Use of vitamins C and E as a prophylactic therapy to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation

Mechanism and prevention of atrial remodeling and their related genes in cardiovascular disorders

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with profound structural and functional changes in the atrium. Inflammation mediated atrial fibrosis is one of the key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AF. The collagen deposition in extracellular matrix (ECM) is mainly mediated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) which promotes AF via controlling smads mediated-collagen gene transcription and regulating the balance of metalloproteinases (MMPs)/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Although many processes can alter atrial properties and promote AF, animal models and clinical studies have provided insights into two major forms of atrial remodeling: Atrial tachycardia remodeling (ATR), which occurs with rapid atrial tachyarrhythmia's such as AF and atrial flutter, and atrial structural remodeling (ASR), which is associated with CHF and other fibrosis-promoting conditions. The mechanism of atrial remodeling such as atrial enlargement, ultra structural changes of atrial muscle tissue and myocardial interstitial fibrosis in AF is still unclear. At present, many studies focus on calcium overload, renin angiotensin aldosterone system and transforming growth factor β1, that effect on atrial structural remodeling. Recent experimental studies and clinical investigations have provided structural remodeling is important contributor to the AF. This paper reviews the current understanding of the progresses about mechanism of atrial structural remodeling, and highlights the potential therapeutic approaches aimed at attenuating structural remodeling to prevent AF. Now some recent advancements of this area are reviewed in this paper.

Effectiveness of Some Vitamins in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review

By virtue of their regulatory role in various metabolic and biosynthetic pathways for energy status and cellular integrity, both hydro-soluble and lipo-soluble vitamins are considered to be involved in maintaining cardiovascular function in health and disease. Deficiency of some vitamins such as vitamin A, B₆, folic acid, C, D, and E has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular abnormalities whereas supplementation with these vitamins has been claimed to reduce cardiovascular risk for hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, and heart failure. However, the data from several experimental and clinical studies for the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease due to vitamin deficiency as well as therapy due to different vitamins are conflicting. In this article, we have attempted to review the existing literature on the role of different vitamins in cardiovascular disease with respect to their deficiency and supplementation in addition to examining some issues regarding their involvement in heart disease. Although both epidemiological and observational studies have shown some merit in the use of different antioxidant vitamins for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, the results are not conclusive. Furthermore, in view of the complexities in the mechanisms of different cardiovascular disorders, no apparent involvement of any particular vitamin was seen in any specific cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, we have reviewed the evidence that deficiency of vitamin B₆ promoted KCl-induced Ca²⁺ entry and reduced ATP-induced Ca²⁺-entry in cardiomyocytes in addition to decreasing sarcolemmal (SL) ATP binding. The active metabolite of vitamin B₆, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, attenuated arrhythmias due to myocardial infarction (MI) as well as cardiac dysfunction and defects in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺-transport in the ischemic-reperfused hearts. These observations indicate that both deficiency of some vitamins as well as pretreatments with different vitamins showing antioxidant activity affect cardiac function, metabolism and cation transport, and support the view that antioxidant vitamins or their metabolites may be involved in the prevention rather than the therapy of cardiovascular disease.

Novel Combined Antioxidant Strategy against Hypertension, Acute Myocardial Infarction and Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a physiological role in the modulation of several functions of the vascular wall; however, increased ROS have detrimental effects. Hence, oxidative stress has pathophysiological impacts on the control of the vascular tone and cardiac functions. Recent experimental studies reported the involvement of increased ROS in the mechanism of hypertension, as this disorder associates with increased production of pro-oxidants and decreased bioavailability of antioxidants. In addition, increased ROS exposure is found in ischemia-reperfusion, occurring in acute myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation, among other settings. Although these effects cause major heart damage, at present, there is no available treatment. Therefore, it should be expected that antioxidants counteract the oxidative processes, thereby being suitable against cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, although numerous experimental studies agree with this notion, interventional trials have provided mixed results. A better knowledge of ROS modulation and their specific interaction with the molecular targets should contribute to the development of novel multitarget antioxidant effective therapeutic strategies. The complex multifactorial nature of hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, and postoperative atrial fibrillation needs a multitarget antioxidant strategy, which may give rise to additive or synergic protective effects to achieve optimal cardioprotection.

Role of Oxidative DNA Damage and Repair in Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Heart Disease

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) represent the two most common clinical cardiac diseases, characterized by angina, arrhythmia, myocardial damage, and cardiac dysfunction, significantly contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and posing a heavy socio-economic burden on society worldwide. Current treatments of these two diseases are mainly symptomatic and lack efficacy. There is thus an urgent need to develop novel therapies based on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Emerging evidence indicates that oxidative DNA damage might be a major underlying mechanism that promotes a variety of cardiac diseases, including AF and IHD. Antioxidants, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) boosters, and enzymes involved in oxidative DNA repair processes have been shown to attenuate oxidative damage to DNA, making them potential therapeutic targets for AF and IHD. In this review, we first summarize the main molecular mechanisms responsible for oxidative DNA damage and repair both in nuclei and mitochondria, then describe the effects of oxidative DNA damage on the development of AF and IHD, and finally discuss potential targets for oxidative DNA repair-based therapeutic approaches for these two cardiac diseases.

AGE-RAGE Stress in the Pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation and Its Treatment

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common of cardiac arrhythmias. Mechanisms such as atrial structural remodeling and electrical remodeling have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AF. The data to date suggest that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and its cell receptor RAGE (receptor for AGE) and soluble receptor (sRAGE) are involved in the pathogenesis of AF. This review focuses on the role of AGE-RAGE axis in the pathogenesis of AF. Interaction of AGE with RAGE generates reactive oxygen species, cytokines, and vascular cell adhesion molecules. sRAGE is a cytoprotective agent. The data show that serum levels of AGE and sRAGE, and expression of RAGE, are elevated in AF patients. Elevated levels of sRAGE did not protect the development of AF. This might be due to greater elevation of AGE than sRAGE. Measurement of AGE-RAGE stress (AGE/sRAGE) would be appropriate as compared with measurement of AGE or RAGE or sRAGE alone in AF patients. AGE and its interaction with RAGE can induce AF through alteration in cellular protein and extracellular matrix. AGE and its interaction with RAGE induce atrial structural and electrical remodeling. The treatment strategy should be directed toward reduction in AGE levels, suppression of RAGE expression, blocking of binding of AGE to RAGE, and elevation of sRAGE and antioxidants. In conclusion, AGE-RAGE axis is involved in the development of AF through atrial structural and electrical remodeling. The treatment modalities for AF should include lowering of AGE, suppression of RAGE, elevation of sRAGE, and use of antioxidants.

Effects of Vitamin C on Organ Function in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cardiac surgery is associated with oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which both contribute to postoperative organ dysfunction. Vitamin C is a pleiotropic, antioxidant, and potentially organ-protective micronutrient. Past clinical trials and meta-analyses have focused predominantly on occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Therefore, we investigated the influence of perioperative vitamin C administration on clinically relevant parameters closer related to the patient’s recovery, especially organ function, and overall outcomes after cardiac surgery. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing perioperative vitamin C administration versus placebo or standard of care in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were identified through systematic searches in Pubmed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL on 23 November 2018. Published and unpublished data were included. Assessed outcomes include organ function after cardiac surgery, adverse events, in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit, and hospital length-of-stay. Data was pooled only when appropriate. Results: A total of 19 RCTs with 2008 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Vitamin C significantly decreased the incidence of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.008), ventilation time (p < 0.00001), ICU length-of-stay (p = 0.004), and hospital length-of-stay (p < 0.0001). However, on average, vitamin C had no significant effects on in-hospital mortality (p = 0.76), or on the incidence of stroke (p = 0.82). High statistical heterogeneity was observed in most analyses. Conclusions: Vitamin C impacts clinically and economically important outcomes, such as ICU and hospital length-of-stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and lowers the incidence of atrial fibrillation. Due to missing reports on organ dysfunction, this meta-analysis cannot answer the question, if vitamin C can improve single- or multiorgan function after cardiac surgery.

Effects of N-acetyl cysteine, vitamin E and vitamin C on liver glutathione levels following amiodarone treatment in rats

Introduction

Amiodarone, a pharmaceutical extensively used to suppress atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, is also known to cause many side effects on many tissues. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), vitamin E and vitamin C are known as antioxidants for their ability to minimize oxidative stress. In the peer-reviewed literature, there is no study reporting on the protective effects of these antioxidant agents against its hepatotoxicity.

Aim

We investigated the oxidative effects of NAC, vitamins E and C on liver tissue after amiodarone treatment.

Material and methods

Rats were randomly assigned to: control; amiodarone group; amiodarone + NAC treated group; amiodarone + Vit. E group and amiodarone + Vit. C group. Liver tissues were isolated from animals and total glutathione levels were measured.

Results

In all time intervals, the level of glutathione increased. When all time intervals were compared, the amiodarone group revealed the lowest levels. The antioxidant co-administered group was studied; the glutathione levels were statistically significantly higher than the sole amiodarone group. When vitamins E, C or N-acetyl cysteine were examined, there was no statistically significant difference among them.

Conclusions

In this study we found that hepatotoxicity capacity of amiodarone may be reduced by taking up antioxidants. In addition, the effect documented here may be reproducible and may be applied to clinical settings.

Myocardial reperfusion injury and oxidative stress: Therapeutic opportunities

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Its associated mortality, morbidity and complications have significantly decreased with the development of interventional cardiology and percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA) treatment, which quickly and effectively restore the blood flow to the area previously subjected to ischemia. Paradoxically, the restoration of blood flow to the ischemic zone leads to a massive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which generate rapid and severe damage to biomolecules, generating a phenomenon called myocardial reperfusion injury (MRI). In the clinical setting, MRI is associated with multiple complications such as lethal reperfusion, no-reflow, myocardial stunning, and reperfusion arrhythmias. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the mechanisms accounting for the myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury, it remains an unsolved problem. Although promising results have been obtained in experimental studies (mainly in animal models), these benefits have not been translated into clinical settings. Thus, clinical trials have failed to find benefits from any therapy to prevent MRI. There is major evidence with respect to the contribution of oxidative stress to MRI in cardiovascular diseases. The lack of consistency between basic studies and clinical trials is not solely based on the diversity inherent in epidemiology but is also a result of the methodological weaknesses of some studies. It is quite possible that pharmacological issues, such as doses, active ingredients, bioavailability, routes of administration, co-therapies, startup time of the drug intervention, and its continuity may also have some responsibility for the lack of consistency between different studies. Furthermore, the administration of high ascorbate doses prior to reperfusion appears to be a safe and rational therapy against the development of oxidative damage associated with myocardial reperfusion. In addition, the association with N-acetylcysteine (a glutathione donor) and deferoxamine (an iron chelator) could improve the antioxidant cardioprotection by ascorbate, making it even more effective in preventing myocardial reperfusion damage associated with PCA following AMI.

Oxidative stress and inflammation as central mediators of atrial fibrillation in obesity and diabetes

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in humans. Several risk factors promote AF, among which diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the most important. The growing recognition that obesity, diabetes and AF are closely intertwined disorders has spurred major interest in uncovering their mechanistic links. In this article we provide an update on the growing evidence linking oxidative stress and inflammation to adverse atrial structural and electrical remodeling that leads to the onset and maintenance of AF in the diabetic heart. We then discuss several therapeutic strategies to improve atrial excitability by targeting pathways that control oxidative stress and inflammation.

Perspectives and challenges of antioxidant therapy for atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AF are poorly understood, although electrophysiological remodeling has been described as an important initiating step. There is growing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of AF. Many known triggers of oxidative stress, such as age, diabetes, smoking, and inflammation, are linked with an increased risk of arrhythmia. Numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials reported the importance of antioxidant therapy in the prevention of AF, using vitamins C and E, polyunsaturated fatty acids, statins, or nitric oxide donors. The aim of our work is to give a current overview and analysis of opportunities, challenges, and benefits of antioxidant therapy in AF.

Vitamin C for the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Several studies have investigated the administration of vitamin C (vitC) for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery. However, their findings were inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of vitC as prophylaxis for the prevention of postoperative AF in cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registries, was performed. 9 studies, published from August 2001 to May 2015, were included, with a total of 1,037 patients. Patients were randomized to receive vitC, or placebo.

RESULTS

Cardiac surgery patients who received vitC as prophylaxis, had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative AF (random effects OR=0.478, 95% CI 0.340 - 0.673, P < 10(-4)). No significant heterogeneity was detected across the analyzed studies (I(2)=21.7%), and no publication bias or other small study-related bias was found.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that VitC is effective as prophylaxis for the prevention of postoperative AF. The administration of vitC may be considered in all patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

TPEN prevents rapid pacing-induced calcium overload and nitration stress in HL-1 myocytes

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. However, the current drug interference of antiarrhythmia has limited efficacy and off-target effects. Accumulating evidence has implicated a potential role of nitration stress in the pathogenesis of AF. The aim of the study was to determine whether TPEN provided antinitration effects on atrial myocytes during AF, especially under circumstances of nitration stress.

METHODS

We utilized a rapid paced HL-1 cells model for AF. The changes of electrophysiological characteristics and structure of paced HL-1 cells were determined by a patch clamp and a TEM method. The effects of TPEN on pacing and ONOO(-) pretreated HL-1 cells were examined using MTT assay, TUNEL technique, confocal microscope experiment, and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The results revealed that ONOO(-) reduced the viability of HL-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and 1 μmol/L TPEN significantly ameliorated the damage caused by 50 μmol/L ONOO(-) (P < 0.05). Pacing and/or ONOO(-) -induced marked shortening of APD, myolysis, and nuclear condensation. TPEN inhibited the Ca(2+) overload induced by rapid pacing (P < 0.05) and ONOO(-) stimulation (P < 0.05). The application of TPEN significantly prevented the protein nitration caused by pacing or pacing plus ONOO(-) (P < 0.05). Additionally, pacing in combination with ONOO(-) treatment led to increase in apoptosis in HL-1 cells (P < 0.01), which could be reduced by pretreatment with TPEN (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TPEN prevents Ca(2+) overload and nitration stress in HL-1 atrial myocytes during rapid pacing and circumstances of nitration stress.

Atorvastatin Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Statin-Naive Patients Undergoing Isolated Heart Valve Surgery: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Atorvastatin has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but its effect on isolated heart valve surgery is unknown.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 58 patients who underwent isolated heart valve surgery supported by on-pump cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n = 29) or 40 mg of atorvastatin once daily starting 3 days preoperatively and continuing within 5 days postoperatively (n = 29). A continuous monitoring tool and an electrocardiographic Holter monitoring were used for detecting the POAF (Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NTC02084069).

RESULTS

The patients' median age was 49 years, and 67% were female. In all, 6 (21%) and 13 (45%) cases of POAF were observed in the atorvastatin and placebo groups, respectively (P = .050). The duration of AF before re-establishment of sinus rhythm was significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the placebo group (median of 70 vs 132 minutes, P = .026). The lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stay were comparable between the groups. The increase in postoperative white blood cell count was significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the placebo group (median of 1.5 vs 2.3 × 10(3)/µL, respectively, P = .019). After adjustment, the atorvastatin treatment was associated with a decrease in the risk of developing POAF (odds ratio 0.122, 95% confidence interval 0.027-0.548, P = .006).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative treatment with 40 mg of atorvastatin is useful to decrease the incidence of POAF in the statin-naive patients undergoing isolated heart valve surgery.

Efficacy of Combination Therapy of Statin and Vitamin C in Comparison with Statin in the Prevention of Post-CABG Atrial Fibrillation

PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia that follows coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Patients developing postoperative AF (POAF) have significantly higher mortality rates. The consistent prophylactic effectiveness of statins and vitamin C are well-accepted; however, no evaluation on combined therapy has been performed. We aimed at assessing the efficacy of combination therapy with statin and vitamin C in comparison with statin alone in the prevention of post CABG-AF.

METHODS

In a randomized double blind clinical trial, 120 candidates of CABG were recruited in Tabriz Madani Educational Center in a 15-month period of time. Patients were randomized into two groups of 60 receiving oral atorvastatin (40mg) plus oral vitamin C (2g/d operation day and 1g/d for five consequent days) for intervention group and oral atorvastatin (40mg) for control group. Occurrence of post CABG AF was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 60 patients, 43 males and 17 females with a mean age of 61.0±11.5 (29-78) years, in the intervention group and sixty patients, 39 males and 21 females with a mean age of 60.5±11.3 (39-81) years, in the control group. The post CABG AF occurred in 6 cases (10%) in the interventional group and 15 patients (25%) in the controls (P=0.03, odds ratio=0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.93).

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, combination prophylaxis against post CABG AF with oral atorvastatin plus vitamin C is significantly more effective than single oral atorvastatin.

A randomized controlled trial to prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation by antioxidant reinforcement

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to assess whether the reinforcement of the antioxidant system, through n-3 fatty acids plus antioxidant vitamin supplementation, could reduce the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND

Therapy to prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation remains suboptimal. Although oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of this arrhythmia, antioxidant reinforcement has produced controversial results.

METHODS

A total of 203 patients scheduled for on-pump cardiac surgery were randomized to placebo or supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (2 g/day) (eicosapentaenoic acid:docosahexaenoic acid ratio 1:2), vitamin C (1 g/day), and vitamin E (400 IU/day). The primary outcome was the occurrence of post-operative atrial fibrillation. Secondary outcomes were the biomarkers related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

RESULTS

Post-operative atrial fibrillation occurred in 10 of 103 patients (9.7%) in the supplemented group versus 32 of 100 patients (32%) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Early after surgery, placebo patients presented with increased levels of biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, which were markedly attenuated by antioxidant supplementation. The activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in atrial tissue of the supplemented patients was 24.0%, 17.1%, and 19.7% higher than the respective placebo values (p < 0.05). The atrial tissue of patients who developed atrial fibrillation showed NADPH oxidase p47-phox subunit protein and mRNA expression 38.4% and 35.7% higher, respectively, than patients in sinus rhythm (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This safe, well-tolerated, and low-cost regimen, consisting of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids plus vitamins C and E supplementation, favorably affected post-operative atrial fibrillation, increased antioxidant potential, and attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation. (Prevention of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation: Pathophysiological Characterization of a Pharmacological Intervention Based on a Novel Model of Nonhypoxic Pre-Conditioning; ISRCTN45347268).

Oxidative stress in atrial fibrillation: an emerging role of NADPH oxidase

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Patients with AF have up to seven-fold higher risk of suffering from ischemic stroke. Better understanding of etiologies of AF and its thromboembolic complications are required for improved patient care, as current anti-arrhythmic therapies have limited efficacy and off target effects. Accumulating evidence has implicated a potential role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of AF. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is likely involved in the structural and electrical remodeling of the heart, contributing to fibrosis and thrombosis. In particular, NADPH oxidase (NOX) has emerged as a potential enzymatic source for ROS production in AF based on growing evidence from clinical and animal studies. Indeed, NOX can be activated by known upstream triggers of AF such as angiotensin II and atrial stretch. In addition, treatments such as statins, antioxidants, ACEI or AT1RB have been shown to prevent post-operative AF; among which ACEI/AT1RB and statins can attenuate NOX activity. On the other hand, detailed molecular mechanisms by which specific NOX isoform(s) are involved in the pathogenesis of AF and the extent to which activation of NOX plays a causal role in AF development remains to be determined. The current review discusses causes and consequences of oxidative stress in AF with a special focus on the emerging role of NOX pathways.

Antioxidant therapies for the management of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, representing a major public health problem. Recent evidence suggests oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and perpetuation of AF. In the past few years, experimental data and clinical evidence have tested the concept of antioxidant therapies to prevent AF. Besides statins, ACE-inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, several other interventions with antioxidant properties, such as Vitamin C and E, thiazolidinediones, N-acetylcysteine, probucol, nitric oxide donors or precursors, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, Xanthine oxidase inhibitors have emerged as novel strategies for the management of AF. We aim to review recent evidence regarding antioxidant therapies in the prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Ageing improves the antioxidant response against postoperative atrial fibrillation: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal circulation is associated with ischaemia-reperfusion-induced oxidative stress and atrial fibrillation (AF). Ageing is the major risk factor for this arrhythmia. Reinforcing the antioxidant defence system would be expected to protect the myocardium against ischaemia-reperfusion damage. We studied the effect of antioxidant reinforcement and ageing on the occurrence of postoperative AF.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and vitamins C and E, or placebo was administered to 152 patients divided by age: young patients (30-59 years) and old patients (60-80 years). For the detection of AF, we used 12-lead and Holter EKGs. Antioxidant enzyme activity was determined in atrial tissue. Oxidative stress was assessed through plasma malondialdehyde levels.

RESULTS

Supplemented patients over 60 years old showed higher glutathione peroxidase activity than control patients in the same age range. There was no difference between the supplemented and placebo groups in patients under 60 years old. The decrease in the incidence of postoperative AF in supplemented patients was more marked in the older patients than in the younger ones.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the antioxidant supplementation with n-3 PUFAs and vitamins C and E resulted in a more marked reduction of postoperative AF in older patients, it could be suggested that the efficacy of this therapy improves with ageing.

May toxicity of amiodarone be prevented by antioxidants? A cell-culture study

BACKGROUND

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia encountered following cardiac surgery. The most commonly administered drug used in treatment and prophylaxis is amiodarone which has several toxic effects on major organ functions. There are few clinical data concerning prevention of toxic effects and there is no routinely suggested agent. The aim of this study is to document the cytotoxic effects of amiodarone on cell culture media and compare the cytoprotective effects of commonly used antioxidant agents.

METHODS

L929 mouse fibroblast cell line was cultured and 100,000 cells/well-plate were obtained. First group of cells were treated with increasing concentrations of amiodarone (20 to 180 μM) alone. Second and third group of cells were incubated with one-fold equimolar dose of vitamin C and N-acetyl cysteine prior to amiodarone exposure. The viability of cells were measured by MTT assay and the cytoprotective effect of each agent was compared.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity of amiodarone was significant with concentrations of 100 μM and more. The viabilities of both vitamin C and N-acetyl cysteine treated cells were higher compared to untreated cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin C and N-acetyl cysteine are commonly used in the clinical setting for different purposes in context of their known antioxidant actions. Their role in prevention of amiodarone induced cytotoxicity is not fully documented. The study fully demonstrates the cytoprotective role of both agents in amiodarone induced cytotoxicity on cell culture media; more pronounced with vitamin C in some concentrations. The findings may be projectile for further clinical studies.

Prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation: novel and safe strategy based on the modulation of the antioxidant system

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. The pathogenesis of postoperative AF is multifactorial. Oxidative stress, caused by the unavoidable ischemia-reperfusion event occurring in this setting, is a major contributory factor. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-derived effects could result in lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, or DNA oxidation of cardiac tissue, thus leading to functional and structural myocardial remodeling. The vulnerability of myocardial tissue to the oxidative challenge is also dependent on the activity of the antioxidant system. High ROS levels, overwhelming this system, should result in deleterious cellular effects, such as the induction of necrosis, apoptosis, or autophagy. Nevertheless, tissue exposure to low to moderate ROS levels could trigger a survival response with a trend to reinforce the antioxidant defense system. Administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), known to involve a moderate ROS production, is consistent with a diminished vulnerability to the development of postoperative AF. Accordingly, supplementation of n-3 PUFA successfully reduced the incidence of postoperative AF after coronary bypass grafting. This response is due to an up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes, as shown in experimental models. In turn, non-enzymatic antioxidant reinforcement through vitamin C administration prior to cardiac surgery has also reduced the postoperative AF incidence. Therefore, it should be expected that a mixed therapy result in an improvement of the cardioprotective effect by modulating both components of the antioxidant system. We present novel available evidence supporting the hypothesis of an effective prevention of postoperative AF including a two-step therapeutic strategy: n-3 PUFA followed by vitamin C supplementation to patients scheduled for cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. The present study should encourage the design of clinical trials aimed to test the efficacy of this strategy to offer new therapeutic opportunities to patients challenged by ischemia-reperfusion events not solely in heart, but also in other organs such as kidney or liver in transplantation surgeries.

Antioxidant vitamins in the prevention of atrial fibrillation: what is the evidence?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current available therapies remain inadequate in symptom control and secondary prevention and are often associated with significant side effects. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AF are poorly understood, although electrophysiological remodeling has been described as an important initiating step. Recently, increasing evidence implicates oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of AF. We searched the literature for evidence to support the use of antioxidant vitamins C and E in the prevention of AF. These vitamins, through their reactive-oxygen-species- (ROS-) scavenging effect, have shown a role in AF prevention in both animal and small clinical studies. The available evidence, however, is currently insufficient to support recommendations for their use in the wider patient population. Larger-scale clinical studies are required to confirm these preliminary results. Research is also required to further the understanding of the processes involved in the pathogenesis of AF and the role of antioxidant therapies to prevent the arrhythmia.

The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of hypertension

Hypertension is considered to be the most important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. An increasing body of evidence suggests that oxidative stress, which results in an excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), has a key role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The modulation of the vasomotor system involves ROS as mediators of vasoconstriction induced by angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and urotensin-II, among others. The bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), which is a major vasodilator, is highly dependent on the redox status. Under physiological conditions, low concentrations of intracellular ROS have an important role in the normal redox signaling maintaining vascular function and integrity. However, under pathophysiological conditions, increased levels of ROS contribute to vascular dysfunction and remodeling through oxidative damage. In human hypertension, an increase in the production of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, a decrease in NO synthesis and a reduction in antioxidant bioavailability have been observed. In turn, antioxidants are reducing agents that can neutralize these oxidative and otherwise damaging biomolecules. The use of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, has gained considerable interest as protecting agents against vascular endothelial damage. Available data support the role of these vitamins as effective antioxidants that can counteract ROS effects. This review discusses the mechanisms involved in ROS generation, the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of vascular damage in hypertension, and the possible therapeutic strategies that could prevent or treat this disorder.

Review: Beyond the Guidelines: New and Novel Agents for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiothoracic Surgery

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication of cardiac surgery, can increase the morbidity and mortality, as well as the costs of the surgery being preformed. Guidelines recommend the use of β-blockers, amiodarone, or sotalol to decrease the risk of experiencing POAF. However, none of these agents fully protect the patient from POAF, thus newer agents are needed to be used in combination with them. Many different agents have been studied to fit this role and may be grouped into 2 categories: agents with antiarrhythmic activity such as magnesium and polyunsaturated fatty acids and agents with anti-inflammatory activity such as statins and free radical scavengers. Most of these novel agents have been studied in a wide variety of trials; however, some clearly have more effect than others. Although none of these newer agents have the data required to make blanket recommendations for use at this point, given the safety profile and low costs of some, many continue to be evaluated in randomized-controlled trials.

Vitamin C requirement in surgical patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize recent findings on vitamin C status and assess the requirement and optimal dose of supplementation in surgical patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Blood vitamin C concentration falls after uncomplicated surgery and further decreases in surgical intensive care unit patients. The decline may be owing to increased demand caused by increased oxidative stress. To normalize plasma vitamin C concentration, much higher doses than the recommended daily allowance or doses recommended in parenteral nutrition guidelines are needed in these patients. In uncomplicated surgical patients, more than 500 mg/day of vitamin C may be required, with much higher doses in surgical intensive care unit patients. In uncomplicated gastrointestinal surgery, continuous parenteral administration of 500 mg/day of vitamin C reduced postoperative oxidative stress as manifested by reduced urinary excretion of isoprostane. In some studies, postoperative atrial fibrillation was prevented after cardiac surgery by perioperative vitamin C supplementation. In critically ill patients, some prospective randomized controlled trials support parenteral supplementation of high doses of vitamin C, E and trace elements.

SUMMARY

Vitamin C requirement is increased in surgical patients, and the potential advantage of supplementation is to increase the plasma and tissue levels of vitamin C and thereby reduce oxidative stress. Although some clinical benefits of high-dose vitamin C supplementation have been shown in the critically ill, the optimal dose for supplementation and the clinical benefits remain to be investigated in surgical patients.

Left-ventricular electromechanical delay is prolonged in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Although several risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) have been proposed, it remains the most common complication after cardiac surgery, even in low-risk patients. There is still no single reliable and reproducible parameter for predicting AF, and no standardized recommendation exists for this issue. Electromechanical delay (excitation-contraction coupling delay) is the time delay from the electrical activation to the actual systolic motion, and it reflects abnormality in calcium-handling proteins, which is considered one mechanism of postoperative AF. We hypothesized that left-ventricular electromechanical delay (LVEMD) is correlated to postoperative AF and serially examined it by echocardiography.

METHODS

We prospectively included 16 patients with relatively low risk for AF, who underwent cardiac surgery. The inclusion criteria were younger than 80 years, an ejection fraction greater than 45%, a left-atrial dimension less than 50mm, and a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) value less than 250 pg ml⁻¹. Postoperative AF for 10 postoperative days was monitored by 24-h electrocardiogram. The LVEMD was assessed by pulse-wave tissue Doppler echocardiography before and 1, 3, and 7 days after the operation. Serum BNP, adrenalin, and noradrenalin levels were also examined at the same time.

RESULTS

Postoperative AF was detected in six (37.5%) patients. There was no significant difference in heart rate, QRS duration, and serum hormones between the non-AF (n = 10) and AF (n = 6) groups. Although the preoperative LVEMD was comparable, that on postoperative day 1 of the AF group was significantly longer than that of the non-AF group (in the septal wall, 174 ± 50 vs 101 ± 36 ms, p = 0.020; in the lateral wall, 195 ± 71 and 111 ± 37 ms, p = 0.029). A LVEMD on postoperative day 1 greater than 150 ms well predicted postoperative AF (sensitivity, 75% and 75%; specificity, 100% and 86%, in septal and lateral LVEMDs, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

LVEMD is prolonged in patients with postoperative AF. This could be a new predicting parameter for AF in low-risk patients.