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Petersen M, Chevalier C, Naegele FL, Ingwersen T, Omidvarnia A, Hoffstaedter F, Patil K, Eickhoff SB, Schnabel RB, Kirchhof P, Schlemm E, Cheng B, Thomalla G, Jensen M. Mapping the interplay of atrial fibrillation, brain structure, and cognitive dysfunction. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:4512-4526. [PMID: 38837525 PMCID: PMC11247702 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Understanding the cognitive sequelae and brain structural changes associated with AF is vital for addressing ensuing health care needs. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined 1335 stroke-free individuals with AF and 2683 matched controls using neuropsychological assessments and multimodal neuroimaging. The analysis revealed that individuals with AF exhibited deficits in executive function, processing speed, and reasoning, accompanied by reduced cortical thickness, elevated extracellular free-water content, and widespread white matter abnormalities, indicative of small vessel pathology. Notably, brain structural differences statistically mediated the relationship between AF and cognitive performance. DISCUSSION Integrating a comprehensive analysis approach with extensive clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data, our study highlights small vessel pathology as a possible unifying link among AF, cognitive decline, and abnormal brain structure. These insights can inform diagnostic approaches and motivate the ongoing implementation of effective therapeutic strategies. Highlights We investigated neuropsychological and multimodal neuroimaging data of 1335 individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 2683 matched controls. Our analysis revealed AF-associated deficits in cognitive domains of attention, executive function, processing speed, and reasoning. Cognitive deficits in the AF group were accompanied by structural brain alterations including reduced cortical thickness and gray matter volume, alongside increased extracellular free-water content as well as widespread differences of white matter integrity. Structural brain changes statistically mediated the link between AF and cognitive performance, emphasizing the potential of structural imaging markers as a diagnostic tool in AF-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Petersen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Céleste Chevalier
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix L Naegele
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thies Ingwersen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amir Omidvarnia
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Felix Hoffstaedter
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Kaustubh Patil
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Schlemm
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Cheng
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Märit Jensen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Rossi VA, Laptseva N, Nebunu D, Haider T, Nägele MP, Ruschitzka F, Sudano I, Flammer AJ. Impaired retinal micro-vascular function in patients with atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol 2024; 398:131592. [PMID: 37979794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and CV diseases, in particular heart failure, are strongly associated with impaired microvascular retinal endothelial function. Whether atrial fibrillation (AF) contributes to vascular dysfunction is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of AF on retinal microvascular function. METHODS In this study, vascular function was measured non-invasively with flicker-light induced vasodilatation of retinal arterioles (FIDart%). Patients with a history of AF and risk factors for heart failure (HF) or heart failure (n = 69; age 67.9 ± 9.2 years, 71% male, 35% HFrEF, 56% paroxysmal, 25% persistent, 19% permanent AF), as well as age, sex and ejection fraction matched patients with absent history of AF (n = 66; age 63.4 ± 10.6 years, 67% male, 47% HFrEF) were included. Patients with AF were further divided into those with paroxysmal AF (in sinus rhythm - AFSR: n = 38, age 71.4 ± 9.2, 73% male), and those with AF at the time of the study visit. RESULTS Retinal microvascular function was impaired in patients with AF compared to patients without AF (FIDart% 1.1% [0.3-2.8] vs. 2.7% [1.3-5.1], p < 0.001). Patients currently in AF have poorer retinal microvascular function (FIDart% 0.8% [0.1-1.9) compared to patients with a history of AF but currently in SR at the time of retinal function measurement (1.5% [0.6-4.9] p = 0.017). In patients with AF, impaired retinal vascular function was independently associated with larger left atrial volume (mean 49.8 ± 18.4), even after correction for confounding factors in different models (SCR = -0. 251 to -0.256, p = 0.035-0.01). CONCLUSIONS AF in patients with heart failure is associated with impaired vascular function, even if currently in sinus rhythm. The association of retinal microvascular dysfunction with left atrial volume, a surrogate for elevated cardiac filling pressures, may further highlight the important interplay between the vasculature and elevated filling pressures in the development of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Delia Nebunu
- University Heart Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Haider
- University Heart Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Frank Ruschitzka
- University Heart Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland; Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology, Schlieren, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Sudano
- University Heart Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland; Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology, Schlieren, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas J Flammer
- University Heart Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland; Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology, Schlieren, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V, Oikonomou E, Pantelidis P, Gialamas I, Kalogeras K, Zakynthinos E, Vavuranakis M, Siasos G. Unveiling the Role of Endothelial Dysfunction: A Possible Key to Enhancing Catheter Ablation Success in Atrial Fibrillation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2317. [PMID: 38396990 PMCID: PMC10889579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation, a prevalent type of arrhythmia, is increasingly contributing to the economic burden on healthcare systems. The development of innovative treatments, notably catheter ablation, has demonstrated both impressive and promising outcomes. However, these treatments have not yet fully replaced pharmaceutical approaches, primarily due to the relatively high incidence of atrial fibrillation recurrence post-procedure. Recent insights into endothelial dysfunction have shed light on its role in both the onset and progression of atrial fibrillation. This emerging understanding suggests that endothelial function might significantly influence the effectiveness of catheter ablation. Consequently, a deeper exploration into endothelial dynamics could potentially elevate the status of catheter ablation, positioning it as a primary treatment option for atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E. Zakynthinos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (V.T.); (E.Z.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Panteleimon Pantelidis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Ioannis Gialamas
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeras
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (V.T.); (E.Z.)
| | - Manolis Vavuranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Oka A, Sudo Y, Morimoto T, Tsushima R, Sogo M, Ozaki M, Takahashi M, Okawa K. Pre-procedural Stratification by the Endothelial Function in Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Hellenic J Cardiol 2024:S1109-9666(24)00027-7. [PMID: 38342341 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction (ED), a well-established risk marker of cardiovascular events, is associated with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Its relationship with cardiovascular events in patients with HF undergoing AF ablation remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the association between ED and the outcomes after AF ablation in patients with HF. METHODS This prospective cohort study included patients with HF who underwent an endothelial function assessment using the peripheral vascular reactive hyperemia index (RHI) before first-time AF ablation. We defined AF recurrence according to the following types: the conventional form (AF≥30 seconds) and persistent form (requiring cardioversion). An RHI<2.1 indicated ED. Those with and without ED were compared in terms of the 3-year incidence of AF recurrence and cardiovascular events after AF ablation. RESULTS Among 421 patients with HF (69 ± 9 years and 38% females), 343 (81.5%) had ED. Although the incidence of the conventional form of AF recurrence was similar between the groups, that of the persistent form was significantly higher in the ED group (25.7% vs. 15.3%, log-rank P = 0.028). The ED group also had a significantly higher rate of cardiovascular events (14.8% vs. 3.6%, log-rank P = 0.028). Pre-procedural ED was identified as an independent predictor of a persistent form of AF recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-5.07, P = 0.037) and that of cardiovascular events (adjusted HR 4.21, 95% CI 1.02-17.5, P = 0.048), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The endothelial function assessment enabled the risk stratification of clinically problematic outcomes after AF ablation in patients with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Oka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-2-1 Asahi-machi, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 760-8557, Japan
| | - Yuya Sudo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-2-1 Asahi-machi, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 760-8557, Japan
| | - Takeshi Morimoto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Ryu Tsushima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-2-1 Asahi-machi, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 760-8557, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sogo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-2-1 Asahi-machi, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 760-8557, Japan
| | - Masatomo Ozaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-2-1 Asahi-machi, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 760-8557, Japan
| | - Masahiko Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-2-1 Asahi-machi, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 760-8557, Japan
| | - Keisuke Okawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-2-1 Asahi-machi, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 760-8557, Japan.
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Balan AI, Halațiu VB, Scridon A. Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Link between Obesity and Atrial Fibrillation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:117. [PMID: 38247541 PMCID: PMC10812976 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The adipose tissue has long been thought to represent a passive source of triglycerides and fatty acids. However, extensive data have demonstrated that the adipose tissue is also a major endocrine organ that directly or indirectly affects the physiological functions of almost all cell types. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for multiple systemic conditions, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disorders, and many others. Obesity-related changes in the adipose tissue induce functional and structural changes in cardiac myocytes, promoting a wide range of cardiovascular disorders, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to the wealth of epidemiologic data linking AF to obesity, the mechanisms underlying AF occurrence in obese patients are an area of rich ongoing investigation. However, progress has been somewhat slowed by the complex phenotypes of both obesity and AF. The triad inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are critical for AF pathogenesis in the setting of obesity via multiple structural and functional proarrhythmic changes at the level of the atria. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive view of the close relationship between obesity-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of AF. The clinical implications of these mechanistic insights are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkora Ioana Balan
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Vasile Bogdan Halațiu
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Alina Scridon
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
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Jameson HS, Hanley A, Hill MC, Xiao L, Ye J, Bapat A, Ronzier E, Hall AW, Hucker WJ, Clauss S, Barazza M, Silber E, Mina J, Tucker NR, Mills RW, Dong JT, Milan DJ, Ellinor PT. Loss of the Atrial Fibrillation-Related Gene, Zfhx3, Results in Atrial Dilation and Arrhythmias. Circ Res 2023; 133:313-329. [PMID: 37449401 PMCID: PMC10527554 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ZFHX3 (zinc finger homeobox 3), a gene that encodes a large transcription factor, is at the second-most significantly associated locus with atrial fibrillation (AF), but its function in the heart is unknown. This study aims to identify causative genetic variation related to AF at the ZFHX3 locus and examine the impact of Zfhx3 loss on cardiac function in mice. METHODS CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase assays in pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes were used to identify causative genetic variation related to AF at the ZFHX3 locus. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, electrophysiology studies, calcium imaging, and RNA sequencing in mice with heterozygous and homozygous cardiomyocyte-restricted Zfhx3 loss (Zfhx3 Het and knockout, respectively). Human cardiac single-nucleus ATAC (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin)-sequencing data was analyzed to determine which genes in atrial cardiomyocytes are directly regulated by ZFHX3. RESULTS We found single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12931021 modulates an enhancer regulating ZFHX3 expression, and the AF risk allele is associated with decreased ZFHX3 transcription. We observed a gene-dose response in AF susceptibility with Zfhx3 knockout mice having higher incidence, frequency, and burden of AF than Zfhx3 Het and wild-type mice, with alterations in conduction velocity, atrial action potential duration, calcium handling and the development of atrial enlargement and thrombus, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Zfhx3 loss results in atrial-specific differential effects on genes and signaling pathways involved in cardiac pathophysiology and AF. CONCLUSIONS Our findings implicate ZFHX3 as the causative gene at the 16q22 locus for AF, and cardiac abnormalities caused by loss of cardiac Zfhx3 are due to atrial-specific dysregulation of pathways involved in AF susceptibility. Together, these data reveal a novel and important role for Zfhx3 in the control of cardiac genes and signaling pathways essential for normal atrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather S. Jameson
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan Hanley
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew C. Hill
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Ling Xiao
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiangchuan Ye
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Aneesh Bapat
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsa Ronzier
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amelia Weber Hall
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - William J. Hucker
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sebastian Clauss
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Miranda Barazza
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Silber
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Mina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Robert W. Mills
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick T. Ellinor
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
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Miyauchi S, Tokuyama T, Takahashi S, Hiyama T, Okubo Y, Okamura S, Miyamoto S, Oguri N, Takasaki T, Katayama K, Miyauchi M, Nakano Y. Relationship Between Fibrosis, Endocardial Endothelial Damage, and Thrombosis of Left Atrial Appendage in Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1158-1168. [PMID: 37495324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus (LAAT) and ischemic stroke are considered important in atrial cardiomyopathy with progressive atrial fibrosis and endocardial endothelial damage. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to obtain histological evidence to clarify the association between LAA fibrosis and endocardial endothelial damage with LAAT, ischemic stroke, and clinical risk factors. METHODS Ninety-six patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) scheduled to undergo LAA excision during surgery were enrolled. They underwent transesophageal echocardiography before the surgery to validate the LAA function/morphology and LAAT presence or absence. The resected LAAs were subjected to Azan-Mallory staining and CD31 immunohistochemistry to quantify the degree of fibrosis and endocardial endothelial damage staged as F1-F4 and E1-E4 per the quantiles. RESULTS Patients with an LAAT and/or ischemic stroke history had higher fibrosis degrees (18.4% ± 9.9% vs 10.4% ± 7.0%, P < 0.0001) and lower CD31 expressions (0.27 [IQR: 0.05-0.57] vs 1.02 [IQR: 0.49-1.65]; P < 0.0001). Also, higher CHADS2 was associated with a higher degree of fibrosis and lower CD31 expression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that endothelial damage (E4) was associated with an LAAT and/or ischemic stroke history independent of AF type (paroxysmal or nonparoxysmal) with an OR of 3.47. Among patients with nonparoxysmal AF, fibrosis (F4, OR: 3.66), endothelial damage (E4, OR: 4.62), and LAA morphology (non-chicken-wing, OR: 3.79) were independently associated with LAAT and/or stroke. The degree of fibrosis correlated significantly with endothelial damage (R = -0.38, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These histological findings may be essential in considering the pathophysiology of LAAT and stroke within the atrial cardiomyopathy context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Miyauchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Medicine, Health Service Center, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Takehito Tokuyama
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shinya Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toru Hiyama
- Division of Medicine, Health Service Center, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Yousaku Okubo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Sho Okamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shogo Miyamoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoto Oguri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Taiichi Takasaki
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Keijiro Katayama
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Miyauchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Baroni M, Fortuna M, Maloberti A, Leidi F, Ciampi CM, Carbonaro M, Testoni A, Vargiu S, Varrenti M, Paolucci M, Gigli L, Giannattasio C, Mazzone P. Uric acid significantly correlates with the presence of low-voltage areas at the endocardial mapping in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2023; 33:1323-1329. [PMID: 37248142 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interest in the role of atrial substrate in maintaining Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is growing. Fibrosis is the culprit in the electrical derangement of the myocytes. Many cardiovascular risk factors are known to be linked to atrial scarring; among them Uric Acid (UA) is emerging. The purpose of our study is to find whether UA is associated with Left Atrium (LA) with pathological substrate. METHODS AND RESULTS 81 patients who underwent radiofrequency transcatheter ablation for nonvalvular AF at the cardiological department of the Niguarda Hospital were enrolled in an observational, cross-sectional, single-center study. UA levels were analysed before the procedure. High density electroanatomic mapping of the LA was performed and patients were divided according to the presence or not of areas of pathological substrate (bipolar voltage <0.5 mV in sinus rhythm). 19 patients showed a LA with pathological substrate. These subjects showed a significant higher prevalence of persistent phenotype of AF (84.2 vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001). UA levels were significantly higher in the group of patients with LA with pathological substrate (6.8 ± 1.9 vs 5.3 ± 1.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001) as well as the prevalence of hyperuricemia (26.5 vs. 6.5%, p = 0.021). The association between uric acid LA with pathological substrate remains significant even after correction for confounding factors (age, left ventricular dysfunction, valvular disease, arrythmia phenotype and furosemide use) and also when the ratio UA/creatinine was evaluated. CONCLUSIONS In a population of patients who underwent AF ablation, higher UA levels were significantly associated with pathological LA substrate at electro-anatomical mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Baroni
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Fortuna
- Department of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Maloberti
- Department of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Cardiology 4, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy.
| | - Filippo Leidi
- Department of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Carbonaro
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Testoni
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Vargiu
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Marisa Varrenti
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Paolucci
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gigli
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Giannattasio
- Department of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Cardiology 4, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizio Mazzone
- Cardiology 3, "A.De Gasperis" Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
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9
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Afrăsânie I, Matei IT, Leancă SA, Chetran A, Costache AD, Afrăsânie VA, Dmour BA, Crișu D, Bădescu MC, Șerban LI, Costache II. Ischemia with Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Atrial Cardiomyopathy-Two Sides of the Same Story? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020443. [PMID: 36836800 PMCID: PMC9963666 DOI: 10.3390/life13020443] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of angina, myocardial remodeling, and eventually heart failure (HF). Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a major endotype of INOCA, and it is caused by structural and functional alterations of the coronary microcirculation. At the same time, atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) defined by structural, functional, and electrical atrial remodeling has a major clinical impact due to its manifestations: atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial thrombosis, stroke, and HF symptoms. Both these pathologies share similar risk factors and have a high comorbidity burden. CMD causing INOCA and ACM frequently coexist. Thus, questions arise whether there is a potential link between these pathologies. Does CMD promote AF or the reverse? Which are the mechanisms that ultimately lead to CMD and ACM? Are both part of a systemic disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction? Lastly, which are the therapeutic strategies that can target endothelial dysfunction and improve the prognosis of patients with CMD and ACM? This review aims to address these questions by analyzing the existing body of evidence, offering further insight into the mechanisms of CMD and ACM, and discussing potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Afrăsânie
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.A.); (D.C.); Tel.: +40-76988633 (I.A. & D.C.)
| | - Iulian Theodor Matei
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Sabina Andreea Leancă
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Adriana Chetran
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Alexandru Dan Costache
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Department of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iași, Romania
| | - Vlad-Adrian Afrăsânie
- Department of Medical Oncology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Department of Oncology, The Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iași, Romania
| | - Bianca-Ana Dmour
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Daniela Crișu
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.A.); (D.C.); Tel.: +40-76988633 (I.A. & D.C.)
| | - Minerva Codruța Bădescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Internal Medicine Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
| | - Lăcrămioara Ionela Șerban
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Irina Iuliana Costache
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
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10
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Kantarcioglu B, Mehrotra S, Papineni C, Siddiqui F, Kouta A, Hoppensteadt D, Bansal V, Darki A, Van Thiel DH, Fareed J. Endogenous Glycosaminoglycans in Various Pathologic Plasma Samples as Measured by a Fluorescent Quenching Method. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2022; 28:10760296221144047. [PMID: 36474353 PMCID: PMC9732799 DOI: 10.1177/10760296221144047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with a similar structure to heparin are widely distributed in various tissues. A fluorescence probe, namely Heparin Red, can detect polyanionic GAGs in plasma samples. The purpose of this study is to measure endogenous GAGs in various plasma samples obtained from different pathologic states in comparison to healthy controls utilizing this method. Plasma samples were obtained from patient groups including atrial fibrillation (AF), end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD), diabetes mellitus (DM), sepsis, cancer, liver disease (LD), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Normal human plasma (NHP) was used as healthy controls. The Heparin Red kit from Red Probes (Münster, Germany) was used for the quantification of endogenous GAGs in each sample before and after heparinase I degradation. All results were compiled as group means ± SD for comparison. NHP was found to have relatively low levels of endogenous GAGs with a mean concentration of 0.06 μg/mL. The AF, ESRD, DM, and sepsis patient samples had a mean endogenous GAG concentration of 0.55, 0.72, 0.92, and 0.94 μg/mL, respectively. The levels of endogenous GAGs were highest in cancer, LD, and PE patient plasma samples with a mean concentration of 1.95, 2.78, and 2.83 μg/mL, respectively. Heparinase I degradation resulted in a decline in GAG levels in plasma samples. These results clearly show that detectable Heparin Red sensitive endogenous GAGs are present in circulating plasma at varying levels in various patient groups. Additional studies are necessary to understand this complex pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Kantarcioglu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences
Division, Maywood, IL, USA,Bulent Kantarcioglu, Department of
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
| | - Siddharth Mehrotra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences
Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Charulatha Papineni
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences
Division, Maywood, IL, USA,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience,
Loyola
University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Fakiha Siddiqui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences
Division, Maywood, IL, USA,Program in Health Sciences, UCAM - Universidad Católica San Antonio de
Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ahmed Kouta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences
Division, Maywood, IL, USA,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience,
Loyola
University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Debra Hoppensteadt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences
Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Vinod Bansal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology,
Loyola
University Medical Center, Maywood, IL,
USA
| | - Amir Darki
- Cardiology Department, Loyola University Medical
Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - David H. Van Thiel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Rush Oak Park
Hospital, Oak Park, Illinois and Rush
University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jawed Fareed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Loyola
University Chicago, Health Sciences
Division, Maywood, IL, USA
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11
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Arterial stiffness and atrial fibrillation: shared mechanisms, clinical implications and therapeutic options. J Hypertens 2022; 40:1639-1646. [PMID: 35943096 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Arterial stiffness (AS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) share commonalities in molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms and numerous studies have analyzed their reciprocal influence. The gold standard for AS diagnosis is represented by aortic pulse wave velocity, whose measurement can be affected by arrhythmias characterized by irregularities in heart rhythm, such as AF. Growing evidence show that patients with AS are at high risk of AF development. Moreover, the subset of AF patients with AS seems to be more symptomatic and rhythm control strategies are less effective in this population. Reducing AS through de-stiffening interventions may be beneficial for patients with AF and can be a new appealing target for the holistic approach of AF management. In this review, we discuss the association between AS and AF, with particular interest in shared mechanisms, clinical implications and therapeutic options.
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