Investigational antiarrhythmic agents: promising drugs in early clinical development

Exploring the role of TRPM4 in calcium-dependent triggered activity and cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias pose a major threat to a patient's health, yet prove to be often difficult to predict, prevent and treat. A key mechanism in the occurrence of arrhythmias is disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiac muscle cells. As a Ca2+-activated non-selective cation channel, TRPM4 has been linked to Ca2+-induced arrhythmias, potentially contributing to translating an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration into membrane depolarisation and an increase in cellular excitability. Indeed, evidence from genetically modified mice, analysis of mutations in human patients and the identification of a TRPM4 blocking compound that can be applied in vivo further underscore this hypothesis. Here, we provide an overview of these data in the context of our current understanding of Ca2+-dependent arrhythmias.

Experimental drugs for supraventricular tachycardia: an analysis of early phase clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) are a diverse group of commonly encountered arrhythmias arising at or above the atrioventricular (AV) node. Conventional anti-arrhythmic medications are restricted by extensive side-effect profiles and limited efficacy. Catheter ablation has emerged as a first-line therapy for many arrhythmias but is not a suitable option for all patients. This has prompted the exploration of novel pharmacological approaches targeting specific molecular mechanisms of SVT.

AREAS COVERED

This review article aims to summarize recent advancements in pharmacological therapeutics for SVT and their clinical implications. The understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying these arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, has opened up new possibilities for targeted interventions. Beyond the manipulation of ion channels and membrane potentials, pharmacotherapy now focuses on upstream targets such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and structural remodeling. This review strives to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in pharmacological therapeutics directed at the management of SVT. We begin by providing a brief summary of the mechanisms and management of commonly encountered SVT before delving into individual agents, which in turn are stratified based on their molecular treatment targets.

EXPERT OPINION

The evolving landscape of pharmacologic therapy offers hope for more personalized and tailored interventions in the management of SVT.

Atrial fibrillation: Epigenetic aspects and role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Pathophysiological aspects consist in the activation of pro-fibrotic signaling and Ca²⁺ handling abnormalities at atrial level. Structural and electrical remodeling creates a substrate for AF by triggering conduction abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmias. The care of AF patients focuses predominantly on anticoagulation, symptoms control and the management of risk factors and comorbidities. The goal of AF therapy points to restore sinus rhythm, re-establish atrioventricular synchrony and improve atrial contribution to the stroke volume. New layer of information to better comprehend AF pathophysiology, and identify targets for novel pharmacological interventions consists of the epigenetic phenomena including, among others, DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs. Moreover, the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients at cardiovascular risk as well as emerging evidence on the ability of SGLT2i to modify epigenetic signature in cardiovascular diseases provide a solid background to investigate a possible role of this drug class in the onset and progression of AF. In this review, following a summary of pathophysiology and management, epigenetic mechanisms in AF and the potential of sodium-glucose SGLT2i in AF patients are discussed.

TRPM4 inhibition by meclofenamate suppresses Ca2+-dependent triggered arrhythmias

AIMS

Cardiac arrhythmias are a major factor in the occurrence of morbidity and sudden death in patients with cardiovascular disease. Disturbances of Ca2+ homeostasis in the heart contribute to the initiation and maintenance of cardiac arrhythmias. Extrasystolic increases in intracellular Ca2+ lead to delayed afterdepolarizations and triggered activity, which can result in heart rhythm abnormalities. It is being suggested that the Ca2+-activated nonselective cation channel TRPM4 is involved in the aetiology of triggered activity, but the exact contribution and in vivo significance are still unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vitro electrophysiological and calcium imaging technique as well as in vivo intracardiac and telemetric electrocardiogram measurements in physiological and pathophysiological conditions were performed. In two distinct Ca2+-dependent proarrhythmic models, freely moving Trpm4-/- mice displayed a reduced burden of cardiac arrhythmias. Looking further into the specific contribution of TRPM4 to the cellular mechanism of arrhythmias, TRPM4 was found to contribute to a long-lasting Ca2+ overload-induced background current, thereby regulating cell excitability in Ca2+ overload conditions. To expand these results, a compound screening revealed meclofenamate as a potent antagonist of TRPM4. In line with the findings from Trpm4-/- mice, 10 µM meclofenamate inhibited the Ca2+ overload-induced background current in ventricular cardiomyocytes and 15 mg/kg meclofenamate suppressed catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia-associated arrhythmias in a TRPM4-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

The presented data establish that TRPM4 represents a novel target in the prevention and treatment of Ca2+-dependent triggered arrhythmias.

Emerging Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, is driven by complex mechanisms that differ between subgroups of patients. This complexity is apparent from the different forms in which AF presents itself (post-operative, paroxysmal and persistent), each with heterogeneous patterns and variable progression. Our current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for initiation, maintenance and progression of the different forms of AF has increased significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, antiarrhythmic drugs for the management of AF have not been developed based on the underlying arrhythmia mechanisms and none of the currently used drugs were specifically developed to target AF. With the increased knowledge on the mechanisms underlying different forms of AF, new opportunities for developing more effective and safer AF therapies are emerging. In this review, we provide an overview of potential novel antiarrhythmic approaches based on the underlying mechanisms of AF, focusing both on the development of novel antiarrhythmic agents and on the possibility of repurposing already marketed drugs. In addition, we discuss the opportunity of targeting some of the key players involved in the underlying AF mechanisms, such as ryanodine receptor type-2 (RyR2) channels and atrial-selective K⁺-currents (I_K2P and I_SK) for antiarrhythmic therapy. In addition, we highlight the opportunities for targeting components of inflammatory signaling (e.g., the NLRP3-inflammasome) and upstream mechanisms targeting fibroblast function to prevent structural remodeling and progression of AF. Finally, we critically appraise emerging antiarrhythmic drug principles and future directions for antiarrhythmic drug development, as well as their potential for improving AF management.

Integrative Computational Modeling of Cardiomyocyte Calcium Handling and Cardiac Arrhythmias: Current Status and Future Challenges

Cardiomyocyte calcium-handling is the key mediator of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. In the healthy heart, calcium controls both electrical impulse propagation and myofilament cross-bridge cycling, providing synchronous and adequate contraction of cardiac muscles. However, calcium-handling abnormalities are increasingly implicated as a cause of cardiac arrhythmias. Due to the complex, dynamic and localized interactions between calcium and other molecules within a cardiomyocyte, it remains experimentally challenging to study the exact contributions of calcium-handling abnormalities to arrhythmogenesis. Therefore, multiscale computational modeling is increasingly being used together with laboratory experiments to unravel the exact mechanisms of calcium-mediated arrhythmogenesis. This article describes various examples of how integrative computational modeling makes it possible to unravel the arrhythmogenic consequences of alterations to cardiac calcium handling at subcellular, cellular and tissue levels, and discusses the future challenges on the integration and interpretation of such computational data.

Antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation: lessons from the past and opportunities for the future

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a highly prevalent and troublesome cardiac arrhythmia, associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm (rhythm-control therapy) is an important element of AF management in symptomatic patients. Despite significant advances and increasing importance of catheter ablation, antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) remain a cornerstone of rhythm-control therapy. During the past 50 years, experimental and clinical research has greatly increased our understanding of AADs. As part of the special issue on paradigm shifts in AF, this review summarizes important milestones in AAD research that have shaped their current role in AF management, including (i) awareness of the proarrhythmic potential of AADs; (ii) increasing understanding of the pleiotropic effects of AADs; (iii) the development of dronedarone; and (iv) the search for AF-specific AADs. Finally, we discuss short- and long-term opportunities for better AF management through advances in AAD therapy, including personalization of AAD therapy based on individual AF mechanisms.

Translational Studies on Anti-Atrial Fibrillatory Action of Oseltamivir by its in vivo and in vitro Electropharmacological Analyses

Oseltamivir has been shown to prolong the atrial conduction time and effective refractory period, and to suppress the onset of burst pacing-induced atrial fibrillation in vitro. To better predict its potential clinical benefit as an anti-atrial fibrillatory drug, we performed translational studies by assessing in vivo anti-atrial fibrillatory effect along with in vivo and in vitro electropharmacological analyses. Oseltamivir in intravenous doses of 3 (n = 6) and 30 mg/kg (n = 7) was administered in conscious state to the persistent atrial fibrillation model dogs to confirm its anti-atrial fibrillatory action. The model was prepared by tachypacing to the atria of chronic atrioventricular block dogs for > 6 weeks. Next, oseltamivir in doses of 0.3, 3 and 30 mg/kg was intravenously administered to the halothane-anesthetized intact dogs to analyze its in vivo electrophysiological actions (n = 4). Finally, its in vitro effects of 10–1,000 μM on I_K,ACh, I_Kur, I_Kr, I_Na and I_CaL were analyzed by using cell lines stably expressing Kir3.1/3.4, K_V1.5, hERG, Na_V1.5 or Ca_V1.2, respectively (n = 3 for I_K,ACh and I_Kr or n = 6 for I_Kr, I_Na and I_CaL). Oseltamivir in doses of 3 and 30 mg/kg terminated the atrial fibrillation in 1 out of 6 and in 6 out of 7 atrial fibrillation model dogs, respectively without inducing any lethal ventricular arrhythmia. Its 3 and 30 mg/kg delayed inter-atrial conduction in a frequency-dependent manner, whereas they prolonged atrial effective refractory period in a reverse frequency-dependent manner in the intact dogs. The current assay indicated that IC₅₀ values for I_K,ACh and I_Kr were 160 and 231 μM, respectively, but 1,000 µM inhibited I_Na, I_CaL and I_Kur by 22, 19 and 13%, respectively. The extent of I_Na blockade was enhanced at faster beating rate and more depolarized resting membrane potential. Oseltamivir effectively terminated the persistent atrial fibrillation, which may be largely due to the prolongation of the atrial effective refractory period and inter-atrial conduction time induced by I_K,ACh and I_Kr inhibitions along with I_Na suppression. Thus, oseltamivir can exert a powerful anti-atrial fibrillatory action through its ideal multi-channel blocking property; and oseltamivir would become a promising seed compound for developing efficacious and safe anti-atrial fibrillatory drugs.

Ethnic-Related Sodium Voltage-Gated Channel α Subunit 5 Polymorphisms Shape the In Vitro Pharmacological Action of Amiodarone upon Nav1.5

Na_v1.5-derived Na⁺ current (I_Na) exerts a pivotal role in the depolarization phase of cardiomyocytes' action potential, and, therefore, changes in I_Na can contribute to fatal arrhythmias. Na_v1.5 displays naturally occurring ethnicity-related polymorphisms, which might alter the functioning and pharmacology of the channel. Some studies have shown how single-nucleotide polymorphism can change the response to antiarrhythmic drugs. Investigations on the role of Na_v1.5 in arrhythmogenesis associated with its functional polymorphisms are currently growing as well as the possible variability in the antiarrhythmic pharmacotherapy among ethnic groups. The influence of the ethnicity-related polymorphisms (S524Y, S1103Y, R1193Q, V1951L) on the responsiveness, selectivity, and pharmacological efficacy of the clinically used antiarrhythmic amiodarone (AMIO) is not completely known. Our objectives were to analyze biophysical and pharmacological aspects of four ethnicity-related polymorphisms before and after exposure to AMIO. Polymorphisms caused reduced AMIO potency compared with wild type (WT), which can vary by up to 4× between them. AMIO shifted the voltage dependency for current inactivation without significant effect in voltage-dependent activation to a similar extent in WT and polymorphisms. The recovery from inactivation was altered between the polymorphisms when compared with WT. Finally, the use dependency of AMIO differed between studied groups, especially at a more depolarized cell membrane. Thus, our work may guide future studies focusing on the efficiency of AMIO in treating different arrhythmias and establish more individualized guidelines for its use depending on the Na_v1.5 polymorphism after validating our findings using in vivo studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Sodium voltage-gated channel α subunit 5 (SCN5A) gene encodes the α subunit of Na_v1.5, the main cardiac voltage-gated Na⁺ channel. Interestingly, ethnicity-related polymorphisms are found in SCN5A. Amiodarone is used in clinical practice, and some of its effects are attributed to interaction with Na_v1.5. Important, amiodarone efficacy is variable among patients. Here we show that ethnicity-related SCN5A polymorphisms lead to altered Na_v1.5-amiodarone interaction, which may be the cause for the variable efficacy observed in clinical usage of amiodarone.

Anti-arrhythmic investigations in large animal models of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) constitutes an increasing health problem in the aging population. Animal models reflecting human phenotypes are needed to understand the mechanisms of AF, as well as to test new pharmacological interventions. In recent years, a number of large animal models, primarily pigs, goats, dog and horses have been used in AF research. These animals can to a certain extent recapitulate the human pathophysiological characteristics and serve as valuable tools in investigating new pharmacological interventions for treating AF. This review focuses on anti-arrhythmic investigations in large animals. Initially, spontaneous AF in small and large mammals is discussed. This is followed by a short presentation of frequently used methods for inducing short- and long-term AF. The major focus of the review is on anti-arrhythmic compounds either frequently used in the human clinic (ranolazine, flecainide, vernakalant and amiodarone) or being promising new AF medicine candidates (I_K,Ach , I_SK,Ca and I_K2P blockers).

Eleutheroside B, a selective late sodium current inhibitor, suppresses atrial fibrillation induced by sea anemone toxin II in rabbit hearts

Eleutheroside B (EB) is the main active constituent derived from the Chinese herb Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) that has been reported to possess cardioprotective effects. In this study we investigated the effects of EB on cardiac electrophysiology and its suppression on atrial fibrillation (AF). Whole-cell recording was conducted in isolated rabbit atrial myocytes. The intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) concentration was measured using calcium indicator Fura-2/AM fluorescence. Monophasic action potential (MAP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) synchronous recordings were conducted in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts using ECG signal sampling and analysis system. We showed that EB dose-dependently inhibited late sodium current (I_NaL), transient sodium current (I_NaT), and sea anemone toxin II (ATX II)-increased I_NaL with IC₅₀ values of 167, 1582, and 181 μM, respectively. On the other hand, EB (800 μM) did not affect L-type calcium current (I_CaL), inward rectifier potassium channel current (I_K), and action potential duration (APD). Furthermore, EB (300 μM) markedly decreased ATX II-prolonged the APD at 90% repolarization (APD₉₀) and eliminated ATX II-induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs), delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs), and triggered activities (TAs). Moreover, EB (200 μM) significantly suppressed ATX II-induced Na⁺-dependent [Ca²⁺]_i overload in atrial myocytes. In the Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts, application of EB (200 μM) or TTX (2 μM) substantially decreased ATX II-induced incidences of atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and heart death. These results suggest that augmented I_NaL alone is sufficient to induce AF, and EB exerts anti-AF actions mainly via blocking I_NaL, which put forward the basis of pharmacology for new clinical application of EB.

Revisiting Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Reviewing Lessons Learned and Redefining Therapeutic Paradigms

Since the clinical use of digitalis as the first pharmacological therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) 235 years ago in 1785, antiarrhythmic drug therapy has advanced considerably and become a cornerstone of AF clinical management. Yet, a preventive or curative panacea for sustained AF does not exist despite the rise of AF global prevalence to epidemiological proportions. While multiple elevated risk factors for AF have been established, the natural history and etiology of AF remain incompletely understood. In the present article, the first section selectively highlights some disappointing shortcomings and current efforts in antiarrhythmic drug therapy to uncover reasons why AF is such a clinical challenge. The second section discusses some modern takes on the natural history of AF as a relentless, progressive fibro-inflammatory "atriomyopathy." The final section emphasizes the need to redefine therapeutic strategies on par with new insights of AF pathophysiology.

Assessment of OMT-28, a synthetic analog of omega-3 epoxyeicosanoids, in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: Rationale and design of the PROMISE-AF phase II study

We designed a placebo controlled, double-blind, randomized, dose-finding phase II study on OMT-28 in the maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion (DCC) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PROMISE-AF). OMT-28 is a first-in-class, synthetic analog of 17,18-epoxyeicosatetetraenoic acid, a bioactive lipid mediator generated by cytochrome P450 enzymes from the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid. OMT-28 improves Ca²⁺-handling and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes and reduces pro-inflammatory signaling. This unique mode of action may provide a novel approach to target key mechanism contributing to AF pathophysiology. In a recent phase I study, OMT-28 was safe and well tolerated and showed favorable pharmacokinetics. The PROMISE-AF study (NCT03906799) is designed to assess the efficacy (primary objective), safety, and population pharmacokinetics (secondary objectives) of three different doses of OMT-28, administered once daily, versus placebo until the end of the follow-up period. Recruitment started in March 2019 and the study will include a total of 120 patients. The primary efficacy endpoint is the AF burden (% time with any AF), evaluated over a 13-week treatment period after DCC. AF burden is calculated based on continuous ECG monitoring using an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). The primary efficacy analysis will be conducted on the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population, whereas the safety analysis will be done on the safety population. Although ICMs have been used in other interventional studies to assess arrhythmia, PROMISE-AF will be the first study to assess antiarrhythmic efficacy and safety of a novel rhythm-stabilizing drug after DCC by using ICMs.

Effect of selective IK,ACh inhibition by XAF-1407 in an equine model of tachypacing-induced persistent atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inhibition of the G-protein gated ACh-activated inward rectifier potassium current, I_K,ACh may be an effective atrial selective treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, the anti-arrhythmic and electrophysiological properties of a novel putatively potent and highly specific I_K,ACh inhibitor, XAF-1407 (3-methyl-1-[5-phenyl-4-[4-(2-pyrrolidin-1-ylethoxymethyl)-1-piperidyl]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-6-yl]azetidin-3-ol), were characterised for the first time in vitro and investigated in horses with persistent AF.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The pharmacological ion channel profile of XAF-1407 was investigated using cell lines expressing relevant ion channels. In addition, eleven horses were implanted with implantable cardioverter defibrillators enabling atrial tachypacing into self-sustained AF. The electrophysiological effects of XAF-1407 were investigated after serial cardioversions over a period of 1 month. Cardioversion success, drug-induced changes of atrial tissue refractoriness, and ventricular electrophysiology were assessed at baseline (day 0) and days 3, 5, 11, 17, and 29 after AF induction.

KEY RESULTS

XAF-1407 potently and selectively inhibited K_ir 3.1/3.4 and K_ir 3.4/3.4, underlying the I_K,ACh current. XAF-1407 treatment in horses prolonged atrial effective refractory period as well as decreased atrial fibrillatory rate significantly (~20%) and successfully cardioverted AF, although with a decreasing efficacy over time. XAF-1407 shortened atrioventricular-nodal refractoriness, without effect on QRS duration. QTc prolongation (4%) within 15 min of drug infusion was observed, however, without any evidence of ventricular arrhythmia.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

XAF-1407 efficiently cardioverted sustained tachypacing-induced AF of short duration in horses without notable side effects. This supports I_K,ACh inhibition as a potentially safe treatment of paroxysmal AF in horses, suggesting potential clinical value for other species including humans.

Cardiomyocyte calcium handling in health and disease: Insights from in vitro and in silico studies

Calcium (Ca²⁺) plays a central role in cardiomyocyte excitation-contraction coupling. To ensure an optimal electrical impulse propagation and cardiac contraction, Ca²⁺ levels are regulated by a variety of Ca²⁺-handling proteins. In turn, Ca²⁺ modulates numerous electrophysiological processes. Accordingly, Ca²⁺-handling abnormalities can promote cardiac arrhythmias via various mechanisms, including the promotion of afterdepolarizations, ion-channel modulation and structural remodeling. In the last 30 years, significant improvements have been made in the computational modeling of cardiomyocyte Ca²⁺ handling under physiological and pathological conditions. However, numerous questions involving the Ca²⁺-dependent regulation of different macromolecular complexes, cross-talk between Ca²⁺-dependent regulatory pathways operating over a wide range of time scales, and bidirectional interactions between electrophysiology and mechanics remain to be addressed by in vitro and in silico studies. A better understanding of disease-specific Ca²⁺-dependent proarrhythmic mechanisms may facilitate the development of improved therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe the fundamental mechanisms of cardiomyocyte Ca²⁺ handling in health and disease, and provide an overview of currently available computational models for cardiomyocyte Ca²⁺ handling. Finally, we discuss important uncertainties and open questions about cardiomyocyte Ca²⁺ handling and highlight how synergy between in vitro and in silico studies may help to answer several of these issues.

Atria-selective antiarrhythmic drugs in need of alliance partners

Atria-selective antiarrhythmic drugs in need of alliance partners. Guideline-based treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) comprises prevention of thromboembolism and stroke, as well as antiarrhythmic therapy by drugs, electrical rhythm conversion, ablation and surgical procedures. Conventional antiarrhythmic drugs are burdened with unwanted side effects including a propensity of triggering life-threatening ventricular fibrillation. In order to solve this therapeutic dilemma, 'atria-selective' antiarrhythmic drugs have been developed for the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias. These drugs are designed to aim at atrial targets, taking advantage of differences in atrial and ventricular ion channel expression and function. However it is not clear, whether such drugs are sufficiently antiarrhythmic or whether they are in need of an alliance partner for clinical efficacy. Atria-selective Na⁺ channel blockers display fast dissociation kinetics and high binding affinity to inactivated channels. Compounds targeting atria-selective K⁺ channels include blockers of ultra rapid delayed rectifier (Kv1.5) or acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier K⁺ channels (Kir3.x), inward rectifying K⁺ channels (Kir2.x), Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels of small conductance (SK), weakly rectifying two-pore domain K⁺ channels (K_2P), and transient receptor potential channels (TRP). Despite good antiarrhythmic data from in-vitro and animal model experiments, clinical efficacy of atria-selective antiarrhythmic drugs remains to be demonstrated. In the present review we will briefly summarize the novel compounds and their proposed antiarrhythmic action. In addition, we will discuss the evidence for putative improvement of antiarrhythmic efficacy and potency by addressing multiple pathophysiologically relevant targets as possible alliance partners.

Antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation: Imminent impulses are emerging

Rhythm and rate strategies are considered equivalent for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, both strategies are intended for improving symptoms and quality of life. Despite the clinical availability of several antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) the alternatives for the patient with comorbidities are significantly fewer because of the concern regarding many adverse effects, including proarrhythmias. The impetuous development of AF ablation gave rise to a false impression that AAD are a second line therapy. All these statements reflect, in fact, the weakness of the classical paradigm and classification regarding AAD and the gap between the current knowledge of AF mechanism and determinants and the "classical" AAD non-discriminatory action. A new paradigm in development of effective and safe AAD is based on modern knowledge of vulnerable parameters involved in the genesis and perpetuation of AF. New AAD will target specific triggers of AF and ion currents which are expressed preferentially in fibrillatory atrium. Such targets will include repolarizing currents and channels, as ultrarapid potassium current, two pore potassium current, the acetylcholine-gated potassium current, small-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels, but, also, molecular targets involved in intracellular calcium kinetics, as Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, ryanodine receptors and non-coding miRNA. New mechanistic discoveries link AF to inflammation and modern anti-cytokine drugs. There is still a long way to win between basic research and clinical practice, but, without any doubt, antiarrhythmic drug therapy will remain and develop as a cornerstone therapy for AF not in conflict, but complementary and alternative to interventional therapy.

Nano-scale drug delivery systems for antiarrhythmic agents

Arrhythmia means the heart is beating too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. Due to the side effects and low bioavailability of many antiarrhythmic drugs, nano-encapsulation has been widely used for their targeted delivery. Lipid nanocapsules, nano liposomes, nano niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles are common nano-carriers used for this purpose. The aim of this article is to summarize some of nano systems used for the specific delivery of antiarrhythmic agents to target tissues. At first, nanotechnology and its applications in drug delivery are described in brief. Then, some information on arrhythmias and antiarrhythmic drugs are provided. Finally, the nano drug delivery systems are explained and examples of their applications in encapsulation of antiarrhythmic drugs are presented.

Modulation of sodium channels as pharmacological tool for pain therapy-highlights and gaps

Voltage-gated sodium channels are crucially involved in the transduction and transmission of nociceptive signals and pathological pain states. In the past decades, a lot of effort has been spent examining and characterizing biophysical properties of the different sodium channels and their role in signaling pathways. Several gains of function mutations of the sodium channels Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 are associated with pain disorders. Due to their critical role in nociceptive pathways voltage-gated sodium channels are regarded interesting targets for pharmacological pain treatment. However we still need to fill the gap that exists in the translation of efficacy in preclinical in vitro experiments and in models of pain into the clinic. This review summarizes biological and electrophysiological properties of voltage-gated sodium channels and aims to discuss limitations and promising pharmacological strategies in sodium channel research in the context of pain therapy.