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Meng LB, Li Y, Lv T, Lv C, Liu L, Zhang P. Joint effects of CD8A and ICOS in Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS). J Cardiothorac Surg 2024; 19:321. [PMID: 38845009 PMCID: PMC11155187 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02804-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) are complex disorders with unclear origins, underscoring the need for in-depth molecular investigations into their mechanisms. The main aim of this study is to identify the shared key genes between LQTS and BWS, shedding light on potential common molecular pathways underlying these syndromes. METHODS The LQTS and BWS datasets are available for download from the GEO database. Differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to detect significant modules and central genes. Gene enrichment analysis was performed. CIBERSORT was used for immune cell infiltration analysis. The predictive protein interaction (PPI) network of core genes was constructed using STRING, and miRNAs regulating central genes were screened using TargetScan. RESULTS Five hundred DEGs associated with Long QT Syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome were identified. GSEA analysis revealed enrichment in pathways such as T cell receptor signaling, MAPK signaling, and adrenergic signaling in cardiac myocytes. Immune cell infiltration indicated higher levels of memory B cells and naive CD4 T cells. Four core genes (CD8A, ICOS, CTLA4, LCK) were identified, with CD8A and ICOS showing low expression in the syndromes and high expression in normal samples, suggesting potential inverse regulatory roles. CONCLUSION The expression of CD8A and ICOS is low in long QT syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, indicating their potential as key genes in the pathogenesis of these syndromes. The identification of shared key genes between LQTS and BWS provides insights into common molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders, potentially facilitating the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Bing Meng
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongchao Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Changhua Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lianfeng Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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2
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Weismann CG, Wedlund F, Ryd TL, von Wowern E, Hlebowicz J. Electrocardiographic proarrhythmic changes in pregnancy of women with CHD. Cardiol Young 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38465638 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951124000374] [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] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pregnancy-related physiological adaptations result in increased heart rate as well as electrocardiographic changes such as a mean QTc prolongation of 27 ms. Pregnant women with CHD are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for abnormally prolonged QTc interval-a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias-in pregnant women with CHD. MATERIAL AND METHOD Retrospective longitudinal single-centre study. Pre-pregnancy demographic and electrocardiographic risk factors for abnormal QTc duration during pregnancy of (a) > 460 ms and (b) >27 ms increase were analyzed. RESULTS Eighty-three pregnancies in 63 women were included, of which three had documented arrhythmias. All five Modified World Health Organization Classification of Maternal Cardiovascular Risk (mWHO) classes were represented, with 15 pregnancies (18.1%) in mWHO class I, 26 (31.3%) in mWHO II, 28 (33.7%) in mWHO II-III, 11 (13.3%) in mWHO III, and three pregnancies (3.6%) in mWHO class IV. Heart rate and QTc interval increased, while QRS duration and PR interval shortened during pregnancy. QTc duration of > 460 ms was associated with increased pre-pregnancy QTc interval, QRS duration, and weight, as well as body mass index. QTc increase of > 27 ms was associated with increased heart rate prior to pregnancy. No significant associations of electrocardiographic changes with mWHO class or CHD type were identified. CONCLUSION Increased QTc in pregnant women with CHD was associated with being overweight or having higher heart rate, QRS, or QTc duration prior to pregnancy. These patients should be monitored closely for arrhythmias during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance G Weismann
- Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Ludwig Maximilium University, Munich, Germany
| | - Frida Wedlund
- Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Emma von Wowern
- Deptartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joanna Hlebowicz
- Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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3
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Hellwig LD, Villar J, Turner C. Computational in silico genetic variant prediction tools in cardiovascular disease. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2023; 28:e13079. [PMID: 37607111 PMCID: PMC10475887 DOI: 10.1111/anec.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia D. Hellwig
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.BethesdaMarylandUSA
- Center for Military Precision HealthUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Joaquin Villar
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.BethesdaMarylandUSA
- Center for Military Precision HealthUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Clesson Turner
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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Díez-Escuté N, Arbelo E, Martínez-Barrios E, Cerralbo P, Cesar S, Cruzalegui J, Chipa F, Fiol V, Zschaeck I, Hernández C, Campuzano O, Sarquella-Brugada G. Sex differences in long QT syndrome. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1164028. [PMID: 37082456 PMCID: PMC10110834 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1164028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a rare, inherited channelopathy characterized by cardiac repolarization dysfunction, leading to a prolonged rate-corrected QT interval in patients who are at risk for malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias, syncope, and even sudden cardiac death. A complex genetic origin, variable expressivity as well as incomplete penetrance make the diagnosis a clinical challenge. In the last 10 years, there has been a continuous improvement in diagnostic and personalized treatment options. Therefore, several factors such as sex, age diagnosis, QTc interval, and genetic background may contribute to risk stratification of patients, but it still currently remains as a main challenge in LQTS. It is widely accepted that sex is a risk factor itself for some arrhythmias. Female sex has been suggested as a risk factor in the development of malignant arrhythmias associated with LQTS. The existing differences between the sexes are only manifested after puberty, being the hormones the main inducers of arrhythmias. Despite the increased risk in females, no more than 10% of the available publications on LQTS include sex-related data concerning the risk of malignant arrhythmias in females. Therein, the relevance of our review data update concerning women and LQTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Díez-Escuté
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Arbelo
- Arrhythmia Section, Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- IDIBAPS, Institut d’Investigació August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
- European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Estefanía Martínez-Barrios
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Cerralbo
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Cesar
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Cruzalegui
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Freddy Chipa
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Fiol
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Zschaeck
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Hernández
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Campuzano
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, University of Girona-IDIBGI, Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: Oscar Campuzano Georgia Sarquella-Brugada
| | - Georgia Sarquella-Brugada
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: Oscar Campuzano Georgia Sarquella-Brugada
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Hiniesto-Iñigo I, Castro-Gonzalez LM, Corradi V, Skarsfeldt MA, Yazdi S, Lundholm S, Nikesjö J, Noskov SY, Bentzen BH, Tieleman DP, Liin SI. Endocannabinoids enhance hK V7.1/KCNE1 channel function and shorten the cardiac action potential and QT interval. EBioMedicine 2023; 89:104459. [PMID: 36796231 PMCID: PMC9958262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genotype-positive patients who suffer from the cardiac channelopathy Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) may display a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, with often unknown causes. Therefore, there is a need to identify factors influencing disease severity to move towards an individualized clinical management of LQTS. One possible factor influencing the disease phenotype is the endocannabinoid system, which has emerged as a modulator of cardiovascular function. In this study, we aim to elucidate whether endocannabinoids target the cardiac voltage-gated potassium channel KV7.1/KCNE1, which is the most frequently mutated ion channel in LQTS. METHODS We used two-electrode voltage clamp, molecular dynamics simulations and the E4031 drug-induced LQT2 model of ex-vivo guinea pig hearts. FINDINGS We found a set of endocannabinoids that facilitate channel activation, seen as a shifted voltage-dependence of channel opening and increased overall current amplitude and conductance. We propose that negatively charged endocannabinoids interact with known lipid binding sites at positively charged amino acids on the channel, providing structural insights into why only specific endocannabinoids modulate KV7.1/KCNE1. Using the endocannabinoid ARA-S as a prototype, we show that the effect is not dependent on the KCNE1 subunit or the phosphorylation state of the channel. In guinea pig hearts, ARA-S was found to reverse the E4031-prolonged action potential duration and QT interval. INTERPRETATION We consider the endocannabinoids as an interesting class of hKV7.1/KCNE1 channel modulators with putative protective effects in LQTS contexts. FUNDING ERC (No. 850622), Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Research Chairs and Compute Canada, Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Hiniesto-Iñigo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Laura M Castro-Gonzalez
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Valentina Corradi
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mark A Skarsfeldt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Samira Yazdi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Siri Lundholm
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Nikesjö
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sergei Yu Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bo Hjorth Bentzen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Peter Tieleman
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sara I Liin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Sun X, Lv Y, Lin J. The mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: A mini review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1137182. [PMID: 36815002 PMCID: PMC9939452 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1137182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is defined as a sudden, unexpected, non-traumatic, non-drowning death in a person with epilepsy. SUDEP is generally considered to result from seizure-related cardiac dysfunction, respiratory depression, autonomic nervous dysfunction, or brain dysfunction. Frequency of generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS), prone posture, and refractory epilepsy are considered risk factors. SUDEP has also been associated with inherited cardiac ion channel disease and severe obstructive sleep apnea. Most previous studies of SUDEP mechanisms have focused on cardiac and respiratory dysfunction and imbalance of the neural regulatory system. Cardiac-related mechanisms include reduction in heart rate variability and prolongation of QT interval, which can lead to arrhythmias. Laryngospasm and amygdala activation may cause obstructive and central apnea, respectively. Neural mechanisms include impairment of 5-HT and adenosine neuromodulation. The research to date regarding molecular mechanisms of SUDEP is relatively limited. Most studies have focused on p-glycoprotein, catecholamines, potassium channels, and the renin-angiotensin system, all of which affect cardiac and respiratory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yehui Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China,Institute of Wound Prevention and Treatment, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yehui Lv ✉
| | - Jian Lin
- Institute of Wound Prevention and Treatment, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China,Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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7
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Miller JA, Moise N, Weinberg SH. Modeling incomplete penetrance in long QT syndrome type 3 through ion channel heterogeneity: an in silico population study. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H179-H197. [PMID: 36487185 PMCID: PMC10072004 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00430.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many cardiac diseases are characterized by an increased late sodium current, including heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and inherited long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3). The late sodium current in LQT3 is caused by a gain-of-function mutation in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.5. Despite a well-defined genetic cause of LQT3, treatment remains inconsistent because of incomplete penetrance of the mutation and variability of antiarrhythmic efficacy. Here, we investigate the relationship between LQT3-associated mutation incomplete penetrance and variability in ion channel expression, simulating a population of 1,000 individuals with the O'Hara-Rudy model of the human ventricular myocyte. We first simulate healthy electrical activity (i.e., in the absence of a mutation) and then incorporate heterozygous expression for three LQT3-associated mutations (Y1795C, I1768V, and ΔKPQ), to directly compare the effects of each mutation on individuals across a diverse population. For all mutations, we find that susceptibility, defined by either the presence of an early afterdepolarization (EAD) or prolonged action potential duration (APD), primarily depends on the balance between the conductance of IKr and INa, for which individuals with a higher IKr-to-INa ratio are less susceptible. Furthermore, we find distinct differences across the population, observing individuals susceptible to zero, one, two, or all three mutations. Individuals tend to be less susceptible with an appropriate balance of repolarizing currents, typically via increased IKs or IK1. Interestingly, the more critical repolarizing current is mutation specific. We conclude that the balance between key currents plays a significant role in mutant-specific presentation of the disease phenotype in LQT3.NEW & NOTEWORTHY An in silico population approach investigates the relationship between variability in ion channel expression and gain-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel associated with the congenital disorder long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3). We find that ion channel variability can contribute to incomplete penetrance of the mutation, with mutant-specific differences in ion channel conductances leading to susceptibility to proarrhythmic action potential duration prolongation or early afterdepolarizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nicolae Moise
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Seth H Weinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
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Munk M, Villalobo E, Villalobo A, Berchtold MW. Differential expression of the three independent CaM genes coding for an identical protein: Potential relevance of distinct mRNA stability by different codon usage. Cell Calcium 2022; 107:102656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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9
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Cardiac disease in neonates. ANAESTHESIA & INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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10
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Ban JE. The Outcome of Long QT Syndrome: What is the Optimal Therapy? Korean Circ J 2022; 52:782-784. [PMID: 36217599 PMCID: PMC9551228 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2022.0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Ban
- Department of Pediatrics, Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Henein MY, Vancheri S, Longo G, Vancheri F. The Impact of Mental Stress on Cardiovascular Health—Part II. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154405. [PMID: 35956022 PMCID: PMC9369438 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is one of the earliest manifestations of atherosclerosis, contributing to its development and progression. Mental stress induces endothelial dysfunction through increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, release of corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus, inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by cortisol, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mental-stress-induced increased output of the sympathetic nervous system and concomitant withdrawal of the parasympathetic inflammatory reflex results in systemic inflammation and activation of a neural–hematopoietic–arterial axis. This includes the brainstem and subcortical regions network, bone marrow activation, release of leukocytes into the circulation and their migration to the arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaques. Low-grade, sterile inflammation is involved in all steps of atherogenesis, from coronary plaque formation to destabilisation and rupture. Increased sympathetic tone may cause arterial smooth-muscle-cell proliferation, resulting in vascular hypertrophy, thus contributing to the development of hypertension. Emotional events also cause instability of cardiac repolarisation due to brain lateralised imbalance of cardiac autonomic nervous stimulation, which may lead to asymmetric repolarisation and arrhythmia. Acute emotional stress can also provoke severe catecholamine release, leading to direct myocyte injury due to calcium overload, known as myocytolysis, coronary microvascular vasoconstriction, and an increase in left ventricular afterload. These changes can trigger a heart failure syndrome mimicking acute myocardial infarction, characterised by transient left ventricular dysfunction and apical ballooning, known as stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy. Women are more prone than men to develop mental-stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI), probably reflecting gender differences in brain activation patterns during mental stress. Although guidelines on CV prevention recognise psychosocial factors as risk modifiers to improve risk prediction and decision making, the evidence that their assessment and treatment will prevent CAD needs further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y. Henein
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, 90187 Umea, Sweden;
- Brunel University, Middlesex, London UB8 3PH, UK
- St. George’s University, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Sergio Vancheri
- Radiology Department, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Longo
- Cardiovascular and Interventional Department, S. Elia Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
| | - Federico Vancheri
- Department of Internal Medicine, S. Elia Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
- Correspondence:
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