1
|
Schwartz PJ, Sala L. The impact of genetics on the long QT syndrome: myth or reality? Curr Opin Cardiol 2023; 38:149-156. [PMID: 36789771 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize and critically assess the contribution of genetics to the Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), with specific reference to the unraveling of its underlying mechanisms and to its impact on clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS The evolution towards our current approach to therapy for LQTS patients is examined in terms of risk stratification, gene-specific management, and assessment of the clinical impact that genetic modifiers may have in modulating the natural history of the patients. Glimpses are provided on the newest multidisciplinary approaches to study disease mechanisms, test new candidate drugs and identify precision treatments. SUMMARY It is undeniable that genetics has revolutionized our mechanistic understanding of cardiac channelopathies. Its impact has been enormous but, curiously, the way LQTS patients are being treated today is largely the same that was used in the pregenetic era, even though management has been refined and gene-specific differences allow a more individually tailored antiarrhythmic protection. The synergy of genetic findings with modern in vitro and in silico tools may expand precision treatments; however, they will need to prove more effective than the current therapeutic approaches and equally safe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Schwartz
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics
| | - Luca Sala
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics.,Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Winbo A, Diamant U, Persson J, Jensen SM, Rydberg A. To Modify or Not to Modify: Allele‐Specific Effects of 3'UTR‐
KCNQ1
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Clinical Phenotype in a Long QT 1 Founder Population Segregating a Dominant‐Negative Mutation. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e025981. [DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.025981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background
There are conflicting reports with regard to the allele‐specific gene suppression effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of the
KCNQ1
gene in long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) populations. Here we assess the allele‐specific effects of 3 previously published 3'UTR‐
KCNQ1
's SNPs in a LQT1 founder population segregating a dominant‐negative mutation.
Methods and Results
Bidirectional sequencing of the
KCNQ1
'
s
3'UTR was performed in the p.Y111C founder population (n=232, 147 genotype positive), with a minor allele frequency of 0.1 for SNP1 (rs2519184) and 0.6 for linked SNP2 (rs8234) and SNP3 (rs107980). Allelic phase was assessed in trios aided by haplotype data, revealing a high prevalence of derived SNP2/3
in cis
with p.Y111C (89%). Allele‐specific association analyses, corrected using a relatedness matrix, were performed between 3'UTR‐
KCNQ1
SNP genotypes and clinical phenotypes. SNP1
in trans
was associated with a significantly higher proportion of symptomatic phenotype compared with no derived SNP1 allele
in trans
(58% versus 32%, corrected
P
=0.027). SNP2/3
in cis
was associated with a significantly lower proportion of symptomatic phenotype compared with no derived SNP2/3 allele
in cis
(32% versus 69%, corrected
P
=0.010).
Conclusions
Allele‐specific modifying effects on symptomatic phenotype of 3'UTR‐
KCNQ1
SNPs rs2519184, rs8234, and rs107980 were seen in a LQT1 founder population segregating a dominant‐negative mutation. The high prevalence of suppressive 3'UTR‐
KCNQ1
SNPs segregating with the founder mutation could contribute to the previously documented low incidence of cardiac events in heterozygous carriers of the p.Y111C
KCNQ1
mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Winbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics Umeå University Umeå Sweden
- Department of Physiology University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Ulla‐Britt Diamant
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine Heart Centre, Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Johan Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Steen M. Jensen
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine Heart Centre, Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Annika Rydberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schwartz PJ. 1970-2020: 50 years of research on the long QT syndrome-from almost zero knowledge to precision medicine. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:1063-1072. [PMID: 33057695 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To those of us involved in clinical research it seldom happens to begin working on a rather obscure disease, still largely unexplored, and to follow its ripening into a medical entity of large interest to clinicians and basic scientists alike, and moreover to do so for exactly 50 years. This is what has been my privilege in the relentless pursuit of the intriguing disease known as the long QT syndrome (LQTS). This essay begins with the encounter with my first patient affected by LQTS when just a handful of cardiologists had seen similar cases and continues with the series of efforts, some sound some amateurish, which eventually led-together with many brilliant partners and associates-to describe and understand the natural history of the disease and the most effective therapies. It then touches on how our International Registry for LQTS, with its well-documented family trees, constituted the necessary springboard for the major genetic discoveries of the 1990s. From the explosion of genetic data, my own interest focused first on the intriguing genotype-phenotype correlation and then on 'modifier genes', in the attempt of understanding why family members with the same disease-causing mutation could have an opposite clinical history. And from there on to iPS-derived cardiomyocytes, used to unravelling the specific mechanisms of action of modifier genes and to exploring novel therapeutic strategies. This long, and highly rewarding, journey continues because the fascination and the attraction of the unknown are irresistible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Schwartz
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Via Pier Lombardo, 22, Milan 20135, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
The main inherited cardiac arrhythmias are long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and Brugada syndrome. These rare diseases are often the underlying cause of sudden cardiac death in young individuals and result from mutations in several genes encoding ion channels or proteins involved in their regulation. The genetic defects lead to alterations in the ionic currents that determine the morphology and duration of the cardiac action potential, and individuals with these disorders often present with syncope or a life-threatening arrhythmic episode. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and history, the characteristics of the electrocardiographic recording at rest and during exercise and genetic analyses. Management relies on pharmacological therapy, mostly β-adrenergic receptor blockers (specifically, propranolol and nadolol) and sodium and transient outward current blockers (such as quinidine), or surgical interventions, including left cardiac sympathetic denervation and implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. All these arrhythmias are potentially life-threatening and have substantial negative effects on the quality of life of patients. Future research should focus on the identification of genes associated with the diseases and other risk factors, improved risk stratification and, in particular for Brugada syndrome, effective therapies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ulla-Britt D, Annika W, Marcus K, Sören E, Annika R. LQTS founder population in Northern Sweden - the natural history of a potentially fatal inherited cardiac disorder. BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2020; 66:191-207. [PMID: 34761968 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2021.1999788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an autosomal dominant inherited cardiac disorder associated with life-threatening arrhythmias. In northern Sweden, a LQTS founder mutation (p.Y111C, KCNQ1 gene) was verified by genetic haplotype analysis and genealogical studies, and a common ancestor couple was identified. Clinical studies of this population revealed an apparent mild phenotype. However, due to early commencement of prophylactic treatment, the natural history of this disorder cannot be properly assessed based only on clinical data. By using the family tree mortality ratio method (FTMR), we assessed the natural history of the untreated LQTS founder population. The principle of FTMR is to compare the age-specific mortality rates in a historic population harboring an inherited disorder with the corresponding mortality rates in an unaffected control population.Initially, we used the general Swedish population during the same period for comparison and observed an apparent increased longevity in the p.Y111C study population. However, when using a control population born in the same area, we observed no differences regarding overall mortality. Moreover, patterns suggesting age- and sex-stratified excess mortality, in accordance with previous LQTS studies, were evident.This study shows the importance of being aware of historical demographic patterns to avoid misinterpreting when comparing historical data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diamant Ulla-Britt
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Heart Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Winbo Annika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karlsson Marcus
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Edvinsson Sören
- Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Ageing and Living Conditions Programme, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rydberg Annika
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schwartz PJ, Crotti L, George AL. Modifier genes for sudden cardiac death. Eur Heart J 2018; 39:3925-3931. [PMID: 30215713 PMCID: PMC6247660 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic conditions, even those associated with identical gene mutations, can present with variable clinical manifestations. One widely accepted explanation for this phenomenon is the existence of genetic factors capable of modifying the consequences of disease-causing mutations (modifier genes). Here, we address the concepts and principles by which genetic factors may be involved in modifying risk for cardiac arrhythmia, then discuss the current knowledge and interpretation of their contribution to clinical heterogeneity. We illustrate these concepts in the context of two important clinical conditions associated with risk for sudden cardiac death including a monogenic disorder (congenital long QT syndrome) in which the impact of modifier genes has been established, and a complex trait (life-threatening arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction) for which the search for genetic modifiers of arrhythmic risk is more challenging. Advances in understanding the contribution of modifier genes to a higher or lower propensity towards sudden death should improve patient-specific risk stratification and be a major step towards precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Schwartz
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Via Pier Lombardo, 22, Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author. Tel: +39 02 55000408, Fax: +39 02 55000411, ;
| | - Lia Crotti
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Via Pier Lombardo, 22, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, Monza, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfred L George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Searle 8-510, East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schwartz PJ, Ackerman MJ, Wilde AAM. Channelopathies as Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2017; 9:537-549. [PMID: 29173400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the main clinical aspects of 3 channelopathies: the long QT syndrome, the catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and the Brugada syndrome. The text summarizes our views on clinical presentation and diagnosis, on risk stratification, and on therapy. Special attention is given to the progress in the understanding of the genetic bases and on the growing impact of genetics on therapy, which, at least in the case of long QT syndrome, now allows gene-specific management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Schwartz
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, c/o Centro Diagnostico e di Ricerca S. Carlo, Via Pier Lombardo, 22, Milan 20135, Italy.
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Guggenheim 501, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Guggenheim 501, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Guggenheim 501, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Arthur A M Wilde
- Heart Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO-Box 22700, 1100DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Centre of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schwartz PJ, Crotti L. Founder populations with channelopathies and church records reveal all sorts of interesting secrets: Some are scientifically relevant. Heart Rhythm 2017; 14:1882-1883. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
9
|
Crotti L, Lahtinen AM, Spazzolini C, Mastantuono E, Monti MC, Morassutto C, Parati G, Heradien M, Goosen A, Lichtner P, Meitinger T, Brink PA, Kontula K, Swan H, Schwartz PJ. Genetic Modifiers for the Long-QT Syndrome: How Important Is the Role of Variants in the 3' Untranslated Region of KCNQ1? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 9:330-9. [PMID: 27531917 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.116.001419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-QT syndrome is an inherited cardiac channelopathy characterized by delayed repolarization, risk of life-threatening arrhythmia, and significant clinical variability even within families. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3' untranslated region of KCNQ1 were recently suggested to be associated with suppressed gene expression and hence decreased disease severity when located on the same haplotype with a disease-causing KCNQ1 mutation. We sought to replicate this finding in a larger and a genetically more homogeneous population of KCNQ1 mutation carriers. METHODS AND RESULTS The 3 SNPs (rs2519184, rs8234, and rs10798) were genotyped in a total of 747 KCNQ1 mutation carriers with A341V, G589D, or IVS7-2A>G mutation. The SNP haplotypes were assigned based on family trees. The SNP allele frequencies and clinical severity differed between the 3 mutation groups. The different SNP haplotypes were neither associated with heart rate-corrected QT interval duration (QTc) nor cardiac events in any of the 3 mutation groups. When the mutation groups were combined, the derived SNP haplotype of rs8234 and rs10798 located on the same haplotype with the mutation was associated with a shorter QTc interval (P<0.05) and a reduced occurrence of cardiac events (P<0.01), consistent with the previous finding. However, when the population-specific mutation was controlled for, both associations were no longer evident. CONCLUSIONS 3' Untranslated region SNPs are not acting as genetic modifiers in a large group of LQT1 patients. The confounding effect of merging a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of patients needs to be taken into account when studying disease modifiers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lia Crotti
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.).
| | - Annukka M Lahtinen
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Carla Spazzolini
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Elisa Mastantuono
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Maria Cristina Monti
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Caterina Morassutto
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Marshall Heradien
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Althea Goosen
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Peter Lichtner
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Thomas Meitinger
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Paul A Brink
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Kimmo Kontula
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Heikki Swan
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- From the Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan (L.C., C.S., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine (L.C.) and Department of Public Health (M.C.M., C.M.), Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy (L.C., G.P.); Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (A.M.L., K.K.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (E.M., P.L., T.M.); Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.); Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (M.H., A.G., P.A.B.); Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München (T.M.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (T.M.); and Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (H.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Winbo A, Stattin EL, Westin IM, Norberg A, Persson J, Jensen SM, Rydberg A. Sex is a moderator of the association between NOS1AP sequence variants and QTc in two long QT syndrome founder populations: a pedigree-based measured genotype association analysis. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2017; 18:74. [PMID: 28720088 PMCID: PMC5516337 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-017-0435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sequence variants in the NOS1AP gene have repeatedly been reported to influence QTc, albeit with moderate effect sizes. In the long QT syndrome (LQTS), this may contribute to the substantial QTc variance seen among carriers of identical pathogenic sequence variants. Here we assess three non-coding NOS1AP sequence variants, chosen for their previously reported strong association with QTc in normal and LQTS populations, for association with QTc in two Swedish LQT1 founder populations. METHODS This study included 312 individuals (58% females) from two LQT1 founder populations, whereof 227 genotype positive segregating either Y111C (n = 148) or R518* (n = 79) pathogenic sequence variants in the KCNQ1 gene, and 85 genotype negatives. All were genotyped for NOS1AP sequence variants rs12143842, rs16847548 and rs4657139, and tested for association with QTc length (effect size presented as mean difference between derived and wildtype, in ms), using a pedigree-based measured genotype association analysis. Mean QTc was obtained by repeated manual measurement (preferably in lead II) by one observer using coded 50 mm/s standard 12-lead ECGs. RESULTS A substantial variance in mean QTc was seen in genotype positives 476 ± 36 ms (Y111C 483 ± 34 ms; R518* 462 ± 34 ms) and genotype negatives 433 ± 24 ms. Female sex was significantly associated with QTc prolongation in all genotype groups (p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis including the entire study population and adjusted for KCNQ1 genotype, sex and age, NOS1AP sequence variants rs12143842 and rs16847548 (but not rs4657139) were significantly associated with QT prolongation, +18 ms (p = 0.0007) and +17 ms (p = 0.006), respectively. Significant sex-interactions were detected for both sequent variants (interaction term r = 0.892, p < 0.001 and r = 0.944, p < 0.001, respectively). Notably, across the genotype groups, when stratified by sex neither rs12143842 nor rs16847548 were significantly associated with QTc in females (both p = 0.16) while in males, a prolongation of +19 ms and +8 ms (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02) was seen in multivariable analysis, explaining up to 23% of QTc variance in all males. CONCLUSIONS Sex was identified as a moderator of the association between NOS1AP sequence variants and QTc in two LQT1 founder populations. This finding may contribute to QTc sex differences and affect the usefulness of NOS1AP as a marker for clinical risk stratification in LQTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Winbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden. .,Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Eva-Lena Stattin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ida Maria Westin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Medical and Clinical Genetics, Umeå University, Umeå, 90185, Sweden
| | - Anna Norberg
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Medical and Clinical Genetics, Umeå University, Umeå, 90185, Sweden
| | - Johan Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Steen M Jensen
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Heart Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, 90185, Sweden
| | - Annika Rydberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Porta A, Girardengo G, Bari V, George AL, Brink PA, Goosen A, Crotti L, Schwartz PJ. Autonomic control of heart rate and QT interval variability influences arrhythmic risk in long QT syndrome type 1. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 65:367-374. [PMID: 25634836 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A puzzling feature of the long QT syndrome (LQTS) is that family members carrying the same mutation often have divergent symptoms and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES This study tested the hypothesis that vagal and sympathetic control, as assessed by spectral analysis of spontaneous beat-to-beat variability of RR and QT intervals from standard 24-h electrocardiogram Holter recordings, could modulate the severity of LQTS type 1 (LQT1) in 46 members of a South-African LQT1 founder population carrying the clinically severe KCNQ1 A341V mutation. METHODS Nonmutation carriers (NMCs) (n = 14) were compared with mutation carriers (MCs) (n = 32), 22 with and 10 without major symptoms. We assessed the effect of circadian rhythm and beta-blocker therapy over traditional time and frequency domain RR and QT variability indexes. RESULTS The asymptomatic MCs differed significantly from the symptomatic MCs and from NMCs in less vagal control of heart rate and more reactive sympathetic modulation of the QT interval, particularly during daytime when arrhythmia risk for patients with LQT1 is greatest. CONCLUSIONS The present data identified an additional factor contributing to the differential arrhythmic risk among patients with LQT1 carrying the same mutation. A healthy autonomic control confers a high risk, whereas patients with higher sympathetic control of the QT interval and reduced vagal control of heart rate are at lower risk. This differential "autonomic make-up," likely under genetic control, will allow refinement of risk stratification within families with LQTS, leading to more targeted management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Porta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Girardengo
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vlasta Bari
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfred L George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Paul A Brink
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Althea Goosen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Lia Crotti
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Villiers CP, van der Merwe L, Crotti L, Goosen A, George AL, Schwartz PJ, Brink PA, Moolman-Smook JC, Corfield VA. AKAP9 is a genetic modifier of congenital long-QT syndrome type 1. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 7:599-606. [PMID: 25087618 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.113.000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-QT syndrome (LQTS), a cardiac arrhythmia disorder with variable phenotype, often results in devastating outcomes, including sudden cardiac death. Variable expression, independently from the primary disease-causing mutation, can partly be explained by genetic modifiers. This study investigates variants in a known LQTS-causative gene, AKAP9, for potential LQTS-type 1-modifying effects. METHODS AND RESULTS Members of a South African LQTS-type 1 founder population (181 noncarriers and 168 mutation carriers) carrying the identical-by-descent KCNQ1 p.Ala341Val (A341V) mutation were evaluated for modifying effects of AKAP9 variants on heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), cardiac events, and disease severity. Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in AKAP9 rs11772585, rs7808587, rs2282972, and rs2961024 (order, 5'-3'positive strand) were genotyped. Associations between phenotypic traits and alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes were statistically assessed, adjusting for the degree of relatedness and confounding variables. The rs2961024 GG genotype, always represented by CGCG haplotype homozygotes, revealed an age-dependent heart rate-corrected QT interval increase (1% per additional 10 years) irrespective of A341V mutation status (P=0.006). The rs11772585 T allele, found uniquely in the TACT haplotype, more than doubled (218%) the risk of cardiac events (P=0.002) in the presence of A341V; additionally, it increased disease severity (P=0.025). The rs7808587 GG genotype was associated with a 74% increase in cardiac event risk (P=0.046), whereas the rs2282972 T allele, predominantly represented by the CATT haplotype, decreased risk by 53% (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS AKAP9 has been identified as an LQTS-type 1-modifying gene. Variants investigated altered heart rate-corrected QT interval irrespective of mutation status, as well as cardiac event risk, and disease severity, in mutation carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carin P de Villiers
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Lize van der Merwe
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Lia Crotti
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Althea Goosen
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Alfred L George
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Paul A Brink
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Johanna C Moolman-Smook
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| | - Valerie A Corfield
- From the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, (C.P.d.V., L.v.d.M., J.C.M.-S., V.A.C.), and Department of Internal Medicine (A.G., P.A.B.), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (L.v.d.M.); IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy (L.C., P.J.S.); Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (L.C.); Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany (L.C.); and Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, and Institute for Integrative Genomics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.L.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wellens HJJ, Schwartz PJ, Lindemans FW, Buxton AE, Goldberger JJ, Hohnloser SH, Huikuri HV, Kääb S, La Rovere MT, Malik M, Myerburg RJ, Simoons ML, Swedberg K, Tijssen J, Voors AA, Wilde AA. Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death: current status and challenges for the future. Eur Heart J 2014; 35:1642-51. [PMID: 24801071 PMCID: PMC4076664 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a daunting problem. It is a major public health issue for several reasons: from its prevalence (20% of total mortality in the industrialized world) to the devastating psycho-social impact on society and on the families of victims often still in their prime, and it represents a challenge for medicine, and especially for cardiology. This text summarizes the discussions and opinions of a group of investigators with a long-standing interest in this field. We addressed the occurrence of SCD in individuals apparently healthy, in patients with heart disease and mild or severe cardiac dysfunction, and in those with genetically based arrhythmic diseases. Recognizing the need for more accurate registries of the global and regional distribution of SCD in these different categories, we focused on the assessment of risk for SCD in these four groups, looking at the significance of alterations in cardiac function, of signs of electrical instability identified by ECG abnormalities or by autonomic tests, and of the progressive impact of genetic screening. Special attention was given to the identification of areas of research more or less likely to provide useful information, and thereby more or less suitable for the investment of time and of research funds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alfred E Buxton
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Goldberger
- Division of Cardiology, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stefan H Hohnloser
- Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, J. W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heikki V Huikuri
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University and University Hospital of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Münich, Germany DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Münich Heart Alliance, Münich, Germany
| | - Maria Teresa La Rovere
- Department of Cardiology, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', IRCCS, Istituto Scientifico di Montescano, Montescano, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marek Malik
- St Paul's Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of London and Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Robert J Myerburg
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Jan Tijssen
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan A Voors
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A Wilde
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Princess Al Jawhara Albrahim Centre of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Multiscale complexity analysis of the cardiac control identifies asymptomatic and symptomatic patients in long QT syndrome type 1. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93808. [PMID: 24705789 PMCID: PMC3976293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The study assesses complexity of the cardiac control directed to the sinus node and to ventricles in long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) patients with KCNQ1-A341V mutation. Complexity was assessed via refined multiscale entropy (RMSE) computed over the beat-to-beat variability series of heart period (HP) and QT interval. HP and QT interval were approximated respectively as the temporal distance between two consecutive R-wave peaks and between the R-wave apex and T-wave end. Both measures were automatically taken from 24-hour electrocardiographic Holter traces recorded during daily activities in non mutation carriers (NMCs, n = 14) and mutation carriers (MCs, n = 34) belonging to a South African LQT1 founder population. The MC group was divided into asymptomatic (ASYMP, n = 11) and symptomatic (SYMP, n = 23) patients according to the symptom severity. Analyses were carried out during daytime (DAY, from 2PM to 6PM) and nighttime (NIGHT, from 12PM to 4AM) off and on beta-adrenergic blockade (BBoff and BBon). We found that the complexity of the HP variability at short time scale was under vagal control, being significantly increased during NIGHT and BBon both in ASYMP and SYMP groups, while the complexity of both HP and QT variability at long time scales was under sympathetic control, being smaller during NIGHT and BBon in SYMP subjects. Complexity indexes at long time scales in ASYMP individuals were smaller than those in SYMP ones regardless of therapy (i.e. BBoff or BBon), thus suggesting that a reduced complexity of the sympathetic regulation is protective in ASYMP individuals. RMSE analysis of HP and QT interval variability derived from routine 24-hour electrocardiographic Holter recordings might provide additional insights into the physiology of the cardiac control and might be fruitfully exploited to improve risk stratification in LQT1 population.
Collapse
|
16
|
Duchatelet S, Crotti L, Peat RA, Denjoy I, Itoh H, Berthet M, Ohno S, Fressart V, Monti MC, Crocamo C, Pedrazzini M, Dagradi F, Vicentini A, Klug D, Brink PA, Goosen A, Swan H, Toivonen L, Lahtinen AM, Kontula K, Shimizu W, Horie M, George AL, Trégouët DA, Guicheney P, Schwartz PJ. Identification of a KCNQ1 polymorphism acting as a protective modifier against arrhythmic risk in long-QT syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 6:354-61. [PMID: 23856471 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.113.000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by such striking clinical heterogeneity that, even among family members carrying the same mutation, clinical outcome can range between sudden death and no symptoms. We investigated the role of genetic variants as modifiers of risk for cardiac events in patients with LQTS. METHODS AND RESULTS In a matched case-control study including 112 patient duos with LQTS from France, Italy, and Japan, 25 polymorphisms were genotyped based on either their association with QTc duration in healthy populations or on their role in adrenergic responses. The duos were composed of 2 relatives harboring the same heterozygous KCNQ1 or KCNH2 mutation: 1 with cardiac events and 1 asymptomatic and untreated. The findings were then validated in 2 independent founder populations totaling 174 symptomatic and 162 asymptomatic patients with LQTS, and a meta-analysis was performed. The KCNQ1 rs2074238 T-allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of symptoms 0.34 (0.19-0.61; P<0.0002) and with shorter QTc (P<0.0001) in the combined discovery and replication cohorts. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence that the KCNQ1 rs2074238 polymorphism is an independent risk modifier with the minor T-allele conferring protection against cardiac events in patients with LQTS. This finding is a step toward a novel approach for risk stratification in patients with LQTS.
Collapse
|
17
|
Crotti L, Spazzolini C, Porretta AP, Dagradi F, Taravelli E, Petracci B, Vicentini A, Pedrazzini M, La Rovere MT, Vanoli E, Goosen A, Heradien M, George AL, Brink PA, Schwartz PJ. Vagal reflexes following an exercise stress test: a simple clinical tool for gene-specific risk stratification in the long QT syndrome. J Am Coll Cardiol 2012; 60:2515-24. [PMID: 23158531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2012.08.1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study assessed whether heart rate (HR) reduction following an exercise stress test (ExStrT), an easily quantifiable marker of vagal reflexes, might identify high- and low-risk long QT syndrome (LQTS) type 1 (LQT1) patients. BACKGROUND Identification of LQTS patients more likely to be symptomatic remains elusive. We have previously shown that depressed baroreflex sensitivity, an established marker of reduced vagal reflexes, predicts low probability of symptoms among LQT1. METHODS We studied 169 LQTS genotype-positive patients < 50 years of age who performed an ExStrT with the same protocol, on and off β-blockers including 47 South African LQT1 patients all harboring the KCNQ1-A341V mutation and 122 Italian LQTS patients with impaired (I(Ks)-, 66 LQT1) or normal (I(Ks)+, 50 LQT2 and 6 LQT3) I(Ks) current. RESULTS Despite similar maximal HR and workload, by the first minute after cessation of exercise the symptomatic patients in both I(Ks)- groups had a greater HR reduction compared with the asymptomatic (19 ± 7 beats/min vs. 13 ± 5 beats/min and 27 ± 10 beats/min vs. 20 ± 8 beats/min, both p = 0.009). By contrast, there was no difference between the I(Ks)+ symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (23 ± 9 beats/min vs. 26 ± 9 beats/min, p = 0.47). LQT1 patients in the upper tertile for HR reduction had a higher risk of being symptomatic (odds ratio: 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 8.3, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS HR reduction following exercise identifies LQT1 patients at high or low arrhythmic risk, independently of β-blocker therapy, and contributes to risk stratification. Intense exercise training, which potentiates vagal reflexes, should probably be avoided by LQT1 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lia Crotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|