1
|
Sheng Y, Wang YY, Chang Y, Ye D, Wu L, Kang H, Zhang X, Chen X, Li B, Zhu D, Zhang N, Zhao H, Chen A, Chen H, Jia P, Song J. Deciphering mechanisms of cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocyte transformation in myocardial remodeling of permanent atrial fibrillation. J Adv Res 2024; 61:101-117. [PMID: 37722560 PMCID: PMC11258668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.09.012] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, and it significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular complications and morbidity, even with appropriate treatment. Tissue remodeling has been a significant topic, while its systematic transcriptional signature remains unclear in AF. OBJECTIVES Our study aims to systematically investigate the molecular characteristics of AF at the cellular-level. METHODS We conducted single-nuclei RNA-sequencig (snRNA-seq) analysis using nuclei isolated from the left atrial appendage (LAA) of AF patients and sinus rhythm. Pathological staining was performed to validate the key findings of snRNA-seq. RESULTS A total of 30 cell subtypes were identified among 80, 592 nuclei. Within the LAA of AF, we observed a specific subtype of dedifferentiated cardiomyocytes (CMs) characterized by reduced expression of cardiac contractile proteins (TTN and TRDN) and heightened expression of extracellular-matrix related genes (COL1A2 and FBN1). Transcription factor prediction analysis revealed that gene expression patterns in dedifferentiated CMs were primarily regulated by CEBPG and GISLI. Additionally, we identified a distinct subtype of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) demonstrating elevated expression of PROM1 and KDR, a population decreased within the LAA of AF. Epicardial adipocytes disclosed a reduced release of the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic factor PRG4, and an augmented secretion of VEGF signals targeting CMs. Additionally, we noted accumulation of M2-like macrophages and CD8+ T cells with high pro-inflammatory score in LAA of AF. Furthermore, the analysis of intercellular communication revealed specific pathways related to AF, such as inflammation, extracellular matrix, and vascular remodeling signals. CONCLUSIONS This study has discovered the presence of dedifferentiated CMs, a decrease in endothelial progenitor cells, a shift in the secretion profile of adipocytes, and an amplified inflammatory response in AF. These findings could offer crucial insights for future research on AF and serve as valuable references for investigating novel therapeutic approaches for AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Sheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yin-Ying Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Chang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Dongting Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liying Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongen Kang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daliang Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Haisen Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aijun Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haisheng Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Peilin Jia
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiangping Song
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen 518057, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing 100037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stevens TL, Coles S, Sturm AC, Hoover CA, Borzok MA, Mohler PJ, El Refaey M. Molecular Pathways and Animal Models of Arrhythmias. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:1057-1090. [PMID: 38884769 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Arrhythmias account for over 300,000 annual deaths in the United States, and approximately half of all deaths are associated with heart disease. Mechanisms underlying arrhythmia risk are complex; however, work in humans and animal models over the past 25 years has identified a host of molecular pathways linked with both arrhythmia substrates and triggers. This chapter will focus on select arrhythmia pathways solved by linking human clinical and genetic data with animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler L Stevens
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sara Coles
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy C Sturm
- Genomic Medicine Institute, 23andMe, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
| | - Catherine A Hoover
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Maegen A Borzok
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA, USA
| | - Peter J Mohler
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mona El Refaey
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu B, Shalamu A, Pei Z, Liu L, Wei Z, Qu Y, Song S, Luo W, Dong Z, Weng X, Ge J. A novel mouse model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction after chronic kidney disease induced by retinol through JAK/STAT pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3661-3677. [PMID: 37564202 PMCID: PMC10411473 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is the leading cardiovascular comorbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Among the types of heart failure according to ejection fraction, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the most common type of heart failure in CKD patients. However, the specific animal model of HFpEF afer CKD is currently missing. In this study, we determined the heart failure characteristics and dynamic progression in CKD mice. Based on these features, we established the practical HFpEF after CKD mouse model using 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy and retinol administration. Active apoptosis, impaired calcium handling, an imbalance between eNOS and oxidative stress and engaged endoplasmic reticulum stress were observed in our model. RNSseq revealed distinct gene expression patterns between HFpEF after CKD and metabolic induced-HFpEF. Furthermore, we revealed the potential mechanism of the pro-HFpEF effect of retinol. Serum accumulation of retinol in CKD prompts myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis by activating JAK2 and phosphorylating STAT5. Finally, using small molecule inhibitor AC-4-130, we found STAT5 phosphorylation inhibitor may be a potential intervention target for HFpEF after CKD. In conclusion, we provide a novel animal model and a potential drug target for HFpEF intervention in CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Adilan Shalamu
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pei
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Department of Cardiology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, 030000, China
| | - Liwei Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Zilun Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yanan Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Xinyu Weng
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- National Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu D, Barajas-Martinez H, Zhang ZH, Duan HY, Zhao QY, Bao MW, Du YM, Burashnikov A, Monasky MM, Pappone C, Huang CX, Antzelevitch C, Jiang H. Advances in basic and translational research in atrial fibrillation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220174. [PMID: 37122214 PMCID: PMC10150218 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common cardiac arrhythmia with an estimated prevalence of 33.5 million patients globally. It is associated with an increased risk of death, stroke and peripheral embolism. Although genetic studies have identified a growing number of genes associated with AF, the definitive impact of these genetic findings is yet to be established. Several mechanisms, including electrical, structural and neural remodelling of atrial tissue, have been proposed to contribute to the development of AF. Despite over a century of exploration, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying AF have not been fully established. Current antiarrhythmic drugs are associated with a significant rate of adverse events and management of AF using ablation is not optimal, especially in cases of persistent AF. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding and management of AF, including new concepts of epidemiology, genetics and pathophysiological mechanisms. We review the current status of antiarrhythmic drug therapy for AF, new potential agents, as well as mechanism-based AF ablation. This article is part of the theme issue 'The heartbeat: its molecular basis and physiological mechanisms'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hector Barajas-Martinez
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, and Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA 19096, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhong-He Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yi Duan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Yan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Wei Bao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Mei Du
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Alexander Burashnikov
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, and Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA 19096, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michelle M. Monasky
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Carlo Pappone
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Cong-Xin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Charles Antzelevitch
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, and Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA 19096, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guillot B, Boileve A, Walton R, Harfoush A, Conte C, Sainte-Marie Y, Charron S, Bernus O, Recalde A, Sallé L, Brette F, Lezoualc'h F. Inhibition of EPAC1 signaling pathway alters atrial electrophysiology and prevents atrial fibrillation. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1120336. [PMID: 36909224 PMCID: PMC9992743 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1120336] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The Exchange Protein directly Activated by cAMP (EPAC), has been implicated in pro-arrhythmic signaling pathways in the atria, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we investigated the involvement of EPAC1 and EPAC2 isoforms in the genesis of AF in wild type (WT) mice and knockout (KO) mice for EPAC1 or EPAC2. We also employed EPAC pharmacological modulators to selectively activate EPAC proteins (8-CPT-AM; 10 μM), or inhibit either EPAC1 (AM-001; 20 μM) or EPAC2 (ESI-05; 25 μM). Transesophageal stimulation was used to characterize the induction of AF in vivo in mice. Optical mapping experiments were performed on isolated mouse atria and cellular electrophysiology was examined by whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Results: In wild type mice, we found 8-CPT-AM slightly increased AF susceptibility and that this was blocked by the EPAC1 inhibitor AM-001 but not the EPAC2 inhibitor ESI-05. Consistent with this, in EPAC1 KO mice, occurrence of AF was observed in 3/12 (vs. 4/10 WT littermates) and 4/10 in EPAC2 KO (vs. 5/10 WT littermates). In wild type animals, optical mapping experiments revealed that 8-CPT-AM perfusion increased action potential duration even in the presence of AM-001 or ESI-05. Interestingly, 8-CPT-AM perfusion decreased conduction velocity, an effect blunted by AM-001 but not ESI-05. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrated action potential prolongation after 8-CPT-AM perfusion in both wild type and EPAC1 KO mice and this effect was partially prevented by AM-001 in WT. Conclusion: Together, these results indicate that EPAC1 and EPAC2 signaling pathways differentially alter atrial electrophysiology but only the EPAC1 isoform is involved in the genesis of AF. Selective blockade of EPAC1 with AM-001 prevents AF in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Guillot
- IHU LIRYC -CRCTB U1045, Pessac, France.,INSERM U1045 -Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Arthur Boileve
- UR 4650 PSIR, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France.,Université de Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Richard Walton
- IHU LIRYC -CRCTB U1045, Pessac, France.,INSERM U1045 -Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexandre Harfoush
- UR 4650 PSIR, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France.,Université de Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Caroline Conte
- Université de Toulouse-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, INSERM UMR-1297, Toulouse, France
| | - Yannis Sainte-Marie
- Université de Toulouse-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, INSERM UMR-1297, Toulouse, France
| | - Sabine Charron
- IHU LIRYC -CRCTB U1045, Pessac, France.,INSERM U1045 -Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Bernus
- IHU LIRYC -CRCTB U1045, Pessac, France.,INSERM U1045 -Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alice Recalde
- IHU LIRYC -CRCTB U1045, Pessac, France.,INSERM U1045 -Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laurent Sallé
- UR 4650 PSIR, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France.,Université de Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Fabien Brette
- IHU LIRYC -CRCTB U1045, Pessac, France.,INSERM U1045 -Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,PhyMedExp, INSERM U1046, CNRS 9412, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Frank Lezoualc'h
- Université de Toulouse-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, INSERM UMR-1297, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shoemaker MB, Yoneda ZT, Crawford DM, Akers WS, Richardson T, Montgomery JA, Phillips S, Shyr Y, Saavedra P, Estrada J, Kanagasundram A, Shen ST, Michaud G, Crossley G, Ellis CR, Knollmann BC. A Mechanistic Clinical Trial Using ( R)- Versus (S)-Propafenone to Test RyR2 (Ryanodine Receptor) Inhibition for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Induction. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022; 15:e010713. [PMID: 36166682 PMCID: PMC9588733 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.010713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental data suggest ryanodine receptor-mediated intracellular calcium leak is a mechanism for atrial fibrillation (AF), but evidence in humans is still needed. Propafenone is composed of two enantiomers that are equally potent sodium-channel blockers; however, (R)-propafenone is an ryanodine receptor inhibitor whereas (S)-propafenone is not. This study tested the hypothesis that ryanodine receptor inhibition with (R)-propafenone prevents induction of AF compared to (S)-propafenone or placebo in patients referred for AF ablation. METHODS Participants were randomized 4:4:1 to a one-time intravenous dose of (R)-propafenone, (S)-propafenone, or placebo. The study drug was given at the start of the procedure and an AF induction protocol using rapid atrial pacing was performed before ablation. The primary endpoint was 30 s of AF or atrial flutter. RESULTS A total of 193 participants were enrolled and 165 (85%) completed the study protocol (median age: 63 years, 58% male, 95% paroxysmal AF). Sustained AF and/or atrial flutter was induced in 60 participants (84.5%) receiving (R)-propafenone, 60 (80.0%) receiving (S)-propafenone group, and 12 (63.2%) receiving placebo. Atrial flutter occurred significantly more often in the (R)-propafenone (N=23, 32.4%) and (S)-propafenone (N=26, 34.7%) groups compared to placebo (N=1, 5.3%, P=0.029). There was no significant difference between (R)-propafenone and (S)-propafenone for the primary outcome of AF and/or atrial flutter induction in univariable (P=0.522) or multivariable analysis (P=0.199, adjusted for age and serum drug level). CONCLUSIONS There is no difference in AF inducibility between (R)-propafenone and (S)-propafenone at clinically relevant concentrations. These results are confounded by a high rate of inducible atrial flutter due to sodium-channel blockade. REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT02710669.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Benjamin Shoemaker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Zachary T. Yoneda
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Diane M. Crawford
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Wendell S. Akers
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, TN
| | - Travis Richardson
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Jay A. Montgomery
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Sharon Phillips
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
| | - Yu Shyr
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
| | - Pablo Saavedra
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - J.C. Estrada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Arvindh Kanagasundram
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Sharon T. Shen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Greg Michaud
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - George Crossley
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Christopher R. Ellis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fu F, Pietropaolo M, Cui L, Pandit S, Li W, Tarnavski O, Shetty SS, Liu J, Lussier JM, Murakami Y, Grewal PK, Deyneko G, Turner GM, Taggart AKP, Waters MG, Coughlin S, Adachi Y. Lack of authentic atrial fibrillation in commonly used murine atrial fibrillation models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0256512. [PMID: 34995278 PMCID: PMC8741011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse is a useful preclinical species for evaluating disease etiology due to the availability of a wide variety of genetically modified strains and the ability to perform disease-modifying manipulations. In order to establish an atrial filtration (AF) model in our laboratory, we profiled several commonly used murine AF models. We initially evaluated a pharmacological model of acute carbachol (CCh) treatment plus atrial burst pacing in C57BL/6 mice. In an effort to observe micro-reentrant circuits indicative of authentic AF, we employed optical mapping imaging in isolated mouse hearts. While CCh reduced atrial refractoriness and increased atrial tachyarrhythmia vulnerability, the left atrial (LA) excitation patterns were rather regular without reentrant circuits or wavelets. Therefore, the atrial tachyarrhythmia resembled high frequency atrial flutter, not typical AF per se. We next examined both a chronic angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion model and the surgical model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC), which have both been reported to induce atrial and ventricular structural changes that serve as a substrates for micro-reentrant AF. Although we observed some extent of atrial remodeling such as fibrosis or enlarged LA diameter, burst pacing-induced atrial tachyarrhythmia vulnerability did not differ from control mice in either model. This again suggested that an AF-like pathophysiology is difficult to demonstrate in the mouse. To continue searching for a valid murine AF model, we studied mice with a cardiac-specific deficiency (KO) in liver kinase B1 (Cardiac-LKB1), which has been reported to exhibit spontaneous AF. Indeed, the electrocardiograms (ECG) of conscious Cardiac-LKB1 KO mice exhibited no P waves and had irregular RR intervals, which are characteristics of AF. Histological evaluation of Cardiac-LKB1 KO mice revealed dilated and fibrotic atria, again consistent with AF. However, atrial electrograms and optical mapping revealed that electrical activity was limited to the sino-atrial node area with no electrical conduction into the atrial myocardium beyond. Thus, Cardiac-LKB1 KO mice have severe atrial myopathy or atrial standstill, but not AF. In summary, the atrial tachyarrhythmias we observed in the four murine models were distinct from typical human AF, which often exhibits micro- or macro-reentrant atrial circuits. Our results suggest that the four murine AF models we examined may not reflect human AF well, and raise a cautionary note for use of those murine models to study AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumin Fu
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Michael Pietropaolo
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Lei Cui
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Shilpa Pandit
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Weiyan Li
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Oleg Tarnavski
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Suraj S. Shetty
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Jing Liu
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Jennifer M. Lussier
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Yutaka Murakami
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Prabhjit K. Grewal
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Galina Deyneko
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Gordon M. Turner
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Andrew K. P. Taggart
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - M. Gerard Waters
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Shaun Coughlin
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
| | - Yuichiro Adachi
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United State of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ihara K, Sasano T. Seeking a Better Experimental Model of Atrial Fibrillation. Circ J 2022; 86:330-331. [PMID: 34629332 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-21-0770] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Ihara
- Department of Bio-informational Pharmacology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)
| | - Tetsuo Sasano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Obergassel J, O'Reilly M, Sommerfeld LC, Kabir SN, O'Shea C, Syeda F, Eckardt L, Kirchhof P, Fabritz L. Effects of genetic background, sex, and age on murine atrial electrophysiology. Europace 2021; 23:958-969. [PMID: 33462602 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Genetically altered mice are powerful models to investigate mechanisms of atrial arrhythmias, but normal ranges for murine atrial electrophysiology have not been robustly characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS We analyzed results from 221 electrophysiological (EP) studies in isolated, Langendorff-perfused hearts of wildtype mice (114 female, 107 male) from 2.5 to 17.7 months (mean 7 months) with different genetic backgrounds (C57BL/6, FVB/N, MF1, 129/Sv, Swiss agouti). Left atrial monophasic action potential duration (LA-APD), interatrial activation time (IA-AT), and atrial effective refractory period (ERP) were summarized at different pacing cycle lengths (PCLs). Factors influencing atrial electrophysiology including genetic background, sex, and age were determined. LA-APD70 was 18 ± 0.5 ms, atrial ERP was 27 ± 0.8 ms, and IA-AT was 17 ± 0.5 ms at 100 ms PCL. LA-APD was longer with longer PCL (+17% from 80 to 120 ms PCL for APD70), while IA-AT decreased (-7% from 80 to 120 ms PCL). Female sex was associated with longer ERP (+14% vs. males). Genetic background influenced atrial electrophysiology: LA-APD70 (-20% vs. average) and atrial ERP (-25% vs. average) were shorter in Swiss agouti background compared to others. LA-APD70 (+25% vs. average) and IA-AT (+44% vs. average) were longer in 129/Sv mice. Atrial ERP was longer in FVB/N (+34% vs. average) and in younger experimental groups below 6 months of age. CONCLUSION This work defines normal ranges for murine atrial EP parameters. Genetic background has a profound effect on these parameters, at least of the magnitude as those of sex and age. These results can inform the experimental design and interpretation of murine atrial electrophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julius Obergassel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Molly O'Reilly
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Laura C Sommerfeld
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Nashitha Kabir
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher O'Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fahima Syeda
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Department of Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, UHB NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Cardiology, SWBH NHS Trust, Birmingham City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, UHB NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen YC, Voskoboinik A, Gerche AL, Marwick TH, McMullen JR. Prevention of Pathological Atrial Remodeling and Atrial Fibrillation: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 77:2846-2864. [PMID: 34082914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Atrial enlargement in response to pathological stimuli (e.g., hypertension, mitral valve disease) and physiological stimuli (exercise, pregnancy) can be comparable in magnitude, but the diseased enlarged atria is associated with complications such as atrial fibrillation (AF), whereas physiological atrial enlargement is not. Pathological atrial enlargement and AF is also observed in a small percentage of athletes undergoing extreme/intense endurance sport and pregnant women with preeclampsia. Differences between physiological and pathological atrial enlargement and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This review describes human and animal studies characterizing atrial enlargement under physiological and pathological conditions and highlights key knowledge gaps and clinical challenges, including: 1) the limited ability of atria to reverse remodel; and 2) distinguishing physiological and pathological enlargement via imaging/biomarkers. Finally, this review discusses how targeting distinct molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological atrial enlargement could provide new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for preventing or reversing atrial enlargement and AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ching Chen
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Voskoboinik
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Heart Center, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Sports Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas H Marwick
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Heart Center, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Julie R McMullen
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Leuschner F, Nahrendorf M. Novel functions of macrophages in the heart: insights into electrical conduction, stress, and diastolic dysfunction. Eur Heart J 2021; 41:989-994. [PMID: 30945736 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over a century ago, Élie Metchnikoff described the macrophages' ability to phagocytose. Propelled by advances in technology enabling phenotypic and functional analyses at unpreceded resolution, a recent renaissance in macrophage research has shed new light on these 'big eaters'. We here give an overview of cardiac macrophages' provenance in the contexts of cardiac homeostasis and stress. We highlight the recently identified mechanism by which these cells regulate electrical conduction in the atrioventricular node and discuss why we need a deeper understanding of monocytes and macrophages in systolic and diastolic dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Leuschner
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Partner site Heidelberg, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Nahrendorf
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Saadeh K, Fazmin IT. Mitochondrial Dysfunction Increases Arrhythmic Triggers and Substrates; Potential Anti-arrhythmic Pharmacological Targets. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:646932. [PMID: 33659284 PMCID: PMC7917191 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.646932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence of cardiac arrhythmias increases significantly with age. In order to effectively stratify arrhythmic risk in the aging population it is crucial to elucidate the relevant underlying molecular mechanisms. The changes underlying age-related electrophysiological disruption appear to be closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, the present review examines the mechanisms by which age-related mitochondrial dysfunction promotes arrhythmic triggers and substrate. Namely, via alterations in plasmalemmal ionic currents (both sodium and potassium), gap junctions, cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and cardiac fibrosis. Stratification of patients' mitochondrial function status permits application of appropriate anti-arrhythmic therapies. Here, we discuss novel potential anti-arrhythmic pharmacological interventions that specifically target upstream mitochondrial function and hence ameliorates the need for therapies targeting downstream changes which have constituted traditional antiarrhythmic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Saadeh
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Talal Fazmin
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Murninkas M, Gillis R, Lee DI, Elyagon S, Bhandarkar NS, Levi O, Polak R, Klapper-Goldstein H, Mulla W, Etzion Y. A new implantable tool for repeated assessment of supraventricular electrophysiology and atrial fibrillation susceptibility in freely moving rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H713-H724. [PMID: 33337966 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00676.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The complex pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) is governed by multiple risk factors in ways that are still elusive. Basic electrophysiological properties, including atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and conduction velocity, are major factors determining the susceptibility of the atrial myocardium to AF. Although there is a great need for affordable animal models in this field of research, in vivo rodent studies are limited by technical challenges. Recently, we introduced an implantable system for long-term assessment of AF susceptibility in ambulatory rats. However, technical considerations did not allow us to perform concomitant supraventricular electrophysiology measurements. Here, we designed a novel quadripolar electrode specifically adapted for comprehensive atrial studies in ambulatory rats. Electrodes were fabricated from medical-grade silicone, four platinum-iridium poles, and stainless-steel fixating pins. Initial quality validation was performed ex vivo, followed by implantation in adult rats and repeated electrophysiological studies 1, 4, and 8 wk postimplantation. Capture threshold was stable. Baseline AERP values (38.1 ± 2.3 and 39.5 ± 2.0 using 70-ms and 120-ms S1-S1 cycle lengths, respectively) confirmed the expected absence of rate adaptation in the unanesthetized state and validated our prediction that markedly higher values reported under anesthesia are nonphysiological. Evaluation of AF substrate in parallel with electrophysiological parameters validated our recent finding of a gradual increase in AF susceptibility over time and demonstrated that this phenomenon is associated with an electrical remodeling process characterized by AERP shortening. Our findings indicate that the miniature quadripolar electrode is a potent new tool, which opens a window of opportunities for better utilization of rats in AF research.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rodents are increasingly used in AF research. However, technical challenges restrict long-term supraventricular electrophysiology studies in these species. Here, we developed an implantable electrode adapted for such studies in the rat. Our findings indicate that this new tool is effective for long-term follow-up of critical parameters such as atrial refractoriness. Obtained data shed light on the normal electrophysiology and on the increased AF susceptibility that develops in rats with implanted atrial electrodes over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murninkas
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Roni Gillis
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Danielle I Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM), St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sigal Elyagon
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nikhil S Bhandarkar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Or Levi
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rotem Polak
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hadar Klapper-Goldstein
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Wesam Mulla
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yoram Etzion
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Parahuleva MS, Kockskämper J, Heger J, Grimm W, Scherer A, Bühler S, Kreutz J, Schulz R, Euler G. Structural, Pro-Inflammatory and Calcium Handling Remodeling Underlies Spontaneous Onset of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in JDP2-Overexpressing Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9095. [PMID: 33265909 PMCID: PMC7731172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac-specific JDP2 overexpression provokes ventricular dysfunction and atrial dilatation in mice. We performed in vivo studies on JDP2-overexpressing mice to investigate the impact of JDP2 on the predisposition to spontaneous atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS JDP2-overexpression was started by withdrawal of a doxycycline diet in 4-week-old mice. The spontaneous onset of AF was documented by ECG within 4 to 5 weeks of JDP2 overexpression. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blots. RESULTS In atrial tissue of JDP2 mice, besides the 3.6-fold increase of JDP2 mRNA, no changes could be detected within one week of JDP2 overexpression. Atrial dilatation and hypertrophy, combined with elongated cardiomyocytes and fibrosis, became evident after 5 weeks of JDP2 overexpression. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings revealed prolonged PQ-intervals and broadened P-waves and QRS-complexes, as well as AV-blocks and paroxysmal AF. Furthermore, reductions were found in the atrial mRNA and protein level of the calcium-handling proteins NCX, Cav1.2 and RyR2, as well as of connexin40 mRNA. mRNA of the hypertrophic marker gene ANP, pro-inflammatory MCP1, as well as markers of immune cell infiltration (CD68, CD20) were increased in JDP2 mice. CONCLUSION JDP2 is an important regulator of atrial calcium and immune homeostasis and is involved in the development of atrial conduction defects and arrhythmogenic substrates preceding paroxysmal AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S. Parahuleva
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany; (W.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Jens Kockskämper
- Biochemical-Pharmacological Centre (BPC) Marburg, Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (A.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Jacqueline Heger
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.H.); (R.S.); (G.E.)
| | - Wolfram Grimm
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany; (W.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Anna Scherer
- Biochemical-Pharmacological Centre (BPC) Marburg, Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (A.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Sarah Bühler
- Biochemical-Pharmacological Centre (BPC) Marburg, Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (A.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Julian Kreutz
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany; (W.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.H.); (R.S.); (G.E.)
| | - Gerhild Euler
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.H.); (R.S.); (G.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
O'Shea C, Winter J, Holmes AP, Johnson DM, Correia JN, Kirchhof P, Fabritz L, Rajpoot K, Pavlovic D. Temporal irregularity quantification and mapping of optical action potentials using wave morphology similarity. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 157:84-93. [PMID: 31899215 PMCID: PMC7607254 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac optical mapping enables direct and high spatio-temporal resolution recording of action potential (AP) morphology. Temporal alterations in AP morphology are both predictive and consequent of arrhythmia. Here we sought to test if methods that quantify regularity of recorded waveforms could be applied to detect and quantify periods of temporal instability in optical mapping datasets in a semi-automated, user-unbiased manner. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed, tested and applied algorithms to quantify optical wave similarity (OWS) to study morphological temporal similarity of optically recorded APs. Unlike other measures (e.g. alternans ratio, beat-to-beat variability, arrhythmia scoring), the quantification of OWS is achieved without a restrictive definition of specific signal points/features and is instead derived by analysing the complete morphology from the entire AP waveform. Using model datasets, we validated the ability of OWS to measure changes in AP morphology, and tested OWS mapping in guinea pig hearts and mouse atria. OWS successfully detected and measured alterations in temporal regularity in response to several proarrhythmic stimuli, including alterations in pacing frequency, premature contractions, alternans and ventricular fibrillation. CONCLUSION OWS mapping provides an effective measure of temporal regularity that can be applied to optical datasets to detect and quantify temporal alterations in action potential morphology. This methodology provides a new metric for arrhythmia inducibility and scoring in optical mapping datasets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher O'Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK; EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Physical Sciences for Health, School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, UK; School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - James Winter
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew P Holmes
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Daniel M Johnson
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Joao N Correia
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK; Department of Cardiology, UHB NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; Cardiology Specialty, SWBH NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK; Department of Cardiology, UHB NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kashif Rajpoot
- School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ihara K, Sasano T, Hiraoka Y, Togo-Ohno M, Soejima Y, Sawabe M, Tsuchiya M, Ogawa H, Furukawa T, Kuroyanagi H. A missense mutation in the RSRSP stretch of Rbm20 causes dilated cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17894. [PMID: 33110103 PMCID: PMC7591520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74800-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a fatal heart disease characterized by left ventricular dilatation and cardiac dysfunction. Recent genetic studies on DCM have identified causative mutations in over 60 genes, including RBM20, which encodes a regulator of heart-specific splicing. DCM patients with RBM20 mutations have been reported to present with more severe cardiac phenotypes, including impaired cardiac function, atrial fibrillation (AF), and ventricular arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death, compared to those with mutations in the other genes. An RSRSP stretch of RBM20, a hotspot of missense mutations found in patients with idiopathic DCM, functions as a crucial part of its nuclear localization signals. However, the relationship between mutations in the RSRSP stretch and cardiac phenotypes has never been assessed in an animal model. Here, we show that Rbm20 mutant mice harboring a missense mutation S637A in the RSRSP stretch, mimicking that in a DCM patient, demonstrated severe cardiac dysfunction and spontaneous AF and ventricular arrhythmias mimicking the clinical state in patients. In contrast, Rbm20 mutant mice with frame-shifting deletion demonstrated less severe phenotypes, although loss of RBM20-dependent alternative splicing was indistinguishable. RBM20S637A protein cannot be localized to the nuclear speckles, but accumulated in cytoplasmic, perinuclear granule-like structures in cardiomyocytes, which might contribute to the more severe cardiac phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Ihara
- Department of Bio-informational Pharmacology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan. .,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
| | - Tetsuo Sasano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Marina Togo-Ohno
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yurie Soejima
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Motoji Sawabe
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Megumi Tsuchiya
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidesato Ogawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Furukawa
- Department of Bio-informational Pharmacology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hidehito Kuroyanagi
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
McCauley MD, Hong L, Sridhar A, Menon A, Perike S, Zhang M, da Silva IB, Yan J, Bonini MG, Ai X, Rehman J, Darbar D. Ion Channel and Structural Remodeling in Obesity-Mediated Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2020; 13:e008296. [PMID: 32654503 PMCID: PMC7935016 DOI: 10.1161/circep.120.008296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have established obesity as an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Reduced cardiac sodium channel expression is a known causal mechanism in AF. We hypothesized that obesity decreases Nav1.5 expression via enhanced oxidative stress, thus reducing INa, and enhancing susceptibility to AF. METHODS To elucidate the underlying electrophysiological mechanisms a diet-induced obese mouse model was used. Weight, blood pressure, glucose, F2-isoprostanes, NOX2 (NADPH oxidase 2), and PKC (protein kinase C) were measured in obese mice and compared with lean controls. Invasive electrophysiological, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and patch clamping of membrane potentials was performed to evaluate the molecular and electrophysiological phenotype of atrial myocytes. RESULTS Pacing-induced AF in 100% of diet-induced obese mice versus 25% in controls (P<0.01) with increased AF burden. Cardiac sodium channel expression, INa and atrial action potential duration were reduced and potassium channel expression (Kv1.5) and current (IKur) and F2-isoprostanes, NOX2, and PKC-α/δ expression and atrial fibrosis were significantly increased in diet-induced obese mice as compared with controls. A mitochondrial antioxidant reduced AF burden, restored INa, ICa,L, IKur, action potential duration, and reversed atrial fibrosis in diet-induced obese mice as compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Inducible AF in obese mice is mediated, in part, by a combined effect of sodium, potassium, and calcium channel remodeling and atrial fibrosis. Mitochondrial antioxidant therapy abrogated the ion channel and structural remodeling and reversed the obesity-induced AF burden. Our findings have important implications for the management of obesity-mediated AF in patients. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. McCauley
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Liang Hong
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
| | | | - Ambili Menon
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
| | | | - Meihong Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
| | | | - JiaJie Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center
| | | | - Xun Ai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Dawood Darbar
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
van Ouwerkerk AF, Hall AW, Kadow ZA, Lazarevic S, Reyat JS, Tucker NR, Nadadur RD, Bosada FM, Bianchi V, Ellinor PT, Fabritz L, Martin J, de Laat W, Kirchhof P, Moskowitz I, Christoffels VM. Epigenetic and Transcriptional Networks Underlying Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Res 2020; 127:34-50. [PMID: 32717170 PMCID: PMC8315291 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.316574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have uncovered over a 100 genetic loci associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia. Many of the top AF-associated loci harbor key cardiac transcription factors, including PITX2, TBX5, PRRX1, and ZFHX3. Moreover, the vast majority of the AF-associated variants lie within noncoding regions of the genome where causal variants affect gene expression by altering the activity of transcription factors and the epigenetic state of chromatin. In this review, we discuss a transcriptional regulatory network model for AF defined by effector genes in Genome-wide association studies loci. We describe the current state of the field regarding the identification and function of AF-relevant gene regulatory networks, including variant regulatory elements, dose-sensitive transcription factor functionality, target genes, and epigenetic states. We illustrate how altered transcriptional networks may impact cardiomyocyte function and ionic currents that impact AF risk. Last, we identify the need for improved tools to identify and functionally test transcriptional components to define the links between genetic variation, epigenetic gene regulation, and atrial function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette F. van Ouwerkerk
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amelia W. Hall
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zachary A. Kadow
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sonja Lazarevic
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jasmeet S. Reyat
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nathan R. Tucker
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Masonic Medical Research Institute, Utica, NY, USA
| | - Rangarajan D. Nadadur
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Fernanda M. Bosada
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Valerio Bianchi
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick T. Ellinor
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- SWBH and UHB NHS Trusts, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jim Martin
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030
- Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Wouter de Laat
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- SWBH and UHB NHS Trusts, Birmingham, UK
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ivan Moskowitz
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Vincent M. Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Perrino C, Ferdinandy P, Bøtker HE, Brundel BJJM, Collins P, Davidson SM, den Ruijter HM, Engel FB, Gerdts E, Girao H, Gyöngyösi M, Hausenloy DJ, Lecour S, Madonna R, Marber M, Murphy E, Pesce M, Regitz-Zagrosek V, Sluijter JPG, Steffens S, Gollmann-Tepeköylü C, Van Laake LW, Van Linthout S, Schulz R, Ytrehus K. Improving translational research in sex-specific effects of comorbidities and risk factors in ischaemic heart disease and cardioprotection: position paper and recommendations of the ESC Working Group on Cellular Biology of the Heart. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 117:367-385. [PMID: 32484892 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a complex disorder and a leading cause of death and morbidity in both men and women. Sex, however, affects several aspects of IHD, including pathophysiology, incidence, clinical presentation, diagnosis as well as treatment and outcome. Several diseases or risk factors frequently associated with IHD can modify cellular signalling cascades, thus affecting ischaemia/reperfusion injury as well as responses to cardioprotective interventions. Importantly, the prevalence and impact of risk factors and several comorbidities differ between males and females, and their effects on IHD development and prognosis might differ according to sex. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are still poorly understood, and their identification might have important translational implications in the prediction or prevention of risk of IHD in men and women. Despite this, most experimental studies on IHD are still undertaken in animal models in the absence of risk factors and comorbidities, and assessment of potential sex-specific differences are largely missing. This ESC WG Position Paper will discuss: (i) the importance of sex as a biological variable in cardiovascular research, (ii) major biological mechanisms underlying sex-related differences relevant to IHD risk factors and comorbidities, (iii) prospects and pitfalls of preclinical models to investigate these associations, and finally (iv) will provide recommendations to guide future research. Although gender differences also affect IHD risk in the clinical setting, they will not be discussed in detail here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Perrino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary.,Pharmahungary Group, Hajnoczy str. 6., H-6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Hans E Bøtker
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 161, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bianca J J M Brundel
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, 1108 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Collins
- Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, Chelsea, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Sean M Davidson
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, 67 Chenies Mews, WC1E 6HX London, UK
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Muscle Research Center Erlangen (MURCE), Schwabachanlage 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Gerdts
- Department for Clinical Science, University of Bergen, PO Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Henrique Girao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, and Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariann Gyöngyösi
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Derek J Hausenloy
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore.,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, 5 Hospital Drive, 169609, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore.,The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, 67 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK.,Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Sandrine Lecour
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Barnard Building, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3 7935 Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Institute of Cardiology, University of Pisa, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School in Houston, 6410 Fannin St #1014, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael Marber
- King's College London BHF Centre, The Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Cardiovascular Branch, NHLBI, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maurizio Pesce
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale Cardiovascolare, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS Via Parea, 4, I-20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Berlin Institute of Gender in Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Research, DZHK, partner site Berlin, Geschäftsstelle Potsdamer Str. 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany.,University of Zürich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zürich, Germany
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Circulatory Health Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Steffens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Pettenkoferstr. 9, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr.35, A - 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Linda W Van Laake
- Cardiology and UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Van Linthout
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité, University Medicine Berlin, 10178 Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité, University Medicine Berlin, 10178 Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Ludwigstraße 23, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kirsti Ytrehus
- Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Scardigli M, Cannazzaro S, Coppini R, Crocini C, Yan P, Loew LM, Sartiani L, Cerbai E, Pavone FS, Sacconi L, Ferrantini C. Arrhythmia susceptibility in a rat model of acute atrial dilation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 154:21-29. [PMID: 32063273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure. Acute AF occurs in response to sudden increases of atrial hemodynamic load, leading to atrial stretch. The mechanisms of stretch-induced AF were investigated in large mammals with controversial results. We optimized an approach to monitor rat atrial electrical activity using a red-shifted voltage sensitive dye (VSD). The methodology includes cauterization of the main ventricular coronary arteries, allowing improved atrial staining by the VSD and appropriate atrial perfusion for long experiments. Next, we developed a rat model of acute biatrial dilation (ABD) through the insertion of latex balloons into both atria, which could be inflated with controlled volumes. A chronic model of atrial dilation (spontaneous hypertensive rats; SHR) was used for comparison. ABD was performed on atria from healthy Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (WKY-ABD). The atria were characterized in terms of arrhythmias susceptibility, action potential duration and conduction velocity. The occurrence of arrhythmias in WKY-ABD was significantly higher compared to non-dilated WKY atria. In WKY-ABD we found a reduction of conduction velocity, similar to that observed in SHR atria, while action potential duration was unchanged. Low-dose caffeine was used to introduce a drop of CV in WKY atria (WKY-caff), quantitatively similar to the one observed after ABD, but no increased arrhythmia susceptibility was observed with caffeine only. In conclusion, CV decrease is not sufficient to promote arrhythmias; enlargement of atrial surface is essential to create a substrate for acute reentry-based arrhythmias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Scardigli
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - S Cannazzaro
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - R Coppini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department "NeuroFarBa,", University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - C Crocini
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - P Yan
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - L M Loew
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - L Sartiani
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - E Cerbai
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - F S Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, 50125, Florence, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - L Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - C Ferrantini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
An implantable system for long-term assessment of atrial fibrillation substrate in unanesthetized rats exposed to underlying pathological conditions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:553. [PMID: 31953473 PMCID: PMC6969190 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57528-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a progressive arrhythmia with underlying mechanisms that are not fully elucidated, partially due to lack of reliable and affordable animal models. Here, we introduce a system for long-term assessment of AF susceptibility (substrate) in ambulatory rats implanted with miniature electrodes on the atrium. Rats were subjected to excessive aldosterone (Aldo) or solvent only (Sham). An additional group was exposed to myocardial infarction (MI). AF substrate was tested two- and four-weeks post implantation and was also compared with implanted rats early post-implantation (Base). Aldo and MI increased the AF substrate and atrial fibrosis. In the MI group only, AF duration was correlated with the level of atrial fibrosis and was inversely correlated with systolic function. Unexpectedly, Shams also developed progressive AF substrate relative to Base individuals. Further studies indicated that serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-alpha) were not elevated in the shams. In addition, we excluded anxiety\depression due to social-isolation as an AF promoting factor. Finally, enhanced biocompatibility of the atrial electrode did not inhibit the gradual development of AF substrate over a testing period of up to 8 weeks. Overall, we successfully validated the first system for long-term AF substrate testing in ambulatory rats.
Collapse
|
22
|
Mulla W, Hajaj B, Elyagon S, Mor M, Gillis R, Murninkas M, Klapper-Goldstein H, Plaschkes I, Chalifa-Caspi V, Etzion S, Etzion Y. Rapid Atrial Pacing Promotes Atrial Fibrillation Substrate in Unanesthetized Instrumented Rats. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1218. [PMID: 31616316 PMCID: PMC6763969 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The self-perpetuating nature of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been a subject of intense research in large mammalian models exposed to rapid atrial pacing (RAP). Recently, rodents are increasingly used to gain insight into the pathophysiology of AF. However, little is known regarding the effects of RAP on the atria of rats and mice. Using an implantable device for electrophysiological studies in rodents, we examined on a daily basis, the effects of continuous RAP on the developed AF substrate of unanesthetized rats and mice. Methods and Results Aggressive burst pacing did not induce AF at baseline in the large majority of rodents, but repeatedly induced AF episodes in rats exposed to RAP for more than 2 days. A microarray study of left atrial tissue from rats exposed to RAP for 2 days vs. control pacing identified 304 differentially expressed genes. Enrichment analysis and comparison with a dataset of atrial tissue from AF patients revealed indications of increased carbohydrate metabolism and changes in pathways that are thought to play critical roles in human AF, including TGF-beta and IL-6 signaling. Among 19 commonly affected genes in comparison with human AF, downregulation of FOXP1 and upregulation of the KCNK2 gene encoding the Kir2.1 potassium channel were conspicuous findings, suggesting NFAT activation. Further results included reduced expression of MIR-26 and MIR-101, which is in line with NFAT activation. Conclusion Our results demonstrate electrophysiological evidence for AF promoting effects of RAP in rats and several molecular similarities between the effects of RAP in large and small mammalian models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wesam Mulla
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Barak Hajaj
- Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sigal Elyagon
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal Mor
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Roni Gillis
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Murninkas
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hadar Klapper-Goldstein
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Inbar Plaschkes
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Vered Chalifa-Caspi
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sharon Etzion
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yoram Etzion
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
McRae C, Kapoor A, Kanda P, Hibbert B, Davis DR. Systematic review of biological therapies for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2019; 16:1399-1407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
|
24
|
Menon A, Hong L, Savio-Galimberti E, Sridhar A, Youn SW, Zhang M, Kor K, Blair M, Kupershmidt S, Darbar D. Electrophysiologic and molecular mechanisms of a frameshift NPPA mutation linked with familial atrial fibrillation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 132:24-35. [PMID: 31077706 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A frameshift (fs) mutation in the natriuretic peptide precursor A (NPPA) gene, encoding a mutant atrial natriuretic peptide (Mut-ANP), has been linked with familial atrial fibrillation (AF) but the underlying mechanisms by which the mutation causes AF remain unclear. We engineered 2 transgenic (TG) mouse lines expressing the wild-type (WT)-NPPA gene (H-WT-NPPA) and the human fs-Mut-NPPA gene (H-fsMut-NPPA) to test the hypothesis that mice overexpressing the human NPPA mutation are more susceptible to AF and elucidate the underlying electrophysiologic and molecular mechanisms. Transthoracic echocardiography and surface electrocardiography (ECG) were performed in H-fsMut-NPPA, H-WT-NPPA, and Non-TG mice. Invasive electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and patch clamping of membrane potentials were performed. To examine the role of the Mut-ANP in ion channel remodeling, we measured plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity in the 3 groups of mice. In H-fsMut-NPPA mice mean arterial pressure (MAP) was reduced when compared to H-WT-NPPA and Non-TG mice. Furthermore, injection of synthetic fs-Mut-ANP lowered the MAP in H-WT-NPPA and Non-TG mice while synthetic WT-ANP had no effect on MAP in the 3 groups of mice. ECG characterization revealed significantly prolonged QRS duration in H-fsMut-NPPA mice when compared to the other two groups. Trans-Esophageal (TE) atrial pacing of H-fsMut-NPPA mice showed increased AF burden and AF episodes when compared with H-WT-NPPA or Non-TG mice. The cardiac Na+ (NaV1.5) and Ca2+ (CaV1.2/CaV1.3) channel expression and currents (INa, ICaL) and action potential durations (APD90/APD50/APD20) were significantly reduced in H-fsMut-NPPA mice while the rectifier K+ channel current (IKs) was markedly increased when compared to the other 2 groups of mice. In addition, plasma cGMP levels were only increased in H-fsMut-NPPA mice with a corresponding reduction in plasma cAMP levels and PKA activity. In summary, we showed that mice overexpressing an AF-linked NPPA mutation are more prone to develop AF and this risk is mediated in part by remodeling of the cardiac Na+, Ca2+ and K+ channels creating an electrophysiologic substrate for reentrant AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ambili Menon
- Departments of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Liang Hong
- Departments of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Eleonora Savio-Galimberti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Arvind Sridhar
- Departments of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Seock-Won Youn
- Departments of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Meihong Zhang
- Departments of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Kaylen Kor
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Marcia Blair
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Sabina Kupershmidt
- Department of Nursing, University of South Dakota Sioux Falls, SD, United States of America
| | - Dawood Darbar
- Departments of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fan B, Wang H, Wu T, Li Y, Lin Z, Li M, Li Q, Zhang W, Zheng Q. Electrophysiological Measurement of Rat Atrial Epicardium Using a Novel Stereotaxic Apparatus. Int Heart J 2019; 60:400-410. [DOI: 10.1536/ihj.18-215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Hongtao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Tao Wu
- China Coal Xi'an Design Engineering Co., Ltd; Xi'an
| | - Yingqi Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Zehao Lin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Mengying Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medicine University
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medicine University
| | - Qiangsun Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ni H, Zhang H, Grandi E, Narayan SM, Giles WR. Transient outward K + current can strongly modulate action potential duration and initiate alternans in the human atrium. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H527-H542. [PMID: 30576220 PMCID: PMC6415821 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00251.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to identify the mechanisms for the initiation and maintenance of human atrial fibrillation (AF) often focus on changes in specific elements of the atrial "substrate," i.e., its electrophysiological properties and/or structural components. We used experimentally validated mathematical models of the human atrial myocyte action potential (AP), both at baseline in sinus rhythm (SR) and in the setting of chronic AF, to identify significant contributions of the Ca2+-independent transient outward K+ current ( Ito) to electrophysiological instability and arrhythmia initiation. First, we explored whether changes in the recovery or restitution of the AP duration (APD) and/or its dynamic stability (alternans) can be modulated by Ito. Recent reports have identified disease-dependent spatial differences in expression levels of the specific K+ channel α-subunits that underlie Ito in the left atrium. Therefore, we studied the functional consequences of this by deletion of 50% of native Ito (Kv4.3) and its replacement with Kv1.4. Interestingly, significant changes in the short-term stability of the human atrial AP waveform were revealed. Specifically, this K+ channel isoform switch produced discontinuities in the initial slope of the APD restitution curve and appearance of APD alternans. This pattern of in silico results resembles some of the changes observed in high-resolution clinical electrophysiological recordings. Important insights into mechanisms for these changes emerged from known biophysical properties (reactivation kinetics) of Kv1.4 versus those of Kv4.3. These results suggest new approaches for pharmacological management of AF, based on molecular properties of specific K+ isoforms and their changed expression during progressive disease. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Clinical studies identify oscillations (alternans) in action potential (AP) duration as a predictor for atrial fibrillation (AF). The abbreviated AP in AF also involves changes in K+ currents and early repolarization of the AP. Our simulations illustrate how substitution of Kv1.4 for the native current, Kv4.3, alters the AP waveform and enhances alternans. Knowledge of this "isoform switch" and related dynamics in the AF substrate may guide new approaches for detection and management of AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Ni
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California , Davis, California
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California , Davis, California
| | - Sanjiv M Narayan
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University , Stanford, California
| | - Wayne R Giles
- Faculties of Kinesiology and Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Khalyfa A, Gozal D. Connexins and Atrial Fibrillation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS 2018; 4:300-311. [PMID: 31106116 PMCID: PMC6516763 DOI: 10.1007/s40675-018-0130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW To summarize the potential interactions between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), atrial fibrillation (AF), and connexins. RECENT FINDINGS OSA is highly prevalent in patients with cardiovascular disease, and is associated with increased risk for end-organ substantial morbidities linked to autonomic nervous system imbalance, increased oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately leading to reduced life expectancy. Epidemiological studies indicate that OSA is associated with increased incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, as well as arrhythmias, particularly AF. Conversely, AF is very common among subjects referred for suspected OSA, and the prevalence of AF increases with OSA severity. The interrelationships between AF and OSA along with the well-known epidemiological links between these two conditions and obesity may reflect shared pathophysiological pathways, which may depend on the intercellular diffusion of signaling molecules into either the extracellular space or require cell-to-cell contact. Connexin signaling is accomplished via direct exchanges of cytosolic molecules between adjacent cells at gap membrane junctions for cell-to-cell coupling. The role of connexins in AF is now quite well established, but the impact of OSA on cardiac connexins has only recently begun to be investigated. Understanding the biology and regulatory mechanisms of connexins in OSA at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels will undoubtedly require major efforts to decipher the breadth and complexity of connexin functions in OSA-induced AF. SUMMARY The risk of end-organ morbidities has initiated the search for circulating mechanistic biomarker signatures and the implementation of biomarker-based algorithms for precision-based diagnosis and risk assessment. Here we summarize recent findings in OSA as they relate to AF risk, and also review potential mechanisms linking OSA, AF and connexins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelnaby Khalyfa
- Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago IL 60637, USA
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Barandiarán Aizpurua A, Schroen B, van Bilsen M, van Empel V. Targeted HFpEF therapy based on matchmaking of human and animal models. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1670-H1683. [PMID: 30239232 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00024.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The diversity in clinical phenotypes and poor understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the main reason why no effective treatments have been found yet. Targeted, instead of one size fits all, treatment seems the only promising approach for treating HFpEF. To be able to design a targeted, phenotype-specific HFpEF treatment, the matrix relating clinical phenotypes and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms has to be clarified. This review discusses the opportunities for additional evaluation of the underlying pathophysiological processes, e.g., to evaluate biological phenotypes on top of clinical routine, to guide us toward a phenotype-specific HFpEF treatment. Moreover, a translational approach with matchmaking of animal models to biological HFpEF phenotypes will be a valuable step to test the effectiveness of novel, targeted interventions in HFpEF. Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/personalized-medicine-in-hfpef/ .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arantxa Barandiarán Aizpurua
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Blanche Schroen
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Marc van Bilsen
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa van Empel
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bögeholz N, Pauls P, Dechering DG, Frommeyer G, Goldhaber JI, Pott C, Eckardt L, Müller FU, Schulte JS. Distinct Occurrence of Proarrhythmic Afterdepolarizations in Atrial Versus Ventricular Cardiomyocytes: Implications for Translational Research on Atrial Arrhythmia. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:933. [PMID: 30186171 PMCID: PMC6111493 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Principal mechanisms of arrhythmia have been derived from ventricular but not atrial cardiomyocytes of animal models despite higher prevalence of atrial arrhythmia (e.g., atrial fibrillation). Due to significant ultrastructural and functional differences, a simple transfer of ventricular proneness toward arrhythmia to atrial arrhythmia is critical. The use of murine models in arrhythmia research is widespread, despite known translational limitations. We here directly compare atrial and ventricular mechanisms of arrhythmia to identify critical differences that should be considered in murine models for development of antiarrhythmic strategies for atrial arrhythmia. Methods and Results: Isolated murine atrial and ventricular myocytes were analyzed by wide field microscopy and subjected to a proarrhythmic protocol during patch-clamp experiments. As expected, the spindle shaped atrial myocytes showed decreased cell area and membrane capacitance compared to the rectangular shaped ventricular myocytes. Though delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) could be evoked in a similar fraction of both cell types (80% of cells each), these led significantly more often to the occurrence of spontaneous action potentials (sAPs) in ventricular myocytes. Interestingly, numerous early afterdepolarizations (EADs) were observed in the majority of ventricular myocytes, but there was no EAD in any atrial myocyte (EADs per cell; atrial myocytes: 0 ± 0; n = 25/12 animals; ventricular myocytes: 1.5 [0–43]; n = 20/12 animals; p < 0.05). At the same time, the action potential duration to 90% decay (APD90) was unaltered and the APD50 even increased in atrial versus ventricular myocytes. However, the depolarizing L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) and Na+/Ca2+-exchanger inward current (INCX) were significantly smaller in atrial versus ventricular myocytes. Conclusion: In mice, atrial myocytes exhibit a substantially distinct occurrence of proarrhythmic afterdepolarizations compared to ventricular myocytes, since they are in a similar manner susceptible to DADs but interestingly seem to be protected against EADs and show less sAPs. Key factors in the generation of EADs like ICa and INCX were significantly reduced in atrial versus ventricular myocytes, which may offer a mechanistic explanation for the observed protection against EADs. These findings may be of relevance for current studies on atrial level in murine models to develop targeted strategies for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Bögeholz
- Clinic for Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Paul Pauls
- Clinic for Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk G Dechering
- Clinic for Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerrit Frommeyer
- Clinic for Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joshua I Goldhaber
- Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christian Pott
- Department of Cardiology, Schuechtermann-Klinik, Bad Rothenfelde, Germany
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Clinic for Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank U Müller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan S Schulte
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stümpel FT, Stein J, Himmler K, Scholz B, Seidl MD, Skryabin BV, Müller FU. Homozygous CREM-IbΔC-X Overexpressing Mice Are a Reliable and Effective Disease Model for Atrial Fibrillation. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:706. [PMID: 30026696 PMCID: PMC6041408 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with foreseeably increasing prevalence. While large animal models of the disease are well established but resource intensive, transgenic AF mouse models are not yet widely used to develop or validate novel therapeutics for AF. Hemizygous mice with a cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the human cAMP response element modulator (CREM) isoform IbΔC-X spontaneously develop AF on grounds of an arrhythmogenic substrate consisting of alterations in structure, conduction, and calcium handling. Objective: We investigated if homozygous expression of the CREM-IbΔC-X transgene in mice alters the time course of AF development, and if homozygous CREM-IbΔC-X transgenics could be suitable as a disease model of AF. Methods: Southern Blot, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunoblotting were used to identify and verify homozygous transgenics. Cardiac gravimetry, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, histology, survival analysis, and repeated ECG recordings allowed assessment of phenotypic development and effects of antiarrhythmic drugs. Results: Homozygous animals could be identified by Southern blot and quantitative PCR, showing a strong trend to increased transgenic protein expression. In homozygous animals, atrial hypertrophy appeared earlier and more pronounced than in hemizygous animals, going along with an earlier onset of spontaneous AF, while no increased early mortality was observed. Application of a rate-controlling drug (esmolol) led to the expected result of a decreased heart rate. Application of a rhythm-controlling drug (flecainide) showed effects on heart rate variability, but did not lead to a definitive conversion to sinus rhythm. Conclusion: We suggest homozygous CREM-IbΔC-X overexpressing mice as a reliable model of early onset, rapidly progressive AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank T Stümpel
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Juliane Stein
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kirsten Himmler
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Beatrix Scholz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matthias D Seidl
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Boris V Skryabin
- Core Facility TRAnsgenic Animal and Genetic Engineering Models (TRAM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank U Müller
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wiedmann F, Schulte JS, Gomes B, Zafeiriou MP, Ratte A, Rathjens F, Fehrmann E, Scholz B, Voigt N, Müller FU, Thomas D, Katus HA, Schmidt C. Atrial fibrillation and heart failure-associated remodeling of two-pore-domain potassium (K2P) channels in murine disease models: focus on TASK-1. Basic Res Cardiol 2018; 113:27. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-018-0687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
32
|
Bix GJ, Fraser JF, Mack WJ, Carmichael ST, Perez-Pinzon M, Offner H, Sansing L, Bosetti F, Ayata C, Pennypacker KR. Uncovering the Rosetta Stone: Report from the First Annual Conference on Key Elements in Translating Stroke Therapeutics from Pre-Clinical to Clinical. Transl Stroke Res 2018; 9:258-266. [PMID: 29633156 PMCID: PMC5982459 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-018-0628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The first annual Stroke Translational Research Advancement Workshop (STRAW), entitled “Uncovering the Rosetta Stone: Key Elements in Translating Stroke Therapeutics from Pre-Clinical to Clinical” was held at the University of Kentucky on October 4–5, 2017. This workshop was organized by the Center for Advanced Translational Stroke Science. The workshop consisted of 2 days of activities. These included three presentations establishing the areas of research in stroke therapeutics, discussing the routes for translation from bench to bedside, and identifying successes and failures in the field. On day 2, grant funding opportunities and goals for the National Institute for Neurological Diseases and Stroke were presented. In addition, the meeting also included break-out sessions designed to connect researchers in areas of stroke, and to foster potential collaborations. Finally, the meeting concluded with an open discussion among attendees led by a panel of experts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Bix
- Center for Advanced Translational Stroke Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Justin F Fraser
- Center for Advanced Translational Stroke Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - William J Mack
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - S Thomas Carmichael
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Miguel Perez-Pinzon
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Halina Offner
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lauren Sansing
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Francesca Bosetti
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cenk Ayata
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Keith R Pennypacker
- Center for Advanced Translational Stroke Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Verma SS, Josyula N, Verma A, Zhang X, Veturi Y, Dewey FE, Hartzel DN, Lavage DR, Leader J, Ritchie MD, Pendergrass SA. Rare variants in drug target genes contributing to complex diseases, phenome-wide. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4624. [PMID: 29545597 PMCID: PMC5854600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22834-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The DrugBank database consists of ~800 genes that are well characterized drug targets. This list of genes is a useful resource for association testing. For example, loss of function (LOF) genetic variation has the potential to mimic the effect of drugs, and high impact variation in these genes can impact downstream traits. Identifying novel associations between genetic variation in these genes and a range of diseases can also uncover new uses for the drugs that target these genes. Phenome Wide Association Studies (PheWAS) have been successful in identifying genetic associations across hundreds of thousands of diseases. We have conducted a novel gene based PheWAS to test the effect of rare variants in DrugBank genes, evaluating associations between these genes and more than 500 quantitative and dichotomous phenotypes. We used whole exome sequencing data from 38,568 samples in Geisinger MyCode Community Health Initiative. We evaluated the results of this study when binning rare variants using various filters based on potential functional impact. We identified multiple novel associations, and the majority of the significant associations were driven by functionally annotated variation. Overall, this study provides a sweeping exploration of rare variant associations within functionally relevant genes across a wide range of diagnoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Setia Verma
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Navya Josyula
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17221, USA
| | - Anurag Verma
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yogasudha Veturi
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Dustin N Hartzel
- Phenomic Analytics and Clinical Data Core, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Daniel R Lavage
- Phenomic Analytics and Clinical Data Core, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Joe Leader
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17221, USA.,Phenomic Analytics and Clinical Data Core, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Marylyn D Ritchie
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sarah A Pendergrass
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, 17221, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Valero-Muñoz M, Backman W, Sam F. Murine Models of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: a "Fishing Expedition". JACC Basic Transl Sci 2017; 2:770-789. [PMID: 29333506 PMCID: PMC5764178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by signs and symptoms of HF in the presence of a normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). Despite accounting for up to 50% of all clinical presentations of HF, the mechanisms implicated in HFpEF are poorly understood, thus precluding effective therapy. The pathophysiological heterogeneity in the HFpEF phenotype also contributes to this disease and likely to the absence of evidence-based therapies. Limited access to human samples and imperfect animal models that completely recapitulate the human HFpEF phenotype have impeded our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings that exist in this disease. Aging and comorbidities such as atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, pulmonary hypertension and renal dysfunction are highly associated with HFpEF. Yet, the relationship and contribution between them remains ill-defined. This review discusses some of the distinctive clinical features of HFpEF in association with these comorbidities and highlights the advantages and disadvantage of commonly used murine models, used to study the HFpEF phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valero-Muñoz
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Warren Backman
- Evans Department of Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Flora Sam
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Evans Department of Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Cardiovascular Section, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jeevaratnam K, Chadda KR, Salvage SC, Valli H, Ahmad S, Grace AA, Huang CLH. Ion channels, long QT syndrome and arrhythmogenesis in ageing. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 44 Suppl 1:38-45. [PMID: 28024120 PMCID: PMC5763326 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is associated with increased prevalences of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, reflecting disruption of the normal sequence of ion channel activation and inactivation generating the propagated cardiac action potential. Experimental models with specific ion channel genetic modifications have helped clarify the interacting functional roles of ion channels and how their dysregulation contributes to arrhythmogenic processes at the cellular and systems level. They have also investigated interactions between these ion channel abnormalities and age-related processes in producing arrhythmic tendency. Previous reviews have explored the relationships between age and loss-of-function Nav 1.5 mutations in producing arrhythmogenicity. The present review now explores complementary relationships arising from gain-of-function Nav 1.5 mutations associated with long QT3 (LQTS3). LQTS3 patients show increased risks of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, particularly after 40 years of age, consistent with such interactions between the ion channel abnormailities and ageing. In turn clinical evidence suggests that ageing is accompanied by structural, particularly fibrotic, as well as electrophysiological change. These abnormalities may result from biochemical changes producing low-grade inflammation resulting from increased production of reactive oxygen species and superoxide. Experimental studies offer further insights into the underlying mechanisms underlying these phenotypes. Thus, studies in genetically modified murine models for LQTS implicated action potential recovery processes in arrhythmogenesis resulting from functional ion channel abnormalities. In addition, ageing wild type (WT) murine models demonstrated both ion channel alterations and fibrotic changes with ageing. Murine models then suggested evidence for interactions between ageing and ion channel mutations and provided insights into potential arrhythmic mechanisms inviting future exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,School of Medicine, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Karan R Chadda
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Division of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Division of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bukowska A, Felgendreher M, Scholz B, Wolke C, Schulte JS, Fehrmann E, Wardelmann E, Seidl MD, Lendeckel U, Himmler K, Gardemann A, Goette A, Müller FU. CREM-transgene mice: An animal model of atrial fibrillation and thrombogenesis. Thromb Res 2017; 163:172-179. [PMID: 28807377 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2017.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular pathomechanisms underlying atrial thrombogenesis are multifactorial and still require detailed investigations. Transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-directed expression of the transcriptional repressor CREM-IbΔC-X (CREM-TG) represent an experimental model of atrial fibrillation (AF) that shows a gradual, age-dependent progression from atrial ectopy to persistent AF. Importantly, this model develops biatrial thrombi. The molecular characteristics related to the thrombogenesis in CREM-TG mice have not been studied, yet. METHODS The inflammatory and prothrombotic state was evaluated at the transcriptional (qRT-PCR) and protein level in the left (LA) and right atria (RA) from CREM-TG mice at the age of 20weeks and compared to wild-type controls. Moreover, histological analyses of atrial thrombi were performed. RESULTS The endocardial dysfunction was mirrored by diminished levels of eNOS-mRNA in both atria (RA: 0.79±0.04, LA: 0.72±0.06; each P<0.05). Moreover, the PAI-1/t-PA mRNA ratio was significantly increased in both atria (RA: 3.6±0.6; P<0.01, LA: 4.0±1.0; P<0.05) indicating a high risk of thrombus formation. However, the inflammatory phenotype was more pronounced in the RA and was reflected by a significant increase in the mRNA levels encoding adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (2.1±0.2; P<0.01), VCAM-1 (2.3±0.5; P<0.05), and selectin P (3.6±0.5: P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CREM-TG mice represent a valuable model for studying atrial thrombogenesis and assessing therapeutic approaches preventing embolic events in the systemic and pulmonary circulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Bukowska
- Working Group of Molecular Electrophysiology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - M Felgendreher
- Working Group of Molecular Electrophysiology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - B Scholz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - C Wolke
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - J S Schulte
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - E Fehrmann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - E Wardelmann
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany
| | - M D Seidl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - U Lendeckel
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - K Himmler
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - A Gardemann
- Working Group of Molecular Electrophysiology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - A Goette
- Working Group of Molecular Electrophysiology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany; St. Vincenz-Hospital, Paderborn, Germany
| | - F U Müller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Avula UMR, Noonavath M, Wan E. Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/gg.2016.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Uma Mahesh R. Avula
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Meghana Noonavath
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Elaine Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Avula U, Noonavath M, Wan E. Review Article: Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/247028971700100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
|
39
|
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias can follow disruption of the normal cellular electrophysiological processes underlying excitable activity and their tissue propagation as coherent wavefronts from the primary sinoatrial node pacemaker, through the atria, conducting structures and ventricular myocardium. These physiological events are driven by interacting, voltage-dependent, processes of activation, inactivation, and recovery in the ion channels present in cardiomyocyte membranes. Generation and conduction of these events are further modulated by intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and metabolic and structural change. This review describes experimental studies on murine models for known clinical arrhythmic conditions in which these mechanisms were modified by genetic, physiological, or pharmacological manipulation. These exemplars yielded molecular, physiological, and structural phenotypes often directly translatable to their corresponding clinical conditions, which could be investigated at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and whole animal levels. Arrhythmogenesis could be explored during normal pacing activity, regular stimulation, following imposed extra-stimuli, or during progressively incremented steady pacing frequencies. Arrhythmic substrate was identified with temporal and spatial functional heterogeneities predisposing to reentrant excitation phenomena. These could arise from abnormalities in cardiac pacing function, tissue electrical connectivity, and cellular excitation and recovery. Triggering events during or following recovery from action potential excitation could thereby lead to sustained arrhythmia. These surface membrane processes were modified by alterations in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and energetics, as well as cellular and tissue structural change. Study of murine systems thus offers major insights into both our understanding of normal cardiac activity and its propagation, and their relationship to mechanisms generating clinical arrhythmias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory and the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Calcium Handling Abnormalities as a Target for Atrial Fibrillation Therapeutics: How Close to Clinical Implementation? J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2016; 66:515-22. [PMID: 25830486 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. Antiarrhythmic drugs play a major role in rhythm-control therapy of AF. However, currently available agents exhibit limited efficacy and pronounced adverse effects, notably drug-induced proarrhythmia. Recent experimental studies have identified that Ca handling abnormalities are critical elements in AF pathophysiology with central roles in atrial ectopic activity, reentry, and atrial remodeling suggesting that Ca handling abnormalities could be promising targets for novel AF therapeutics. Here, we summarize key aspects of AF-related Ca-handling abnormalities, describe currently available compounds targeting atrial Ca handling, and highlight potential novel targets and experimental drugs currently under investigation. Finally, we assess how close AF therapeutics based on Ca-handling abnormalities are to clinical implementation.
Collapse
|
41
|
Nadadur RD, Broman MT, Boukens B, Mazurek SR, Yang X, van den Boogaard M, Bekeny J, Gadek M, Ward T, Zhang M, Qiao Y, Martin JF, Seidman CE, Seidman J, Christoffels V, Efimov IR, McNally EM, Weber CR, Moskowitz IP. Pitx2 modulates a Tbx5-dependent gene regulatory network to maintain atrial rhythm. Sci Transl Med 2016; 8:354ra115. [PMID: 27582060 PMCID: PMC5266594 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf4891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac rhythm is extremely robust, generating 2 billion contraction cycles during the average human life span. Transcriptional control of cardiac rhythm is poorly understood. We found that removal of the transcription factor gene Tbx5 from the adult mouse caused primary spontaneous and sustained atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial cardiomyocytes from the Tbx5-mutant mice exhibited action potential abnormalities, including spontaneous depolarizations, which were rescued by chelating free calcium. We identified a multitiered transcriptional network that linked seven previously defined AF risk loci: TBX5 directly activated PITX2, and TBX5 and PITX2 antagonistically regulated membrane effector genes Scn5a, Gja1, Ryr2, Dsp, and Atp2a2 In addition, reduced Tbx5 dose by adult-specific haploinsufficiency caused decreased target gene expression, myocardial automaticity, and AF inducibility, which were all rescued by Pitx2 haploinsufficiency in mice. These results defined a transcriptional architecture for atrial rhythm control organized as an incoherent feed-forward loop, driven by TBX5 and modulated by PITX2. TBX5/PITX2 interplay provides tight control of atrial rhythm effector gene expression, and perturbation of the co-regulated network caused AF susceptibility. This work provides a model for the molecular mechanisms underpinning the genetic implication of multiple AF genome-wide association studies loci and will contribute to future efforts to stratify patients for AF risk by genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rangarajan D Nadadur
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael T Broman
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Bastiaan Boukens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA. Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
| | - Stefan R Mazurek
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xinan Yang
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Malou van den Boogaard
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
| | - Jenna Bekeny
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Margaret Gadek
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tarsha Ward
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yun Qiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - James F Martin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christine E Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jon Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vincent Christoffels
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
| | - Igor R Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Christopher R Weber
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ivan P Moskowitz
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an extremely prevalent arrhythmia that presents a wide range of therapeutic challenges. AF usually begins in a self-terminating paroxysmal form (pAF). With time, the AF pattern often evolves to become persistent (nonterminating within 7 days). Important differences exist between pAF and persistent AF in terms of clinical features, in particular the responsiveness to antiarrhythmic drugs and ablation therapy. AF mechanisms have been extensively reviewed, but few or no Reviews focus specifically on the pathophysiology of pAF. Accordingly, in this Review, we examine the available data on the electrophysiological basis for pAF occurrence and maintenance, as well as the molecular mechanisms forming the underlying substrate. We first consider the mechanistic insights that have been obtained from clinical studies in the electrophysiology laboratory, noninvasive observations, and genetic studies. We then discuss the information about underlying molecular mechanisms that has been obtained from experimental studies on animal models and patient samples. Finally, we discuss the data available from animal models with spontaneous AF presentation, their relationship to clinical findings, and their relevance to understanding the mechanisms underlying pAF. Our analysis then turns to potential factors governing cases of progression from pAF to persistent AF and the clinical implications of the basic mechanisms we review. We conclude by identifying and discussing questions that we consider particularly important to address through future research in this area.
Collapse
|
43
|
Bernardo BC, Ooi JYY, Matsumoto A, Tham YK, Singla S, Kiriazis H, Patterson NL, Sadoshima J, Obad S, Lin RCY, McMullen JR. Sex differences in response to miRNA-34a therapy in mouse models of cardiac disease: identification of sex-, disease- and treatment-regulated miRNAs. J Physiol 2016; 594:5959-5974. [PMID: 27270487 DOI: 10.1113/jp272512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS MicroRNA (miRNA)-based therapies are in development for numerous diseases, including heart disease. Currently, very limited basic information is available on the regulation of specific miRNAs in male and female hearts in settings of disease. The identification of sex-specific miRNA signatures has implications for translation into the clinic and suggests the need for customised therapy. In the present study, we found that a miRNA-based treatment inhibiting miRNA-34a (miR-34a) was more effective in females in a setting of moderate dilated cardiomyopathy than in males. Furthermore, the treatment showed little benefit for either sex in a setting of more severe dilated cardiomyopathy associated with atrial fibrillation. The results highlight the importance of understanding the effect of miRNA-based therapies in cardiac disease settings in males and females. ABSTRACT MicroRNA (miRNA)-34a (miR-34a) is elevated in the diseased heart in mice and humans. Previous studies have shown that inhibiting miR-34a in male mice in settings of pathological cardiac hypertrophy or ischaemia protects the heart against progression to heart failure. Whether inhibition of miR-34a protects the female heart is unknown. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of silencing miR-34a in settings of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been assessed previously. In the present study, we examined the effect of silencing miR-34a in males and females in (1) a model of moderate DCM and (2) a model of severe DCM with AF. The cardiac disease models were administered with a locked nucleic acid-modified oligonucleotide (LNA-antimiR-34a) at 6-7 weeks of age when the models display cardiac dysfunction and conduction abnormalities. Cardiac function and morphology were measured 6 weeks after treatment. In the present study, we show that inhibition of miR-34a provides more protection in the DCM model in females than males. Disease prevention in LNA-antimiR-34a treated DCM female mice was characterized by attenuated heart enlargement and lung congestion, lower expression of cardiac stress genes (B-type natriuretic peptide, collagen gene expression), less cardiac fibrosis and better cardiac function. There was no evidence of significant protection in the severe DCM and AF model in either sex. Sex- and treatment-dependent regulation of miRNAs was also identified in the diseased heart, and may explain the differential response of males and females. These studies highlight the importance of examining the impact of miRNA-based drugs in both sexes and under different disease conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Y Y Ooi
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aya Matsumoto
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Yow Keat Tham
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Saloni Singla
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen Kiriazis
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Junichi Sadoshima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Susanna Obad
- Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Ruby C Y Lin
- Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, Cardiothoracic Genomics, Sydney, Australia and School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie R McMullen
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Seki M, LaCanna R, Powers JC, Vrakas C, Liu F, Berretta R, Chacko G, Holten J, Jadiya P, Wang T, Arkles JS, Copper JM, Houser SR, Huang J, Patel VV, Recchia FA. Class I Histone Deacetylase Inhibition for the Treatment of Sustained Atrial Fibrillation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 358:441-9. [PMID: 27353074 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.234591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current therapies are less effective for treating sustained/permanent versus paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We and others have previously shown that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition reverses structural and electrical atrial remodeling in mice with inducible, paroxysmal-like AF. Here, we hypothesize an important, specific role for class I HDACs in determining structural atrial alterations during sustained AF. The class I HDAC inhibitor N-acetyldinaline [4-(acetylamino)-N-(2-amino-phenyl) benzamide] (CI-994) was administered for 2 weeks (1 mg/kg/day) to Hopx transgenic mice with atrial remodeling and inducible AF and to dogs with atrial tachypacing-induced sustained AF. Class I HDAC inhibition prevented atrial fibrosis and arrhythmia inducibility in mice. Dogs were divided into three groups: 1) sinus rhythm, 2) sustained AF plus vehicle, and 3) sustained AF plus CI-994. In group 3, the time in AF over 2 weeks was reduced by 30% compared with group 2, along with attenuated atrial fibrosis and intra-atrial adipocyte infiltration. Moreover, group 2 dogs had higher atrial and serum inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and atrial immune cells and adipocytes compared with groups 1 and 3. On the other hand, groups 2 and 3 displayed similar left atrial size, ventricular function, and mitral regurgitation. Importantly, the same histologic alterations found in dogs with sustained AF and reversed by CI-994 were also present in atrial tissue from transplanted patients with chronic AF. This is the first evidence that, in sustained AF, class I HDAC inhibition can reduce the total time of fibrillation, atrial fibrosis, intra-atrial adipocytes, and immune cell infiltration without significant effects on cardiac function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Seki
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Ryan LaCanna
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Jeffery C Powers
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Christine Vrakas
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Fang Liu
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Remus Berretta
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Geena Chacko
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - John Holten
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Pooja Jadiya
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Tao Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Jeffery S Arkles
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Joshua M Copper
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Steven R Houser
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Jianhe Huang
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Vickas V Patel
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.S., R.L.C., J.C.P., C.V., R.B., G.C., Jo.H., P.J., T.W., S.R.H., Ji.H., V.V.P., F.A.R.), and Section of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (J.S.A., J.M.C., V.V.P.), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy (F.A.R.); and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (F.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tucker NR, Clauss S, Ellinor PT. Common variation in atrial fibrillation: navigating the path from genetic association to mechanism. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 109:493-501. [PMID: 26733238 PMCID: PMC4777911 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with well-established clinical and genetic risk components. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 17 independent susceptibility signals for AF at 14 genomic regions, but the mechanisms through which these loci confer risk to AF remain largely undefined. This problem is not unique to AF, as the field of functional genomics, which attempts to bridge this gap from genotype to phenotype, has only uncovered the mechanisms for a handful of GWAS loci. Recent functional genomic studies have made great strides towards translating genetic discoveries to an underlying mechanism, but the large-scale application of these techniques to AF has remain limited. These advances, as well as the continued unresolved challenges for both common variation in AF and the functional genomics field in general, will be the subject of the following review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R Tucker
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sebastian Clauss
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Campus Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick T Ellinor
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA Program in Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wan E, Abrams J, Weinberg RL, Katchman AN, Bayne J, Zakharov SI, Yang L, Morrow JP, Garan H, Marx SO. Aberrant sodium influx causes cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation in mice. J Clin Invest 2015; 126:112-22. [PMID: 26595809 DOI: 10.1172/jci84669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased sodium influx via incomplete inactivation of the major cardiac sodium channel Na(V)1.5 is correlated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans. Here, we sought to determine whether increased sodium entry is sufficient to cause the structural and electrophysiological perturbations that are required to initiate and sustain AF. We used mice expressing a human Na(V)1.5 variant with a mutation in the anesthetic-binding site (F1759A-Na(V)1.5) and demonstrated that incomplete Na+ channel inactivation is sufficient to drive structural alterations, including atrial and ventricular enlargement, myofibril disarray, fibrosis and mitochondrial injury, and electrophysiological dysfunctions that together lead to spontaneous and prolonged episodes of AF in these mice. Using this model, we determined that the increase in a persistent sodium current causes heterogeneously prolonged action potential duration and rotors, as well as wave and wavelets in the atria, and thereby mimics mechanistic theories that have been proposed for AF in humans. Acute inhibition of the sodium-calcium exchanger, which targets the downstream effects of enhanced sodium entry, markedly reduced the burden of AF and ventricular arrhythmias in this model, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AF. Together, our results indicate that these mice will be important for assessing the cellular mechanisms and potential effectiveness of antiarrhythmic therapies.
Collapse
|
47
|
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom, and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Suita K, Fujita T, Hasegawa N, Cai W, Jin H, Hidaka Y, Prajapati R, Umemura M, Yokoyama U, Sato M, Okumura S, Ishikawa Y. Norepinephrine-Induced Adrenergic Activation Strikingly Increased the Atrial Fibrillation Duration through β1- and α1-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Signaling in Mice. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26203906 PMCID: PMC4512675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmias among old people. It causes serious long-term health problems affecting the quality of life. It has been suggested that the autonomic nervous system is involved in the onset and maintenance of AF in human. However, investigation of its pathogenesis and potential treatment has been hampered by the lack of suitable AF models in experimental animals. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to establish a long-lasting AF model in mice. We also investigated the role of adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes, which may be involved in the onset and duration of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS Trans-esophageal atrial burst pacing in mice could induce AF, as previously shown, but with only a short duration (29.0 ± 8.1 sec). We found that adrenergic activation by intraperitoneal norepinephrine (NE) injection strikingly increased the AF duration. It increased the duration to more than 10 minutes, i.e., by more than 20-fold (656.2 ± 104.8 sec; P<0.001). In this model, a prior injection of a specific β1-AR blocker metoprolol and an α1-AR blocker prazosin both significantly attenuated NE-induced elongation of AF. To further explore the mechanisms underlying these receptors' effects on AF, we assessed the SR Ca(2+) leak, a major trigger of AF, and consequent spontaneous SR Ca(2+) release (SCR) in atrial myocytes. Consistent with the results of our in-vivo experiments, both metoprolol and prazosin significantly inhibited the NE-induced SR Ca(2+) leak and SCR. These findings suggest that both β1-AR and α1-AR may play important roles in the development of AF. CONCLUSIONS We have established a long-lasting AF model in mice induced by adrenergic activation, which will be valuable in future AF study using experimental animals, such as transgenic mice. We also revealed the important role of β1- and α1-AR-mediated signaling in the development of AF through in-vivo and in-vitro experiments.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists/pharmacology
- Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/pharmacology
- Animals
- Atrial Fibrillation/chemically induced
- Atrial Fibrillation/physiopathology
- Calcium Signaling/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Heart Conduction System/drug effects
- Heart Conduction System/physiopathology
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Male
- Metoprolol/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects
- Myocytes, Cardiac/physiology
- Norepinephrine/administration & dosage
- Norepinephrine/toxicity
- Prazosin/pharmacology
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/drug effects
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/physiology
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1/drug effects
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1/physiology
- Sarcoplasmic Reticulum/drug effects
- Sympathetic Nervous System/drug effects
- Sympathetic Nervous System/physiopathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Suita
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Fujita
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- * E-mail: (TF); (YI)
| | - Nozomi Hasegawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Wenqian Cai
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Huiling Jin
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuko Hidaka
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Rajesh Prajapati
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masanari Umemura
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Utako Yokoyama
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Motohiko Sato
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okumura
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ishikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- * E-mail: (TF); (YI)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ghezelbash S, Molina CE, Dobrev D. Altered atrial metabolism: an underappreciated contributor to the initiation and progression of atrial fibrillation. J Am Heart Assoc 2015; 4:e001808. [PMID: 25773300 PMCID: PMC4392451 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.115.001808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shokoufeh Ghezelbash
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany (S.G., C.E.M., D.D.)
| | - Cristina E Molina
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany (S.G., C.E.M., D.D.)
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany (S.G., C.E.M., D.D.) DZHK, associated site UniversityDuisburg-Essen, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Germany (D.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ozcan C, Battaglia E, Young R, Suzuki G. LKB1 knockout mouse develops spontaneous atrial fibrillation and provides mechanistic insights into human disease process. J Am Heart Assoc 2015; 4:e001733. [PMID: 25773299 PMCID: PMC4392447 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.114.001733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex disease process, and the molecular mechanisms underlying initiation and progression of the disease are unclear. Consequently, AF has been difficult to model. In this study, we have presented a novel transgenic mouse model of AF that mimics human disease and characterized the mechanisms of atrial electroanatomical remodeling in the genesis of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiac-specific liver kinase B1 (LKB1) knockout (KO) mice were generated, and 47% aged 4 weeks and 95% aged 12 weeks developed spontaneous AF from sinus rhythm by demonstrating paroxysmal and persistent stages of the disease. Electrocardiographic characteristics of sinus rhythm were similar in KO and wild-type mice. Atrioventricular block and atrial flutter were common in KO mice. Heart rate was slower with persistent AF. In parallel with AF, KO mice developed progressive biatrial enlargement with inflammation, heterogeneous fibrosis, and loss of cardiomyocyte population with apoptosis and necrosis. Atrial tissue was infiltrated with inflammatory cells. C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly elevated in serum. KO atria demonstrated elevated reactive oxygen species and decreased AMP-activated protein kinase activity. Cardiomyocyte and myofibrillar ultrastructure were disrupted. Intercellular matrix and gap junction were interrupted. Connexins 40 and 43 were reduced. Persistent AF caused left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. Survival and exercise capacity were worse in KO mice. CONCLUSIONS LKB1 KO mice develop spontaneous AF from sinus rhythm and progress into persistent AF by replicating the human AF disease process. Progressive inflammatory atrial cardiomyopathy is the genesis of AF, through mechanistic electrical and structural remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cevher Ozcan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Clinical & Translational Research Center, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY (C.O., E.B., R.Y., G.S.)
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL (C.O.)
| | - Emily Battaglia
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Clinical & Translational Research Center, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY (C.O., E.B., R.Y., G.S.)
| | - Rebeccah Young
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Clinical & Translational Research Center, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY (C.O., E.B., R.Y., G.S.)
| | - Gen Suzuki
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Clinical & Translational Research Center, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY (C.O., E.B., R.Y., G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|