, with reference to ion channel abnormalities and potential therapeutic targets. A deeper understanding of the molecular basis and physiological mechanisms underlying GI motility disorders will enable the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic tools and the advancement of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
| | - Eric Tsz Him Lai
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
| | - Jie Ming Yeo
- School of Medicine, Imperial College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Vivian Tse
- Department of Physiology, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Institute of Digestive Disease, LKS Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
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Majumder R, Engels MC, de Vries AAF, Panfilov AV, Pijnappels DA. Islands of spatially discordant APD alternans underlie arrhythmogenesis by promoting electrotonic dyssynchrony in models of fibrotic rat ventricular myocardium. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24334. [PMID: 27072041 PMCID: PMC4829862 DOI: 10.1038/srep24334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis and altered gap junctional coupling are key features of ventricular remodelling and are associated with abnormal electrical impulse generation and propagation. Such abnormalities predispose to reentrant electrical activity in the heart. In the absence of tissue heterogeneity, high-frequency impulse generation can also induce dynamic electrical instabilities leading to reentrant arrhythmias. However, because of the complexity and stochastic nature of such arrhythmias, the combined effects of tissue heterogeneity and dynamical instabilities in these arrhythmias have not been explored in detail. Here, arrhythmogenesis was studied using in vitro and in silico monolayer models of neonatal rat ventricular tissue with 30% randomly distributed cardiac myofibroblasts and systematically lowered intercellular coupling achieved in vitro through graded knockdown of connexin43 expression. Arrhythmia incidence and complexity increased with decreasing intercellular coupling efficiency. This coincided with the onset of a specialized type of spatially discordant action potential duration alternans characterized by island-like areas of opposite alternans phase, which positively correlated with the degree of connexinx43 knockdown and arrhythmia complexity. At higher myofibroblast densities, more of these islands were formed and reentrant arrhythmias were more easily induced. This is the first study exploring the combinatorial effects of myocardial fibrosis and dynamic electrical instabilities on reentrant arrhythmia initiation and complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupamanjari Majumder
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Centre Leiden, Leiden University Medical Enter, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marc C. Engels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Centre Leiden, Leiden University Medical Enter, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antoine A. F. de Vries
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Centre Leiden, Leiden University Medical Enter, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Daniël A. Pijnappels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Centre Leiden, Leiden University Medical Enter, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Tse G, Lai ETH, Tse V, Yeo JM. Molecular and Electrophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis in Diabetes Mellitus. J Diabetes Res 2016; 2016:2848759. [PMID: 27642609 PMCID: PMC5011530 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2848759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder with an ever increasing prevalence globally, placing significant burdens on our healthcare systems. It is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidities. One of the mechanisms by which it causes death is increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this article is to review the cardiac (ion channel abnormalities, electrophysiological and structural remodelling) and extracardiac factors (neural pathway remodelling) responsible for cardiac arrhythmogenesis in diabetes. It is concluded by an outline of molecular targets for future antiarrhythmic therapy for the diabetic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- *Gary Tse:
| | - Eric Tsz Him Lai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vivian Tse
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 1Y6
| | - Jie Ming Yeo
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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