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Yamaguchi T. Atrial structural remodeling and atrial fibrillation substrate: A histopathological perspective. J Cardiol 2024:S0914-5087(24)00096-0. [PMID: 38810728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate progresses with the advancement of atrial structural remodeling, resulting in AF perpetuation and recurrence. Although fibrosis is considered a hallmark of atrial structural remodeling, the histological background has not been fully elucidated because obtaining atrial specimens is difficult, especially in patients not undergoing open-heart surgery. Bipolar voltage reduction evaluated using electroanatomic mapping during AF ablation is considered a surrogate marker for the progression of structural remodeling; however, histological validation is lacking. We developed an intracardiac echocardiography-guided endomyocardial atrial biopsy technique to evaluate atrial structural remodeling in patients undergoing catheter ablation for nonvalvular AF. The histological factors associated with a decrease in bipolar voltage were interstitial fibrosis, as well as an increase in myocardial intercellular space preceding fibrosis, myofibrillar loss, and a decrease in cardiomyocyte nuclear density, which is a surrogate marker for cardiomyocyte density. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is closely associated with a decrease in cardiomyocyte nuclear density, suggesting that hypertrophic changes compensate for cardiomyocyte loss. Electron microscopy also revealed that increased intercellular spaces indicated the leakage of plasma components owing to increased vascular permeability. Additionally, amyloid deposition was observed in 4 % of biopsy cases. Only increased intercellular space and interstitial fibrosis were significantly higher for long-standing persistent AF than for paroxysmal AF and associated with recurrence after AF ablation, suggesting that this interstitial remodeling is the AF substrate. An increase in intercellular space that occurs early in AF formation is a therapeutic target for the AF substrate, which prevents irreversible interstitial degeneration due to collagen accumulation. This endomyocardial atrial biopsy technique will allow the collection of atrial tissue from a wide variety of patients and significantly facilitate the elucidation of the mechanisms of atrial cardiomyopathy, structural remodeling, and AF substrates.
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Efficacy of electrical isolation of the left atrial posterior wall depends on the existence of left atrial low-voltage zone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Heart Vessels 2022; 37:1757-1768. [PMID: 35441869 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-022-02069-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modification of the low-voltage zone in the left atrium (LA-LVZ) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has not shown sufficient improvement in arrhythmia-free survival in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF). Further, the effect of electrical posterior wall isolation (PWI) is controversial. We investigated the impact of existence of LA-LVZ on the outcome of patients undergoing additional PWI for PerAF. METHODS A total of 347 patients with PerAF who underwent primary catheter ablation with LA-LVZ based strategy were retrospectively analyzed. Voltage mapping in the left atrium (LA) was performed during sinus rhythm. Additional LVZ ablation was performed in patients with LA-LVZ. The operators decided whether additional PWIs were to be performed. RESULTS Of 347 patients, 108 had LA-LVZ. In the LVZ group, patients with additional PWI (N = 70) had higher rates of freedom from tachyarrhythmia recurrence than those without (77.1% vs. 42.1%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, even when patients were limited to those with LA-LVZ in areas other than the posterior wall (N = 85), PWI had higher success rates (80.9% vs. 42.1%, p < 0.001). In contrast, in patients without LVZ (N = 239), there was no significant difference in the rate of successful outcome between those with and without PWI (81.3% vs. 88.1%, p = 0.112). On the other hand, the patients with PWI had greater atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence rate than those without PWI (10.0% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS PWI, in addition to PVI and LVZ modification, may improve single procedural outcomes in patients with PerAF who have LVZ, regardless of the distribution in the LA. A combination of voltage-guided ablation and PWI may be a simple, tailored, and effective ablation strategy.
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Wesselink R, Neefs J, van den Berg NWE, Meulendijks ER, Terpstra MM, Kawasaki M, Nariswari FA, Piersma FR, van Boven WJP, Driessen AHG, de Groot JR. Does left atrial epicardial conduction time reflect atrial fibrosis and the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after thoracoscopic ablation? Post hoc analysis of the AFACT trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056829. [PMID: 35264365 PMCID: PMC8915322 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the association between left atrial epicardial conduction time (LAECT), fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after thoracoscopic surgical ablation of persistent AF. SETTING Single tertiary care centre in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Patients with persistent AF from the randomised Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT)-trial were included. Patients eligible for thoracoscopic AF ablation were included, full inclusion and exclusion criteria were previously published. All patients underwent thoracoscopic ablation, encompassing pulmonary vein isolation with an additional roof and trigone lesion. In patients with conduction block across the roof and trigone lesion, LAECT was measured. LAECT was defined as the time to local activation at one side of the roofline on pacing from the opposite side. Collagen fibre density was quantified from left atrial appendage histology. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome: AF recurrence during 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS 121 patients were included, of whom 35(29%) were women, age was 60.4±7.8 and 51% (62) had at least one AF recurrence during 2 years of follow-up. LAECT was longer in patients with versus without AF recurrence (182±43 ms vs 147±29 ms, p<0.001). LAECT was longer in older patients, in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) and in patients using class IC antiarrhythmic drugs. LAECT was shorter in patients with higher collagen fibre density. A previously failed catheter ablation, LAECT and BMI were independently associated with AF recurrence. CONCLUSION LAECT is correlated with collagen fibre density and BMI and is independently associated with AF recurrence in patients with persistent AF. In these patients, LAECT appears to reflect substrate characteristics beyond clinical AF type and left atrial volume. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01091389.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wesselink
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - J Neefs
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - N W E van den Berg
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - E R Meulendijks
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - M M Terpstra
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - M Kawasaki
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - F A Nariswari
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - F R Piersma
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - W J P van Boven
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - A H G Driessen
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - J R de Groot
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
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Fang C, Zuo K, Zhang W, Zhong J, Li J, Xu L, Yang X. Association between Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and the CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Atrial Fibrillation Patients. Int J Clin Pract 2022; 2022:7942605. [PMID: 35685549 PMCID: PMC9159190 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7942605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In our previous studies, we found a disordered taxonomic composition and function of gut microbiota (GM) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, direct evidence about the association between dysbiotic microbiota and thromboembolic risk in AF is lacking. AIMS In this study, we analyzed the interaction of GM and related functional patterns in AF with different CHA2DS2-VASc scores to assess its potential as a biomarker for predicting stroke risk. Patients and Methods. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was used for thromboembolic risk stratification in AF according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. We investigated the taxonomic and functional annotation of GM based on metagenomic data from 50 AF patients (32 with high thromboembolic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 (males) or CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3 (females)) and 18 individuals with low thromboembolic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score <2 (males) or CHA2DS2-VASc score <3 (females))). RESULTS The gut microbial diversity, composition, and function in AF were different in high and low CHA2DS2-VASc score groups. In high thromboembolic risk group, the abundance of Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae, and Eubacterium rectale, related to the production of short-chain fatty acids and anti-inflammatory were reduced (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), a database of genes and genomes, the KEGG orthology-based scoring approach exhibited a significant association with thromboembolic risk in AF patients. CONCLUSIONS Imbalance of GM and microbial dysfunction are involved in aggravated thromboembolic risk of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fang
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Kun Zuo
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Wanjing Zhang
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jiuchang Zhong
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jing Li
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Li Xu
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xinchun Yang
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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Regional Diversities in Fibrogenesis Weighed as a Key Determinant for Atrial Arrhythmogenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121900. [PMID: 34944715 PMCID: PMC8698388 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrosis plays a key role in atrial myopathy, resulting in the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The abnormal distribution of fibrotic tissue, electrical coupling, paracrine interactions, and biomechanical–electrical interactions have all been suggested as causes of fibrosis-related arrhythmogenesis. Moreover, the regional difference in fibrogenesis, specifically the left atrium (LA) exhibiting a higher arrhythmogenesis and level of fibrosis than the right atrium (RA) in AF, is a key contributor to atrial arrhythmogenesis. LA fibroblasts have greater profibrotic cellular activities than RA fibroblasts, but knowledge about the regional diversity of atrial regional fibrogenesis remains limited. This article provides a comprehensive review of research findings on the association between fibrogenesis and arrhythmogenesis from laboratory to clinical evidence and updates the current understanding of the potential mechanism underlying the difference in fibrogenesis between the LA and RA.
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Yang W, Zhao Q, Yao M, Li X, Zhang Y, Liu C, Shan Z, Wang Y. The prognostic significance of left atrial appendage peak flow velocity in the recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation following first radiofrequency catheter ablation. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:5954-5963. [PMID: 34795943 PMCID: PMC8575843 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-1363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) relapse following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) continues to be a concern. This study establishes a connection between left atrial appendage peak flow velocity (LAAV) and recurrence of AF in individuals having PeAF following first RFCA. Methods We retrospectively studied 164 successive PeAF patients who had first RFCA between January 2018 and December 2019. Before the ablation, the LAAV was recorded using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The demographic and clinical data of the individuals were gathered. Participants were monitored at regular intervals to monitor for recurrence of AF. We employed Cox proportional hazards regression to determine if LAAV, as well as other clinical indicators, were predictive of AF recurrence in follow-up. Results In this study, AF relapse was seen in 43 patients (26.2%) following a median follow-up of 15 [interquartile range (IQR): 12–18] months. It was shown that the LAAV was decreased in individuals who had recurrences of AF (0.36±0.05 vs. 0.45±0.17 m/s, P=0.004). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, it was discovered that the low LAAV (0.37 m/s) group had a poorer event-free survival rate compared to the high LAAV (>0.37 m/s) group (17.6 vs. 21.2 months, log-rank P=0.002) group. Based on the results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis, a LAAV of fewer than 0.37 m/s [hazard ratio (HR): 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.177–4.227; P=0.014] was shown to be an independent predictor of AF recurrence following RFCA. Conclusions A low LAAV is associated with AF relapse, and it is a predictor of AF relapse following the first RFCA for PeAF. This discovery may be useful in the optimization of treatment strategies and the care of patients with PeAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Yang
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Yao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanbin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoliang Shan
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yutang Wang
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Papathanasiou KA, Giotaki SG, Vrachatis DA, Siasos G, Lambadiari V, Iliodromitis KE, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Raisakis K, Deftereos G, Papaioannou TG, Giannopoulos G, Avramides D, Deftereos SG. Molecular Insights in Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis and Therapeutics: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091584. [PMID: 34573926 PMCID: PMC8470040 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is bound to increase globally in the following years, affecting the quality of life of millions of people, increasing mortality and morbidity, and beleaguering health care systems. Increasingly effective therapeutic options against AF are the constantly evolving electroanatomic substrate mapping systems of the left atrium (LA) and ablation catheter technologies. Yet, a prerequisite for better long-term success rates is the understanding of AF pathogenesis and maintenance. LA electrical and anatomical remodeling remains in the epicenter of current research for novel diagnostic and treatment modalities. On a molecular level, electrical remodeling lies on impaired calcium handling, enhanced inwardly rectifying potassium currents, and gap junction perturbations. In addition, a wide array of profibrotic stimuli activates fibroblast to an increased extracellular matrix turnover via various intermediaries. Concomitant dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and the humoral function of increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are established mediators in the pathophysiology of AF. Local atrial lymphomononuclear cells infiltrate and increased inflammasome activity accelerate and perpetuate arrhythmia substrate. Finally, impaired intracellular protein metabolism, excessive oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction deplete atrial cardiomyocyte ATP and promote arrhythmogenesis. These overlapping cellular and molecular alterations hinder us from distinguishing the cause from the effect in AF pathogenesis. Yet, a plethora of therapeutic modalities target these molecular perturbations and hold promise in combating the AF burden. Namely, atrial selective ion channel inhibitors, AF gene therapy, anti-fibrotic agents, AF drug repurposing, immunomodulators, and indirect cardiac neuromodulation are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos A. Papathanasiou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Sotiria G. Giotaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Dimitrios A. Vrachatis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | | | - Charalampos Kossyvakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Theodore G. Papaioannou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | | | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Spyridon G. Deftereos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-21-0583-2355
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de Lucia C, Wallner M, Corradi D, Pironti G. Editorial: Cardiac Fibrosis, From Lineage Tracing to Therapeutic Application. Front Physiol 2021; 11:641771. [PMID: 33551854 PMCID: PMC7855971 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.641771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio de Lucia
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Markus Wallner
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, CBmed GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | - Domenico Corradi
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pironti
- Cardiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
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