1
|
Wu S, Yuan C, Chen Z, Gao Y, Guo X, Chen R, Dai Y, Chen K. Genetically predicted systemic inflammation and the risk of atrial fibrillation: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2024; 52:101422. [PMID: 38756452 PMCID: PMC11096748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2024.101422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Systemic inflammation has been proposed to be associated with the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), but whether it is a cause or a consequence of AF remains uncertain. We sought to explore the causal associations between systemic inflammation and AF using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods Independent genetic variants strongly associated with AF were selected as instrumental variables from the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) with up to 1,030,836 individuals. Regarding inflammation traits, genetic associations with 41 inflammatory cytokines and 5 inflammatory biomarkers were obtained from their corresponding GWASs databases. Effect estimates were primarily evaluated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by sensitivity analyses using MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO methods. Results In our initial MR analyses, we observed suggestive associations of genetically predicted interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-2 receptor subunit alpha (IL-2rα), and procalcitonin (PCT) with AF. One standard deviation (SD) increase in IL-17, IL-2rα, and PCT caused an increase in AF risk by 6.3 % (OR 1.063, 95 %CI 1.011---1.118, p = 0.018), 4.9 % (OR 1.049, 95 %CI 1.007---1.094, p = 0.023) and 3.4 % (OR 1.034, 95 %CI 1.005---1.064, p = 0.022), respectively. Furthermore, our reverse MR analyses indicated that genetically predicted AF contributed to a suggestive increase in the levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP1β) (β 0.055, 95 %CI 0.006 to 0.103, p = 0.028), while a decrease in the levels of fibrinogen (Fbg) (β -0.091, 95 %CI -0.140 to -0.041, p < 0.001), which remained significant after multiple test correction. Conclusions Our MR study identified several inflammatory biomarkers with suggestive causal associations regarding the upstream and downstream regulation of AF occurrence, offering new insights for therapeutic exploitation of AF. Further research is required to validate the underlying link between systemic inflammation and AF in larger cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Wu
- Arrhythmia Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Zhongli Chen
- Arrhythmia Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Arrhythmia Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- Arrhythmia Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ruohan Chen
- Arrhythmia Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Arrhythmia Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Keping Chen
- Arrhythmia Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gong Q, LE X, Yu P, Zhuang L. Therapeutic advances in atrial fibrillation based on animal models. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024; 25:135-152. [PMID: 38303497 PMCID: PMC10835209 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia among humans, with its incidence increasing significantly with age. Despite the high frequency of AF in clinical practice, its etiology and management remain elusive. To develop effective treatment strategies, it is imperative to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of AF; therefore, the establishment of animal models of AF is vital to explore its pathogenesis. While spontaneous AF is rare in most animal species, several large animal models, particularly those of pigs, dogs, and horses, have proven as invaluable in recent years in advancing our knowledge of AF pathogenesis and developing novel therapeutic options. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion of various animal models of AF, with an emphasis on the unique features of each model and its utility in AF research and treatment. The data summarized in this review provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of AF and can be used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gong
- Institute of Genetics and Reproduction, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Xuan LE
- Institute of Genetics and Reproduction, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pengcheng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Lenan Zhuang
- Institute of Genetics and Reproduction, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xing Y, Yan L, Li X, Xu Z, Wu X, Gao H, Chen Y, Ma X, Liu J, Zhang J. The relationship between atrial fibrillation and NLRP3 inflammasome: a gut microbiota perspective. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1273524. [PMID: 38077349 PMCID: PMC10703043 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1273524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common clinical arrhythmia whose pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, and the inflammatory response plays an important role in the development of AF. The inflammasome is an important component of innate immunity and is involved in a variety of pathophysiologic processes. The NLRP3 inflammasome is by far the best studied and validated inflammasome that recognizes multiple pathogens through pattern recognition receptors of innate immunity and mediates inflammatory responses through activation of Caspase-1. Several studies have shown that NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to the onset and development of AF. Ecological dysregulation of the gut microbiota has been associated with the development of AF, and some evidence suggests that gut microbiota components, functional byproducts, or metabolites may induce or exacerbate the development of AF by directly or indirectly modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this review, we report on the interconnection of NLRP3 inflammasomes and gut microbiota and whether this association is related to the onset and persistence of AF. We discuss the potential value of pharmacological and dietary induction in the management of AF in the context of the association between the NLRP3 inflammasome and gut microbiota. It is hoped that this review will lead to new therapeutic targets for the future management of AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaxuan Xing
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Longmei Yan
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoya Li
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xianyu Wu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huirong Gao
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yiduo Chen
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ma
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangang Liu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingchun Zhang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Song J, Navarro-Garcia JA, Wu J, Saljic A, Abu-Taha I, Li L, Lahiri SK, Keefe JA, Aguilar-Sanchez Y, Moore OM, Yuan Y, Wang X, Kamler M, Mitch WE, Ruiz-Hurtado G, Hu Z, Thomas SS, Dobrev D, Wehrens XH, Li N. Chronic kidney disease promotes atrial fibrillation via inflammasome pathway activation. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167517. [PMID: 37581942 PMCID: PMC10541185 DOI: 10.1172/jci167517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The mechanistic link between CKD and AF remains elusive. IL-1β, a main effector of NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, is a key modulator of conditions associated with inflammation, such as AF and CKD. Circulating IL-1β levels were elevated in patients with CKD who had AF (versus patients with CKD in sinus rhythm). Moreover, NLRP3 activity was enhanced in atria of patients with CKD. To elucidate the role of NLRP3/IL-1β signaling in the pathogenesis of CKD-induced AF, Nlrp3-/- and WT mice were subjected to a 2-stage subtotal nephrectomy protocol to induce CKD. Four weeks after surgery, IL-1β levels in serum and atrial tissue were increased in WT CKD (WT-CKD) mice versus sham-operated WT (WT-sham) mice. The increased susceptibility to pacing-induced AF and the longer AF duration in WT-CKD mice were associated with an abbreviated atrial effective refractory period, enlarged atria, and atrial fibrosis. Genetic inhibition of NLRP3 in Nlrp3-/- mice or neutralizing anti-IL-1β antibodies effectively reduced IL-1β levels, normalized left atrial dimensions, and reduced fibrosis and the incidence of AF. These data suggest that CKD creates a substrate for AF development by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome in atria, which is associated with structural and electrical remodeling. Neutralizing IL-1β antibodies may be beneficial in preventing CKD-induced AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Song
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research)
| | | | - Jiao Wu
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Arnela Saljic
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg–Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Issam Abu-Taha
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg–Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Luge Li
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research)
| | - Satadru K. Lahiri
- Cardiovascular Research Institute
- Department of Integrative Physiology, and
| | - Joshua A. Keefe
- Cardiovascular Research Institute
- Department of Integrative Physiology, and
| | | | - Oliver M. Moore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute
- Department of Integrative Physiology, and
| | - Yue Yuan
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research)
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research)
| | - Markus Kamler
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg–Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - William E. Mitch
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gema Ruiz-Hurtado
- Cardiorenal Translational Laboratory, Institute of Research Imas12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER-CV, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zhaoyong Hu
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sandhya S. Thomas
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology Division), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Department of Integrative Physiology, and
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg–Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine and Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Xander H.T. Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute
- Department of Integrative Physiology, and
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology)
- Department of Neuroscience
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology)
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Na Li
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute
| |
Collapse
|