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Lei M, Salvage SC, Jackson AP, Huang CLH. Cardiac arrhythmogenesis: roles of ion channels and their functional modification. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1342761. [PMID: 38505707 PMCID: PMC10949183 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1342761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias cause significant morbidity and mortality and pose a major public health problem. They arise from disruptions in the normally orderly propagation of cardiac electrophysiological activation and recovery through successive cardiomyocytes in the heart. They reflect abnormalities in automaticity, initiation, conduction, or recovery in cardiomyocyte excitation. The latter properties are dependent on surface membrane electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the cardiac action potential. Their disruption results from spatial or temporal instabilities and heterogeneities in the generation and propagation of cellular excitation. These arise from abnormal function in their underlying surface membrane, ion channels, and transporters, as well as the interactions between them. The latter, in turn, form common regulatory targets for the hierarchical network of diverse signaling mechanisms reviewed here. In addition to direct molecular-level pharmacological or physiological actions on these surface membrane biomolecules, accessory, adhesion, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal anchoring proteins modify both their properties and localization. At the cellular level of excitation-contraction coupling processes, Ca2+ homeostatic and phosphorylation processes affect channel activity and membrane excitability directly or through intermediate signaling. Systems-level autonomic cellular signaling exerts both acute channel and longer-term actions on channel expression. Further upstream intermediaries from metabolic changes modulate the channels both themselves and through modifying Ca2+ homeostasis. Finally, longer-term organ-level inflammatory and structural changes, such as fibrotic and hypertrophic remodeling, similarly can influence all these physiological processes with potential pro-arrhythmic consequences. These normal physiological processes may target either individual or groups of ionic channel species and alter with particular pathological conditions. They are also potentially alterable by direct pharmacological action, or effects on longer-term targets modifying protein or cofactor structure, expression, or localization. Their participating specific biomolecules, often clarified in experimental genetically modified models, thus constitute potential therapeutic targets. The insights clarified by the physiological and pharmacological framework outlined here provide a basis for a recent modernized drug classification. Together, they offer a translational framework for current drug understanding. This would facilitate future mechanistically directed therapeutic advances, for which a number of examples are considered here. The latter are potentially useful for treating cardiac, in particular arrhythmic, disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C. Salvage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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2
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Nagano A, Muto M, Shida J, Kazama I. Amitriptyline intoxication in bullfrogs causes widening of QRS complexes in electrocardiogram. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:175-179. [PMID: 36596558 PMCID: PMC10017290 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Amitriptyline intoxication is caused by its suicidal or accidental overdose. In the present study, by intravenously injecting 1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg amitriptyline into bullfrogs, we actually revealed that amitriptyline causes the widening of QRS complexes in electrocardiogram (ECG). In simultaneous recordings of the cardiac action potential, amitriptyline decreased the slope of phase 0 in the action potential, indicating the inhibition of the inward sodium currents during this phase. The following treatment with sodium bicarbonate quickly restored the widened QRS complexes in the ECG, demonstrating the counteraction with the sodium channel blockade caused by amitriptyline. The dual recordings of ECG waveforms and the action potential in cardiomyocytes enabled us to demonstrate the mechanisms of characteristic ECG abnormalities caused by amitriptyline intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amu Nagano
- School of Nursing, Miyagi University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mizuki Muto
- School of Nursing, Miyagi University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Junko Shida
- Department of Life Sciences, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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3
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Increased in vivo perpetuation of whole-heart ventricular arrhythmia in heterozygous Na +/Ca 2+ exchanger knockout mice. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2022; 44:101168. [PMID: 36620202 PMCID: PMC9816773 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2022.101168] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aims Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) upregulation in cardiac diseases like heart failure promotes as an independent proarrhythmic factor early and delayed afterdepolarizations (EADs/DADs) on the single cell level. Consequently, NCX inhibition protects against EADs and DADs in isolated cardiomyocytes. We here investigate, whether these promising cellular in vitro findings likewise apply to an in vivo setup. Methods/Results Programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) and isoproterenol were applied to a murine heterozygous NCX-knockout model (KO) to investigate ventricular arrhythmia initiation and perpetuation compared to wild-type (WT). KO displayed a reduced susceptibility towards isoproterenol-induced premature ventricular complexes. During PVS, initiation of single or double ectopic beats was similar between KO and WT. But strikingly, perpetuation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) was significantly increased in KO (animals with VT - KO: 82 %; WT: 47 %; p = 0.0122 / median number of VTs - KO: 4.5 (1.0, 6.25); WT: 0.0 (0.0, 4.0); p = 0.0039). The median VT duration was prolonged in KO (in s; KO: 0.38 (0.19, 0.96); WT: 0.0 (0.0, 0.60); p = 0.0239). The ventricular refractory period (VRP) was shortened in KO (in ms; KO: 15.1 ± 0.7; WT: 18.7 ± 0.7; p = 0.0013). Conclusions Not the initiation, but the perpetuation of provoked whole-heart in vivo ventricular arrhythmia was increased in KO. As a potential mechanism, we found a significantly reduced VRP, which may promote perpetuation of reentrant ventricular arrhythmia. On a translational perspective, the antiarrhythmic concept of therapeutic NCX inhibition seems to be ambivalent by protecting from initiating afterdepolarizations but favoring arrhythmia perpetuation in vivo at least in a murine model.
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Key Words
- AV, Atrioventricular
- AVNRP, AV-nodal refractory period
- Antiarrhythmic strategies
- Arrhythmia mechanisms
- CL, Cycle length
- CorrSNRP, Corrected sinus node recovery period
- DAD, Delayed afterdepolarization
- EAD, Early afterdepolarization
- EPS, Electrophysiological study
- ICa, voltage-dependent l-type Ca2+-current
- IQR, Interquartile range
- KO, Heterozygous Na+/Ca2+ exchanger knockout mouse model
- NCX, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger
- Na+/Ca2+ exchanger
- PCR, Polymerase chain reaction
- PVC, Premature ventricular complex
- PVS, Programmed ventricular stimulation
- SEM, Standard error of the mean
- VRP, Ventricular refractory period
- VT, Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular arrhythmia
- WBP, Wenckebach periodicity
- WT, Wild-type
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Abstract
Flecainide, a cardiac class 1C blocker of the surface membrane sodium channel (NaV1.5), has also been reported to reduce cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2)-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release. It has been introduced as a clinical antiarrhythmic agent for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a condition most commonly associated with gain-of-function RyR2 mutations. Current debate concerns both cellular mechanisms of its antiarrhythmic action and molecular mechanisms of its RyR2 actions. At the cellular level, it targets NaV1.5, RyR2, Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX), and additional proteins involved in excitation-contraction (EC) coupling and potentially contribute to the CPVT phenotype. This Viewpoint primarily addresses the various direct molecular actions of flecainide on isolated RyR2 channels in artificial lipid bilayers. Such studies demonstrate different, multifarious, flecainide binding sites on RyR2, with voltage-dependent binding in the channel pore or voltage-independent binding at distant peripheral sites. In contrast to its single NaV1.5 pore binding site, flecainide may bind to at least four separate inhibitory sites on RyR2 and one activation site. None of these binding sites have been specifically located in the linear RyR2 sequence or high-resolution structure. Furthermore, it is not clear which of the inhibitory sites contribute to flecainide's reduction of spontaneous Ca2+ release in cellular studies. A confounding observation is that flecainide binding to voltage-dependent inhibition sites reduces cation fluxes in a direction opposite to physiological Ca2+ flow from SR lumen to cytosol. This may suggest that, rather than directly blocking Ca2+ efflux, flecainide can reduce Ca2+ efflux by blocking counter currents through the pore which otherwise limit SR membrane potential change during systolic Ca2+ efflux. In summary, the antiarrhythmic effects of flecainide in CPVT seem to involve multiple components of EC coupling and multiple actions on RyR2. Their clarification may identify novel specific drug targets and facilitate flecainide's clinical utilization in CPVT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James A. Fraser
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angela F. Dulhunty
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Acton, Australia
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5
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Caffeine Consumption Influences Lidocaine Action via Pain-Related Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: An In Vivo Animal Study. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:6107292. [PMID: 35027984 PMCID: PMC8752303 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6107292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several factors might influence the duration and efficiency of local anesthesia. This study investigates the effect of habitual caffeine intake on lidocaine action and explores the potential involvement of voltage-gated sodium channels in the interaction effect. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (i) control (Ctrl), (ii) lidocaine intraplantar injection (LIDO), (iii) habitual caffeine intake (CAF), and (iv) lidocaine intraplantar injection and habitual caffeine intake (LIDO + CAF). Behavioral assessments, consisting of a paw pressure test for mechanical pressure sensation and a paw withdrawal latency test for thermal pain sensation, were performed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 minutes following lidocaine injection and after 10, 11, and 12 weeks of CAF intake. Pressure sensation was significantly reduced in the LIDO + CAF group compared with the control group. Moreover, the LIDO + CAF group exhibited reduced sensation compared to LIDO alone group. The LIDO + CAF combination exerted a synergistic effect at 30 and 60 minutes compared with the control. This synergistic effect was noted at 60 minutes (11 weeks of CAF intake) and at 30 minutes (12 weeks of CAF intake) compared with LIDO alone. Augmented thermal pain-relieving effects were observed in the LIDO + CAF group at all weeks compared to the control group and at 10 weeks compared to LIDO alone group. The molecular analysis of dorsal root ganglia suggested that CAF upregulated the mRNA expression of the Nav1.3, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8 sodium channel subtypes. Chronic caffeine consumption potentiates the local anesthetic action of lidocaine in an experimental animal model through mechanisms that involve the upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels in the dorsal root ganglia.
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Lim XR, Bradley E, Griffin CS, Hollywood MA, Sergeant GP, Thornbury KD. Fast voltage-dependent sodium (Na V ) currents are functionally expressed in mouse corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1082-1101. [PMID: 34767251 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) exhibits phasic contractions that are coordinated by ion channels. Mouse models are commonly used to study erectile dysfunction, but there are few published electrophysiological studies of mouse CCSM. We describe, for the first time, voltage-dependent sodium (NaV ) currents in mouse CCSM and investigate their function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Electrophysiological, pharmacological, and immunocytochemical studies on isolated CCSM cells. Tension measurements in whole tissue. KEY RESULTS A fast, voltage-dependent sodium current was induced by depolarising steps. Steady-state activation and inactivation curves revealed a window current between -60 and -30 mV. Two populations of NaV currents, ('TTX-sensitive') and ('TTX-insensitive'), were distinguished. TTX-sensitive current showed 48% block with the NaV -subtype-specific blockers ICA-121431 (NaV 1.1-1.3), PF-05089771 (NaV 1.7), and 4,9-anhydro-TTX (NaV 1.6). TTX-insensitive current was insensitive to A803467, a NaV 1.8 blocker. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the expression of NaV 1.5 and NaV 1.4 in freshly dispersed CCSM cells. Veratridine, a NaV activator, reduced time-dependent inactivation of the current and increased the duration of evoked action potentials. Veratridine induced phasic contractions in CCSM strips. This effect was reversible with TTX and nifedipine but not by KB-R7943. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We report, for the first time, a fast voltage-dependent sodium current in mouse CCSM. Stimulation of this current increases the contractility of corpus cavernosum in vitro, suggesting that it may contribute to the mechanisms of detumescence, and potentially serve as a clinically relevant target for pharmaceutical intervention in erectile dysfunction. Further work will be necessary to define its role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Keith D Thornbury
- Smooth Muscle Research Centre Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Ca2+-dependent modulation of voltage-gated myocyte sodium channels. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1941-1961. [PMID: 34643236 PMCID: PMC8589445 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-dependent Na+ channel activation underlies action potential generation fundamental to cellular excitability. In skeletal and cardiac muscle this triggers contraction via ryanodine-receptor (RyR)-mediated sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) Ca2+ release. We here review potential feedback actions of intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) on Na+ channel activity, surveying their structural, genetic and cellular and functional implications, translating these to their possible clinical importance. In addition to phosphorylation sites, both Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 possess potentially regulatory binding sites for Ca2+ and/or the Ca2+-sensor calmodulin in their inactivating III–IV linker and C-terminal domains (CTD), where mutations are associated with a range of skeletal and cardiac muscle diseases. We summarize in vitro cell-attached patch clamp studies reporting correspondingly diverse, direct and indirect, Ca2+ effects upon maximal Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 currents (Imax) and their half-maximal voltages (V1/2) characterizing channel gating, in cellular expression systems and isolated myocytes. Interventions increasing cytoplasmic [Ca2+]i down-regulated Imax leaving V1/2 constant in native loose patch clamped, wild-type murine skeletal and cardiac myocytes. They correspondingly reduced action potential upstroke rates and conduction velocities, causing pro-arrhythmic effects in intact perfused hearts. Genetically modified murine RyR2-P2328S hearts modelling catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), recapitulated clinical ventricular and atrial pro-arrhythmic phenotypes following catecholaminergic challenge. These accompanied reductions in action potential conduction velocities. The latter were reversed by flecainide at RyR-blocking concentrations specifically in RyR2-P2328S as opposed to wild-type hearts, suggesting a basis for its recent therapeutic application in CPVT. We finally explore the relevance of these mechanisms in further genetic paradigms for commoner metabolic and structural cardiac disease.
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8
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Wang G, Lu CJ, Trafford AW, Tian X, Flores HM, Maj P, Zhang K, Niu Y, Wang L, Du Y, Ji X, Xu Y, Wu L, Li D, Herring N, Paterson D, Huang CLH, Zhang H, Lei M, Hao G. Electrophysiological and Proarrhythmic Effects of Hydroxychloroquine Challenge in Guinea-Pig Hearts. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1639-1653. [PMID: 34661080 PMCID: PMC8506600 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), clinically established in antimalarial and autoimmune therapy, recently raised cardiac arrhythmogenic concerns when used alone or with azithromycin (HCQ+AZM) in Covid-19. We report complementary, experimental, studies of its electrophysiological effects. In patch clamped HEK293 cells expressing human cardiac ion channels, HCQ inhibited IKr and IK1 at a therapeutic concentrations (IC50s: 10 ± 0.6 and 34 ± 5.0 μM). INa and ICaL showed higher IC50s; Ito and IKs were unaffected. AZM slightly inhibited INa, ICaL, IKs, and IKr, sparing IK1 and Ito. (HCQ+AZM) inhibited IKr and IK1 (IC50s: 7.7 ± 0.8 and 30.4 ± 3.0 μM), sparing INa, ICaL, and Ito. Molecular induced-fit docking modeling confirmed potential HCQ-hERG but weak AZM-hERG binding. Effects of μM-HCQ were studied in isolated perfused guinea-pig hearts by multielectrode, optical RH237 voltage, and Rhod-2 mapping. These revealed reversibly reduced left atrial and ventricular action potential (AP) conduction velocities increasing their heterogeneities, increased AP durations (APDs), and increased durations and dispersions of intracellular [Ca2+] transients, respectively. Hearts also became bradycardic with increased electrocardiographic PR and QRS durations. The (HCQ+AZM) combination accentuated these effects. Contrastingly, (HCQ+AZM) and not HCQ alone disrupted AP propagation, inducing alternans and torsadogenic-like episodes on voltage mapping during forced pacing. O'Hara-Rudy modeling showed that the observed IKr and IK1 effects explained the APD alterations and the consequently prolonged Ca2+ transients. The latter might then downregulate INa, reducing AP conduction velocity through recently reported INa downregulation by cytosolic [Ca2+] in a novel scheme for drug action. The findings may thus prompt future investigations of HCQ's cardiac safety under particular, chronic and acute, clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongxin Wang
- Henan
SCOPE Research Institute of Electrophysiology Co. Ltd., Kaifeng 475000, China
| | - Chieh-Ju Lu
- Henan
SCOPE Research Institute of Electrophysiology Co. Ltd., Kaifeng 475000, China
| | - Andrew W. Trafford
- Unit
of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester
Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Xiaohui Tian
- Department
of Pharmacy, Huaihe Hospital and College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, China
| | - Hannali M Flores
- Biological
Physics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Piotr Maj
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, U.K.
| | - Kevin Zhang
- School of
Medicine, Imperial College of London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Yanhong Niu
- Fuwai
Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Luxi Wang
- Henan
SCOPE Research Institute of Electrophysiology Co. Ltd., Kaifeng 475000, China
| | - Yimei Du
- Department
of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xinying Ji
- Department
of Pharmacy, Huaihe Hospital and College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, China
| | - Yanfang Xu
- Department
of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang City 050017, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department
of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department
of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, U.K.
| | - Neil Herring
- Department
of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, U.K.
| | - David Paterson
- Department
of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, U.K.
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Physiological
Laboratory and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, U.K.
- Key
Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education
and Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Biological
Physics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Peng
Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen 518066, China
- Key
Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education
and Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, U.K.
- Key
Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education
and Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Guoliang Hao
- Henan
SCOPE Research Institute of Electrophysiology Co. Ltd., Kaifeng 475000, China
- Department
of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, U.K.
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9
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Takla M, Edling CE, Zhang K, Saadeh K, Tse G, Salvage SC, Huang CL, Jeevaratnam K. Transcriptional profiles of genes related to electrophysiological function in Scn5a +/- murine hearts. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15043. [PMID: 34617689 PMCID: PMC8495800 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Scn5a gene encodes the major pore-forming Nav 1.5 (α) subunit, of the voltage-gated Na+ channel in cardiomyocytes. The key role of Nav 1.5 in action potential initiation and propagation in both atria and ventricles predisposes organisms lacking Scn5a or carrying Scn5a mutations to cardiac arrhythmogenesis. Loss-of-function Nav 1.5 genetic abnormalities account for many cases of the human arrhythmic disorder Brugada syndrome (BrS) and related conduction disorders. A murine model with a heterozygous Scn5a deletion recapitulates many electrophysiological phenotypes of BrS. This study examines the relationships between its Scn5a+/- genotype, resulting transcriptional changes, and the consequent phenotypic presentations of BrS. Of 62 selected protein-coding genes related to cardiomyocyte electrophysiological or homeostatic function, concentrations of mRNA transcribed from 15 differed significantly from wild type (WT). Despite halving apparent ventricular Scn5a transcription heterozygous deletion did not significantly downregulate its atrial expression, raising possibilities of atria-specific feedback mechanisms. Most of the remaining 14 genes whose expression differed significantly between WT and Scn5a+/- animals involved Ca2+ homeostasis specifically in atrial tissue, with no overlap with any ventricular changes. All statistically significant changes in expression were upregulations in the atria and downregulations in the ventricles. This investigation demonstrates the value of future experiments exploring for and clarifying links between transcriptional control of Scn5a and of genes whose protein products coordinate Ca2+ regulation and examining their possible roles in BrS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Takla
- Faculty of Health and Medical ScienceUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
- Christ’s CollegeUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Kevin Zhang
- Faculty of Health and Medical ScienceUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
- School of MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Khalil Saadeh
- Faculty of Health and Medical ScienceUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
- Clinical SchoolUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Gary Tse
- Faculty of Health and Medical ScienceUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
- Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | | | - Christopher L.‐H. Huang
- Faculty of Health and Medical ScienceUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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10
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Bardsley OJ, Matthews HR, Huang CLH. Finite element analysis predicts Ca 2+ microdomains within tubular-sarcoplasmic reticular junctions of amphibian skeletal muscle. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14376. [PMID: 34257321 PMCID: PMC8277803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93083-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A finite element analysis modelled diffusional generation of steady-state Ca2+ microdomains within skeletal muscle transverse (T)-tubular-sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) junctions, sites of ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated SR Ca2+ release. It used established quantifications of sarcomere and T-SR anatomy (radial diameter [Formula: see text]; axial distance [Formula: see text]). Its boundary SR Ca2+ influx densities,[Formula: see text], reflected step impositions of influxes, [Formula: see text] deduced from previously measured Ca2+ signals following muscle fibre depolarization. Predicted steady-state T-SR junctional edge [Ca2+], [Ca2+]edge, matched reported corresponding experimental cytosolic [Ca2+] elevations given diffusional boundary efflux [Formula: see text] established cytosolic Ca2+ diffusion coefficients [Formula: see text] and exit length [Formula: see text]. Dependences of predicted [Ca2+]edge upon [Formula: see text] then matched those of experimental [Ca2+] upon Ca2+ release through their entire test voltage range. The resulting model consistently predicted elevated steady-state T-SR junctional ~ µM-[Ca2+] elevations radially declining from maxima at the T-SR junction centre along the entire axial T-SR distance. These [Ca2+] heterogeneities persisted through 104- and fivefold, variations in D and w around, and fivefold reductions in d below, control values, and through reported resting muscle cytosolic [Ca2+] values, whilst preserving the flux conservation ([Formula: see text] condition, [Formula: see text]. Skeletal muscle thus potentially forms physiologically significant ~ µM-[Ca2+] T-SR microdomains that could regulate cytosolic and membrane signalling molecules including calmodulin and RyR, These findings directly fulfil recent experimental predictions invoking such Ca2+ microdomains in observed regulatory effects upon Na+ channel function, in a mechanism potentially occurring in similar restricted intracellular spaces in other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J. Bardsley
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG UK
| | - Hugh R. Matthews
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG UK
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW UK
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11
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Dolivo D, Rodrigues A, Sun L, Li Y, Hou C, Galiano R, Hong SJ, Mustoe T. The Na x (SCN7A) channel: an atypical regulator of tissue homeostasis and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5469-5488. [PMID: 34100980 PMCID: PMC11072345 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03854-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Within an articulately characterized family of ion channels, the voltage-gated sodium channels, exists a black sheep, SCN7A (Nax). Nax, in contrast to members of its molecular family, has lost its voltage-gated character and instead rapidly evolved a new function as a concentration-dependent sensor of extracellular sodium ions and subsequent signal transducer. As it deviates fundamentally in function from the rest of its family, and since the bulk of the impressive body of literature elucidating the pathology and biochemistry of voltage-gated sodium channels has been performed in nervous tissue, reports of Nax expression and function have been sparse. Here, we investigate available reports surrounding expression and potential roles for Nax activity outside of nervous tissue. With these studies as justification, we propose that Nax likely acts as an early sensor that detects loss of tissue homeostasis through the pathological accumulation of extracellular sodium and/or through endothelin signaling. Sensation of homeostatic aberration via Nax then proceeds to induce pathological tissue phenotypes via promotion of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses, induced through direct regulation of gene expression or through the generation of secondary signaling molecules, such as lactate, that can operate in an autocrine or paracrine fashion. We hope that our synthesis of much of the literature investigating this understudied protein will inspire more research into Nax not simply as a biochemical oddity, but also as a potential pathophysiological regulator and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dolivo
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Adrian Rodrigues
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Lauren Sun
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Yingxing Li
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Chun Hou
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Robert Galiano
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Seok Jong Hong
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
- , 300 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Thomas Mustoe
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
- , 737 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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12
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Liu SX, Matthews HR, Huang CLH. Sarcoplasmic reticular Ca 2+-ATPase inhibition paradoxically upregulates murine skeletal muscle Na v1.4 function. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2846. [PMID: 33531589 PMCID: PMC7854688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle Na+ channels possess Ca2+- and calmodulin-binding sites implicated in Nav1.4 current (INa) downregulation following ryanodine receptor (RyR1) activation produced by exchange protein directly activated by cyclic AMP or caffeine challenge, effects abrogated by the RyR1-antagonist dantrolene which itself increased INa. These findings were attributed to actions of consequently altered cytosolic Ca2+, [Ca2+]i, on Nav1.4. We extend the latter hypothesis employing cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) challenge, which similarly increases [Ca2+]i, but through contrastingly inhibiting sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) Ca2+-ATPase. Loose patch clamping determined Na+ current (INa) families in intact native murine gastrocnemius skeletal myocytes, minimising artefactual [Ca2+]i perturbations. A bespoke flow system permitted continuous INa comparisons through graded depolarizing steps in identical stable membrane patches before and following solution change. In contrast to the previous studies modifying RyR1 activity, and imposing control solution changes, CPA (0.1 and 1 µM) produced persistent increases in INa within 1-4 min of introduction. CPA pre-treatment additionally abrogated previously reported reductions in INa produced by 0.5 mM caffeine. Plots of peak current against voltage excursion demonstrated that 1 µM CPA increased maximum INa by ~ 30%. It only slightly decreased half-maximal activating voltages (V0.5) and steepness factors (k), by 2 mV and 0.7, in contrast to the V0.5 and k shifts reported with direct RyR1 modification. These paradoxical findings complement previously reported downregulatory effects on Nav1.4 of RyR1-agonist mediated increases in bulk cytosolic [Ca2+]. They implicate possible local tubule-sarcoplasmic triadic domains containing reduced [Ca2+]TSR in the observed upregulation of Nav1.4 function following CPA-induced SR Ca2+ depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean X Liu
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Hugh R Matthews
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.
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13
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Saadeh K, Achercouk Z, Fazmin IT, Nantha Kumar N, Salvage SC, Edling CE, Huang CLH, Jeevaratnam K. Protein expression profiles in murine ventricles modeling catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: effects of genotype and sex. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1478:63-74. [PMID: 32713021 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is associated with mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2). These result in stress-induced ventricular arrhythmic episodes, with clinical symptoms and prognosis reported more severe in male than female patients. Murine homozygotic RyR2-P2328S (RyR2S/S ) hearts replicate the proarrhythmic CPVT phenotype of abnormal sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ leak and disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis. In addition, RyR2S/S hearts show decreased myocardial action potential conduction velocities (CV), all features implicated in arrhythmic trigger and substrate. The present studies explored for independent and interacting effects of RyR2S/S genotype and sex on expression levels of molecular determinants of Ca2+ homeostasis (CASQ2, FKBP12, SERCA2a, NCX1, and CaV 1.2) and CV (NaV 1.5, Connexin (Cx)-43, phosphorylated-Cx43, and TGF-β1) in mice. Expression levels of Ca2+ homeostasis proteins were not altered, hence implicating abnormal RyR2 function alone in disrupted cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis. Furthermore, altered NaV 1.5, phosphorylated Cx43, and TGF-β1 expression were not implicated in the development of slowed CV. By contrast, decreased Cx43 expression correlated with slowed CV, in female, but not male, RyR2S/S mice. The CV changes may reflect acute actions of the increased cytosolic Ca2+ on NaV 1.5 and Cx43 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Saadeh
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Zakaria Achercouk
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim T Fazmin
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nakulan Nantha Kumar
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C Salvage
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte E Edling
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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14
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Scholman KT, Meijborg VMF, Gálvez-Montón C, Lodder EM, Boukens BJ. From Genome-Wide Association Studies to Cardiac Electrophysiology: Through the Maze of Biological Complexity. Front Physiol 2020; 11:557. [PMID: 32536879 PMCID: PMC7267057 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have provided an enormous amount of data on genomic loci associated with cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias. Clinical relevance, however, remains unclear since GWAS do not provide a mechanistic explanation for this association. Determining the electrophysiological relevance of variants for arrhythmias would aid development of risk stratification models for patients with arrhythmias. In this review, we give an overview of genetic variants related to ECG intervals and arrhythmogenic pathologies and discuss how these variants may influence cardiac electrophysiology and the occurrence of arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen T Scholman
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Veronique M F Meijborg
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Carolina Gálvez-Montón
- ICREC Research Program, Germans Trias i Pujol Health Science Research Institute, Badalona, Spain.,CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisabeth M Lodder
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Bogdanovic E, Potet F, Marszalec W, Iyer H, Galiano R, Hong SJ, Leung KP, Wasserstrom JA, George AL, Mustoe TA. The sodium channel Na X : Possible player in excitation-contraction coupling. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:601-606. [PMID: 32027092 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The sodium channel NaX (encoded by the SCN7A gene) was originally identified in the heart and skeletal muscle and is structurally similar to the other voltage-gated sodium channels but does not appear to be voltage gated. Although NaX is expressed at high levels in cardiac and skeletal muscle, little information exists on the function of NaX in these tissues. Transcriptional profiling of ion channels in the heart in a subset of patients with Brugada syndrome revealed an inverse relationship between the expression of NaX and NaV 1.5 suggesting that, in cardiac myocytes, the expression of these channels may be linked. We propose that NaX plays a role in excitation-contraction coupling based on our experimental observations. Here we show that in cardiac myocytes, NaX is expressed in a striated pattern on the sarcolemma in regions corresponding to the sarcomeric M-line. Knocking down NaX expression decreased NaV 1.5 mRNA and protein and reduced the inward sodium current (INa+ ) following cell depolarization. When the expression of NaV 1.5 was knocked down, ~85% of the INa+ was reduced consistent with the observations that NaV 1.5 is the main voltage-gated sodium channel in cardiac muscle and that NaX likely does not directly participate in mediating the INa+ following depolarization. Silencing NaV 1.5 expression led to significant upregulation of NaX mRNA. Similar to NaV 1.5, NaX protein levels were rapidly downregulated when the intracellular [Ca2+ ] was increased either by CaCl2 or caffeine. These data suggest that a relationship exists between NaX and NaV 1.5 and that NaX may play a role in excitation-contraction coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bogdanovic
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Franck Potet
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - William Marszalec
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hari Iyer
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert Galiano
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Seok J Hong
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kai P Leung
- Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Trauma, Institute of Surgical Research, Texas
| | | | - Alfred L George
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Thomas A Mustoe
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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16
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Edling C, Fazmin I, Saadeh K, Chadda K, Ahmad S, Valli H, Huang CH, Jeevaratnam K. Molecular basis of arrhythmic substrate in ageing murine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator deficient hearts modelling mitochondrial dysfunction. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190403. [PMID: 31778152 PMCID: PMC6911157 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ageing and chronic metabolic disorders are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac pro-arrhythmic phenotypes which were recently attributed to slowed atrial and ventricular action potential (AP) conduction in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator deficient (Pgc-1β-/-) mice. METHODS We compared expression levels of voltage-gated Na+ channel (NaV1.5) and gap junction channels, Connexins 40 and 43 (Cx40 and Cx43) in the hearts of young and old, and wild-type (WT) and Pgc-1β-/- mice. This employed Western blotting (WB) for NaV1.5, Cx40 and Cx43 in atrial/ventricular tissue lysates, and immunofluorescence (IF) from Cx43 was explored in tissue sections. Results were analysed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent/interacting effects of age and genotype. RESULTS In atria, increased age and Pgc-1β-/- genotype each independently decreased both Cx40 and Cx43 expression without interacting effects. In IF experiments, both age and Pgc-1β deletion independently reduced Cx43 expression. In ventricles, age and genotype exerted interacting effects in WB studies of NaV1.5 expression. Young Pgc-1β-/- then showed greater NaV1.5 expression than young WT ventricles. However, neither age nor Pgc-1β deletion affected Cx43 expression, independently or through interacting effects in both WB and IF studies. CONCLUSION Similar pro-arrhythmic atrial/ventricular phenotypes arise in aged/Pgc-1β-/- from differing contributions of altered protein expression and functional effects that may arise from multiple acute mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Edling
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim T. Fazmin
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Khalil Saadeh
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Karan R. Chadda
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
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17
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Edling CE, Fazmin IT, Chadda KR, Ahmad S, Valli H, Huang CLH, Jeevaratnam K. Atrial Transcriptional Profiles of Molecular Targets Mediating Electrophysiological Function in Aging and Pgc-1β Deficient Murine Hearts. Front Physiol 2019; 10:497. [PMID: 31068841 PMCID: PMC6491872 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficiencies in the transcriptional co-activator, peroxisome proliferative activated receptor, gamma, coactivator-1β are implicated in deficient mitochondrial function. The latter accompanies clinical conditions including aging, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes. Recent electrophysiological studies reported that Pgc-1β-/- mice recapitulate clinical age-dependent atrial pro-arrhythmic phenotypes. They implicated impaired chronotropic responses to adrenergic challenge, compromised action potential (AP) generation and conduction despite normal AP recovery timecourses and background resting potentials, altered intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and fibrotic change in the observed arrhythmogenicity. OBJECTIVE We explored the extent to which these age-dependent physiological changes correlated with alterations in gene transcription in murine Pgc-1β-/- atria. METHODS AND RESULTS RNA isolated from murine atrial tissue samples from young (12-16 weeks) and aged (>52 weeks of age), wild type (WT) and Pgc-1β-/- mice were studied by pre-probed quantitative PCR array cards. We examined genes encoding sixty ion channels and other strategic atrial electrophysiological proteins. Pgc-1β-/- genotype independently reduced gene transcription underlying Na+-K+-ATPase, sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+-ATPase, background K+ channel and cholinergic receptor function. Age independently decreased Na+-K+-ATPase and fibrotic markers. Both factors interacted to alter Hcn4 channel activity underlying atrial automaticity. However, neither factor, whether independently or interactively, affected transcription of cardiac Na+, voltage-dependent K+ channels, surface or intracellular Ca2+ channels. Nor were gap junction channels, β-adrenergic receptors or transforming growth factor-β affected. CONCLUSION These findings limit the possible roles of gene transcriptional changes in previously reported age-dependent pro-arrhythmic electrophysiologial changes observed in Pgc-1β-/- atria to an altered Ca2+-ATPase (Atp2a2) expression. This directly parallels previously reported arrhythmic mechanism associated with p21-activated kinase type 1 deficiency. This could add to contributions from the direct physiological outcomes of mitochondrial dysfunction, whether through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or altered Ca2+ homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Edling
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim T. Fazmin
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karan R. Chadda
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,School of Medicine, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Selangor, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Kamalan Jeevaratnam,
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18
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Ahmad S, Valli H, Smyth R, Jiang AY, Jeevaratnam K, Matthews HR, Huang CL. Reduced cardiomyocyte Na + current in the age-dependent murine Pgc-1β -/- model of ventricular arrhythmia. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:3921-3932. [PMID: 30146680 PMCID: PMC6492124 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 deficient (Pgc-1β-/- ) murine hearts model the increased, age-dependent, ventricular arrhythmic risks attributed to clinical conditions associated with mitochondrial energetic dysfunction. These were accompanied by compromised action potential (AP) upstroke rates and impaired conduction velocities potentially producing arrhythmic substrate. We tested a hypothesis implicating compromised Na+ current in these electrophysiological phenotypes by applying loose patch-clamp techniques in intact young and aged, wild-type (WT) and Pgc-1β-/- , ventricular cardiomyocyte preparations for the first time. This allowed conservation of their in vivo extracellular and intracellular conditions. Depolarising steps elicited typical voltage-dependent activating and inactivating inward Na+ currents with peak amplitudes increasing or decreasing with their respective activating or preceding inactivating voltage steps. Two-way analysis of variance associated Pgc-1β-/- genotype with independent reductions in maximum peak ventricular Na+ currents from -36.63 ± 2.14 (n = 20) and -35.43 ± 1.96 (n = 18; young and aged WT, respectively), to -29.06 ± 1.65 (n = 23) and -27.93 ± 1.63 (n = 20; young and aged Pgc-1β-/- , respectively) pA/μm2 (p < 0.0001), without independent effects of, or interactions with age. Voltages at half-maximal current V*, and steepness factors k in plots of voltage dependences of both Na+ current activation and inactivation, and time constants for its postrepolarisation recovery from inactivation, remained indistinguishable through all experimental groups. So were the activation and rectification properties of delayed outward (K+ ) currents, demonstrated from tail currents reflecting current recoveries from respective varying or constant voltage steps. These current-voltage properties directly implicate decreases specifically in maximum available Na+ current with unchanged voltage dependences and unaltered K+ current properties, in proarrhythmic reductions in AP conduction velocity in Pgc-1β-/- ventricles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Robert Smyth
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Anita Y. Jiang
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Veterinary Pre‐clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, PU‐RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana UniversitySerdangMalaysia
| | - Hugh R. Matthews
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.‐H. Huang
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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19
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Chadda KR, Ajijola OA, Vaseghi M, Shivkumar K, Huang CLH, Jeevaratnam K. Ageing, the autonomic nervous system and arrhythmia: From brain to heart. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 48:40-50. [PMID: 30300712 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
An ageing myocardium possesses significant electrophysiological alterations that predisposes the elderly patient to arrhythmic risk. Whilst these alterations are intrinsic to the cardiac myocytes, they are modulated by the cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) and consequently, ageing of the cardiac ANS is fundamental to the development of arrhythmias. A systems-based approach that incorporates the influence of the cardiac ANS could lead to better mechanistic understanding of how arrhythmogenic triggers and substrates interact spatially and temporally to produce sustained arrhythmia and why its incidence increases with age. Despite the existence of physiological oscillations of ANS activity on the heart, pathological oscillations can lead to defective activation and recovery properties of the myocardium. Such changes can be attributable to the decrease in functionality and structural alterations to ANS specific receptors in the myocardium with age. These altered ANS adaptive responses can occur either as a normal ageing process or accelerated in the presence of specific cardiac pathologies, such as genetic mutations or neurodegenerative conditions. Targeted intervention that seek to manipulate the ageing ANS influence on the myocardium may prove to be an efficacious approach for the management of arrhythmia in the ageing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan R Chadda
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, United Kingdom; Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Olujimi A Ajijola
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Health System/David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marmar Vaseghi
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Health System/David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Health System/David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, United Kingdom; Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom.
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20
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Morotti S, Grandi E. Quantitative systems models illuminate arrhythmia mechanisms in heart failure: Role of the Na + -Ca 2+ -Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-reactive oxygen species feedback. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 11:e1434. [PMID: 30015404 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative systems modeling aims to integrate knowledge in different research areas with models describing biological mechanisms and dynamics to gain a better understanding of complex clinical syndromes. Heart failure (HF) is a chronic complex cardiac disease that results from structural or functional disorders impairing the ability of the ventricle to fill with or eject blood. Highly interactive and dynamic changes in mechanical, structural, neurohumoral, metabolic, and electrophysiological properties collectively predispose the failing heart to cardiac arrhythmias, which are responsible for about a half of HF deaths. Multiscale cardiac modeling and simulation integrate structural and functional data from HF experimental models and patients to improve our mechanistic understanding of this complex arrhythmia syndrome. In particular, they allow investigating how disease-induced remodeling alters the coupling of electrophysiology, Ca2+ and Na+ handling, contraction, and energetics that lead to rhythm derangements. The Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, which expression and activity are enhanced in HF, emerges as a critical hub that modulates the feedbacks between these various subsystems and promotes arrhythmogenesis. This article is categorized under: Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
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21
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Ahmad S, Valli H, Chadda KR, Cranley J, Jeevaratnam K, Huang CLH. Ventricular pro-arrhythmic phenotype, arrhythmic substrate, ageing and mitochondrial dysfunction in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β deficient (Pgc-1β -/-) murine hearts. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 173:92-103. [PMID: 29763629 PMCID: PMC6004599 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ageing and age-related bioenergetic conditions including obesity, diabetes mellitus and heart failure constitute clinical ventricular arrhythmic risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pro-arrhythmic properties in electrocardiographic and intracellular recordings were compared in young and aged, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β knockout (Pgc-1β-/-) and wild type (WT), Langendorff-perfused murine hearts, during regular and programmed stimulation (PES), comparing results by two-way ANOVA. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Young and aged Pgc-1β-/- showed higher frequencies and durations of arrhythmic episodes through wider PES coupling-interval ranges than WT. Both young and old, regularly-paced, Pgc-1β-/- hearts showed slowed maximum action potential (AP) upstrokes, (dV/dt)max (∼157 vs. 120-130 V s-1), prolonged AP latencies (by ∼20%) and shortened refractory periods (∼58 vs. 51 ms) but similar AP durations (∼50 ms at 90% recovery) compared to WT. However, Pgc-1β-/- genotype and age each influenced extrasystolic AP latencies during PES. Young and aged WT ventricles displayed distinct, but Pgc-1β-/- ventricles displayed similar dependences of AP latency upon (dV/dt)max resembling aged WT. They also independently increased myocardial fibrosis. AP wavelengths combining activation and recovery terms paralleled contrasting arrhythmic incidences in Pgc-1β-/- and WT hearts. Mitochondrial dysfunction thus causes pro-arrhythmic Pgc-1β-/- phenotypes by altering AP conduction through reducing (dV/dt)max and causing age-dependent fibrotic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Karan R Chadda
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, GU2 7AL, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - James Cranley
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, GU2 7AL, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, United Kingdom.
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Salvage SC, Chandrasekharan KH, Jeevaratnam K, Dulhunty AF, Thompson AJ, Jackson AP, Huang CL. Multiple targets for flecainide action: implications for cardiac arrhythmogenesis. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:1260-1278. [PMID: 28369767 PMCID: PMC5866987 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Flecainide suppresses cardiac tachyarrhythmias including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and arrhythmic long QT syndromes (LQTS), as well as the Ca2+ -mediated, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). However, flecainide can also exert pro-arrhythmic effects most notably following myocardial infarction and when used to diagnose Brugada syndrome (BrS). These divergent actions result from its physiological and pharmacological actions at multiple, interacting levels of cellular organization. These were studied in murine genetic models with modified Nav channel or intracellular ryanodine receptor (RyR2)-Ca2+ channel function. Flecainide accesses its transmembrane Nav 1.5 channel binding site during activated, open, states producing a use-dependent antagonism. Closing either activation or inactivation gates traps flecainide within the pore. An early peak INa related to activation of Nav channels followed by rapid de-activation, drives action potential (AP) upstrokes and their propagation. This is diminished in pro-arrhythmic conditions reflecting loss of function of Nav 1.5 channels, such as BrS, accordingly exacerbated by flecainide challenge. Contrastingly, pro-arrhythmic effects attributed to prolonged AP recovery by abnormal late INaL following gain-of-function modifications of Nav 1.5 channels in LQTS3 are reduced by flecainide. Anti-arrhythmic effects of flecainide that reduce triggering in CPVT models mediated by sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ release could arise from its primary actions on Nav channels indirectly decreasing [Ca2+ ]i through a reduced [Na+ ]i and/or direct open-state RyR2-Ca2+ channel antagonism. The consequent [Ca2+ ]i alterations could also modify AP propagation velocity and therefore arrhythmic substrate through its actions on Nav 1.5 channel function. This is consistent with the paradoxical differences between flecainide actions upon Na+ currents, AP conduction and arrhythmogenesis under circumstances of normal and increased RyR2 function. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C Salvage
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
- School of MedicinePerdana University – Royal College of Surgeons IrelandSerdangSelangor Darul EhsanMalaysia
| | - Angela F Dulhunty
- Muscle Research Group, Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical ResearchAustralian National UniversityActonAustralia
| | | | | | - Christopher L‐H Huang
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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Li M, Hothi SS, Salvage SC, Jeevaratnam K, Grace AA, Huang CLH. Arrhythmic effects of Epac-mediated ryanodine receptor activation in Langendorff-perfused murine hearts are associated with reduced conduction velocity. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2018; 44:686-692. [PMID: 28316073 PMCID: PMC5488224 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent papers have attributed arrhythmic substrate in murine RyR2‐P2328S hearts to reduced action potential (AP) conduction velocities (CV), reflecting acute functional inhibition and/or reduced expression of sodium channels. We explored for acute effects of direct exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac)‐mediated ryanodine receptor‐2 (RyR2) activation on arrhythmic substrate and CV. Monophasic action potential (MAP) recordings demonstrated that initial steady (8 Hz) extrinsic pacing elicited ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 0 of 18 Langendorff‐perfused wild‐type mouse ventricles before pharmacological intervention. The Epac activator 8‐CPT (8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyladenosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate) (VT in 1 of 7 hearts), and the RyR2 blocker dantrolene, either alone (0 of 11) or with 8‐CPT (0 of 9) did not then increase VT incidence (P>.05). Both progressively increased pacing rates and programmed extrasystolic (S2) stimuli similarly produced no VT in untreated hearts (n=20 and n=9 respectively). 8‐CPT challenge then increased VT incidences (5 of 7 and 4 of 8 hearts respectively; P<.05). However, dantrolene, whether alone (0 of 10 and 1 of 13) or combined with 8‐CPT (0 of 10 and 0 of 13) did not increase VT incidence relative to those observed in untreated hearts (P>.05). 8‐CPT but not dantrolene, whether alone or combined with 8‐CPT, correspondingly increased AP latencies (1.14±0.04 (n=7), 1.04±0.03 (n=10), 1.09±0.05 (n=8) relative to respective control values). In contrast, AP durations, conditions for 2:1 conduction block and ventricular effective refractory periods remained unchanged throughout. We thus demonstrate for the first time that acute RyR2 activation reversibly induces VT in specific association with reduced CV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengye Li
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sandeep S Hothi
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C Salvage
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, VSM Building, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Valli H, Ahmad S, Sriharan S, Dean LD, Grace AA, Jeevaratnam K, Matthews HR, Huang CLH. Epac-induced ryanodine receptor type 2 activation inhibits sodium currents in atrial and ventricular murine cardiomyocytes. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 45:278-292. [PMID: 29027245 PMCID: PMC5814738 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute RyR2 activation by exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) reversibly perturbs myocyte Ca2+ homeostasis, slows myocardial action potential conduction, and exerts pro‐arrhythmic effects. Loose patch‐clamp studies, preserving in vivo extracellular and intracellular conditions, investigated Na+ current in intact cardiomyocytes in murine atrial and ventricular preparations following Epac activation. Depolarising steps to varying test voltages activated typical voltage‐dependent Na+ currents. Plots of peak current against depolarisation from resting potential gave pretreatment maximum atrial and ventricular currents of −20.23 ± 1.48 (17) and −29.8 ± 2.4 (10) pA/μm2 (mean ± SEM [n]). Challenge by 8‐CPT (1 μmol/L) reduced these currents to −11.21 ± 0.91 (12) (P < .004) and −19.3 ± 1.6 (11) pA/μm2 (P < .04) respectively. Currents following further addition of the RyR2 inhibitor dantrolene (10 μmol/L) (−19.91 ± 2.84 (13) and −26.6 ± 1.7 (17)), and dantrolene whether alone (−19.53 ± 1.97 (8) and −27.6 ± 1.9 (14)) or combined with 8‐CPT (−19.93 ± 2.59 (12) and −29.9 ± 2.5(11)), were indistinguishable from pretreatment values (all P >> .05). Assessment of the inactivation that followed by applying subsequent steps to a fixed voltage 100 mV positive to resting potential gave concordant results. Half‐maximal inactivation voltages and steepness factors, and time constants for Na+ current recovery from inactivation in double‐pulse experiments, were similar through all the pharmacological conditions. Intracellular sharp microelectrode membrane potential recordings in intact Langendorff‐perfused preparations demonstrated concordant variations in maximum rates of atrial and ventricular action potential upstroke, (dV/dt)max. We thus demonstrate an acute, reversible, Na+ channel inhibition offering a possible mechanism for previously reported pro‐arrhythmic slowing of AP propagation following modifications of Ca2+ homeostasis, complementing earlier findings from chronic alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis in genetically‐modified RyR2‐P2328S hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sujan Sriharan
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lydia D Dean
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK.,PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Hugh R Matthews
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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25
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Valli H, Ahmad S, Jiang AY, Smyth R, Jeevaratnam K, Matthews HR, Huang CLH. Cardiomyocyte ionic currents in intact young and aged murine Pgc-1β -/- atrial preparations. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 169:1-9. [PMID: 29197478 PMCID: PMC5846848 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Energetically-deficient Pgc-1β−/− murine atria show age-dependent arrhythmia. Voltage clamp studies investigated their underlying membrane current changes. Pgc-1β−/− atria showed reduced inward Na+ currents with normal voltage-dependences. Outward repolarising K+ currents retained normal activation and rectification. A resulting slowed action potential conduction explains the arrhythmic phenotype.
Introduction Recent studies reported that energetically deficient murine Pgc-1β−/− hearts replicate age-dependent atrial arrhythmic phenotypes associated with their corresponding clinical conditions, implicating action potential (AP) conduction slowing consequent upon reduced AP upstroke rates. Materials and methods We tested a hypothesis implicating Na+ current alterations as a mechanism underlying these electrophysiological phenotypes. We applied loose patch-clamp techniques to intact young and aged, WT and Pgc-1β−/−, atrial cardiomyocyte preparations preserving their in vivo extracellular and intracellular conditions. Results and discussion Depolarising steps activated typical voltage-dependent activating and inactivating inward (Na+) currents whose amplitude increased or decreased with the amplitudes of the activating, or preceding inactivating, steps. Maximum values of peak Na+ current were independently influenced by genotype but not age or interacting effects of genotype and age on two-way ANOVA. Neither genotype, nor age, whether independently or interactively, influenced voltages at half-maximal current, or steepness factors, for current activation and inactivation, or time constants for recovery from inactivation following repolarisation. In contrast, delayed outward (K+) currents showed similar activation and rectification properties through all experimental groups. These findings directly demonstrate and implicate reduced Na+ in contrast to unchanged K+ current, as a mechanism for slowed conduction causing atrial arrhythmogenicity in Pgc-1β−/− hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Y Jiang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Smyth
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, Surrey, United Kingdom; PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Hugh R Matthews
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom.
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Ahmad S, Valli H, Salvage SC, Grace AA, Jeevaratnam K, Huang CLH. Age-dependent electrocardiographic changes in Pgc-1β deficient murine hearts. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 45:174-186. [PMID: 28949414 PMCID: PMC5814877 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates chronic energetic dysfunction in human cardiac arrhythmias. Mitochondrial impairment through Pgc-1β knockout is known to produce a murine arrhythmic phenotype. However, the cumulative effect of this with advancing age and its electrocardiographic basis have not been previously studied. Young (12-16 weeks) and aged (>52 weeks), wild type (WT) (n = 5 and 8) and Pgc-1β-/- (n = 9 and 6), mice were anaesthetised and used for electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings. Time intervals separating successive ECG deflections were analysed for differences between groups before and after β1-adrenergic (intraperitoneal dobutamine 3 mg/kg) challenge. Heart rates before dobutamine challenge were indistinguishable between groups. The Pgc-1β-/- genotype however displayed compromised nodal function in response to adrenergic challenge. This manifested as an impaired heart rate response suggesting a functional defect at the level of the sino-atrial node, and a negative dromotropic response suggesting an atrioventricular conduction defect. Incidences of the latter were most pronounced in the aged Pgc-1β-/- mice. Moreover, Pgc-1β-/- mice displayed electrocardiographic features consistent with the existence of a pro-arrhythmic substrate. Firstly, ventricular activation was prolonged in these mice consistent with slowed action potential conduction and is reported here for the first time. Additionally, Pgc-1β-/- mice had shorter repolarisation intervals. These were likely attributable to altered K+ conductance properties, ultimately resulting in a shortened QTc interval, which is also known to be associated with increased arrhythmic risk. ECG analysis thus yielded electrophysiological findings bearing on potential arrhythmogenicity in intact Pgc-1β-/- systems in widespread cardiac regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C Salvage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.,PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Valli H, Ahmad S, Fraser JA, Jeevaratnam K, Huang CLH. Pro-arrhythmic atrial phenotypes in incrementally paced murine Pgc1β -/- hearts: effects of age. Exp Physiol 2017; 102:1619-1634. [PMID: 28960529 PMCID: PMC5725712 DOI: 10.1113/ep086589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
New Findings What is the central question of this study? Can we experimentally replicate atrial pro‐arrhythmic phenotypes associated with important chronic clinical conditions, including physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, compromising mitochondrial function, and clarify their electrophysiological basis? What is the main finding and its importance? Electrocardiographic and intracellular cardiomyocyte recording at progressively incremented pacing rates demonstrated age‐dependent atrial arrhythmic phenotypes in Langendorff‐perfused murine Pgc1β−/− hearts for the first time. We attributed these to compromised action potential conduction and excitation wavefronts, whilst excluding alterations in recovery properties or temporal electrophysiological instabilities, clarifying these pro‐arrhythmic changes in chronic metabolic disease.
Atrial arrhythmias, most commonly manifesting as atrial fibrillation, represent a major clinical problem. The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases with both age and conditions associated with energetic dysfunction. Atrial arrhythmic phenotypes were compared in young (12–16 week) and aged (>52 week) wild‐type (WT) and peroxisome proliferative activated receptor, gamma, coactivator 1 beta (Ppargc1b)‐deficient (Pgc1β−/−) Langendorff‐perfused hearts, previously used to model mitochondrial energetic disorder. Electrophysiological explorations were performed using simultaneous whole‐heart ECG and intracellular atrial action potential (AP) recordings. Two stimulation protocols were used: an S1S2 protocol, which imposed extrasystolic stimuli at successively decremented intervals following regular pulse trains; and a regular pacing protocol at successively incremented frequencies. Aged Pgc1β−/− hearts showed greater atrial arrhythmogenicity, presenting as atrial tachycardia and ectopic activity. Maximal rates of AP depolarization (dV/dtmax) were reduced in Pgc1β−/− hearts. Action potential latencies were increased by the Pgc1β−/− genotype, with an added interactive effect of age. In contrast, AP durations to 90% recovery (APD90) were shorter in Pgc1β−/− hearts despite similar atrial effective recovery periods amongst the different groups. These findings accompanied paradoxical decreases in the incidence and duration of alternans in the aged and Pgc1β−/− hearts. Limiting slopes of restitution curves of APD90 against diastolic interval were correspondingly reduced interactively by Pgc1β−/− genotype and age. In contrast, reduced AP wavelengths were associated with Pgc1β−/− genotype, both independently and interacting with age, through the basic cycle lengths explored, with the aged Pgc1β−/− hearts showing the shortest wavelengths. These findings thus implicate AP wavelength in possible mechanisms for the atrial arrhythmic changes reported here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James A Fraser
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Luo L, Ning F, Du Y, Song B, Yang D, Salvage SC, Wang Y, Fraser JA, Zhang S, Ma A, Wang T. Calcium-dependent Nedd4-2 upregulation mediates degradation of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5: implications for heart failure. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 221:44-58. [PMID: 28296171 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM Reductions in voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.5) function/expression provide a slowed-conduction substrate for cardiac arrhythmias. Nedd4-2, which is activated by calcium, post-translationally modulates Nav1.5. We aim to investigate whether elevated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+ ]i ) reduces Nav1.5 through Nedd4-2 and its role in heart failure (HF). METHODS Using a combination of biochemical, electrophysiological, cellular and in vivo methods, we tested the effect and mechanism of calcium on Nedd4-2 and in turn Nav1.5. RESULTS Increased [Ca2+ ]i , following 24-h ionomycin treatment, decreased sodium current (INa ) density and Nav1.5 protein without altering its mRNA in both neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and HEK 293 cells stably expressing Nav1.5. The calcium chelator BAPTA-AM restored the reduced Nav1.5 and INa in NRCMs pre-treated by ionomycin. Nav1.5 was decreased by Nedd4-2 transfection and further decreased by 6-h ionomycin treatment. These effects were not observed in cells transfected with the catalytically inactive mutant, Nedd4-2 C801S, or with Y1977A-Nav1.5 mutant containing the impaired Nedd4-2 binding motif. Furthermore, elevated [Ca2+ ]i increased Nedd4-2, the interaction between Nedd4-2 and Nav1.5, and Nav1.5 ubiquitination. Nav1.5 protein is decreased, whereas Nedd4-2 is increased in volume-overload HF rat hearts, with increased co-localization of Nav1.5 with ubiquitin or Nedd4-2 as indicated by immunofluorescence staining. BAPTA-AM rescued the reduced Nav1.5 protein, INa and increased Nedd4-2 in hypertrophied NRCMs induced by isoproterenol or angiotensin II. CONCLUSION Calcium-mediated increases in Nedd4-2 downregulate Nav1.5 by ubiquitination. Nav1.5 is downregulated and co-localizes with Nedd4-2 and ubiquitin in failing rat heart. These data suggest a role of Nedd4-2 in Nav1.5 downregulation in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
| | - F. Ning
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
| | - Y. Du
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
| | - B. Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
| | - D. Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
| | - S. C. Salvage
- Physiological Laboratory; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
| | - Y. Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
| | - J. A. Fraser
- Physiological Laboratory; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
| | - S. Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences; Queen's University; Kingston Ontario Canada
| | - A. Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology; Xi'an Shaanxi Province China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University); Ministry of Education; Xi'an China
| | - T. Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology; Xi'an Shaanxi Province China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University); Ministry of Education; Xi'an China
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Ahmad S, Valli H, Edling CE, Grace AA, Jeevaratnam K, Huang CLH. Effects of ageing on pro-arrhythmic ventricular phenotypes in incrementally paced murine Pgc-1β -/- hearts. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:1579-1590. [PMID: 28821956 PMCID: PMC5691113 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A range of chronic clinical conditions accompany cardiomyocyte energetic dysfunction and constitute independent risk factors for cardiac arrhythmia. We investigated pro-arrhythmic and arrhythmic phenotypes in energetically deficient C57BL mice with genetic ablation of the mitochondrial promoter peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β (Pgc-1β), a known model of ventricular arrhythmia. Pro-arrhythmic and cellular action potential (AP) characteristics were compared in intact Langendorff-perfused hearts from young (12–16 week) and aged (> 52 week), wild-type (WT) and Pgc-1β−/− mice. Simultaneous electrocardiographic and intracellular microelectrode recordings were made through successive trains of 100 regular stimuli at progressively incremented heart rates. Aged Pgc-1β−/− hearts displayed an increased incidence of arrhythmia compared to other groups. Young and aged Pgc-1β−/− hearts showed higher incidences of alternans in both AP activation (maximum AP upshoot velocity (dV/dt)max and latency), recovery (action potential duration (APD90) and resting membrane potential (RMP) characteristics compared to WT hearts. This was particularly apparent at lower pacing frequencies. These findings accompanied reduced (dV/dt)max and increased AP latency values in the Pgc-1β−/− hearts. APs observed prior to termination of the protocol showed lower (dV/dt)max and longer AP latencies, but indistinguishable APD90 and RMPs in arrhythmic compared to those in non-arrhythmic hearts. APD restitution analysis showed that Pgc-1β−/− and WT hearts showed similar limiting gradients. However, Pgc-1β−/− hearts had shortened plateau AP wavelengths, particularly in aged Pgc-1β−/− hearts. Pgc-1β−/− hearts therefore show pro-arrhythmic instabilities attributable to altered AP conduction and activation rather than recovery characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Charlotte E Edling
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7AL, UK
- PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory and the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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31
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Schotten U, Dobrev D, Platonov PG, Kottkamp H, Hindricks G. Current controversies in determining the main mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. J Intern Med 2016; 279:428-38. [PMID: 26991914 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable basic research into the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation (AF), not much progress has been made in the prognosis of patients with AF. With the exception of anticoagulant therapy, current treatments for AF still do not improve major cardiovascular outcomes. This may be due partly to the diverse aetiology of AF with increasingly more factors found to contribute to the arrhythmia. In addition, a strong increase has been seen in the technological complexity of the methods used to quantify the main pathophysiological alterations underlying the initiation and progression of AF. Because of the lack of standardization of the technological approaches currently used, the perception of basic mechanisms of AF varies widely in the scientific community. Areas of debate include the role of Ca(2+) -handling alterations associated with AF, the contribution and noninvasive assessment of the degree of atrial fibrosis, and the best techniques to identify electrophysiological drivers of AF. In this review, we will summarize the state of the art of these controversial topics and describe the diverse approaches to investigating and the scientific opinions on leading AF mechanisms. Finally, we will highlight the need for transparency in scientific reporting and standardization of terminology, assumptions, algorithms and experimental conditions used for the development of better AF therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht Centre of Systems Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - D Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, School of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - P G Platonov
- Center for Integrative Electrocardiology at Lund University (CIEL), Arrhythmia Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - H Kottkamp
- Department of Rhythmology, Klinik Hirslanden, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - G Hindricks
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Franco D, Lozano-Velasco E, Aranega A. Gene regulatory networks in atrial fibrillation. World J Med Genet 2016; 6:1-16. [DOI: 10.5496/wjmg.v6.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmogenic syndrome in humans. With an estimate incidence of 1%-2% in the general population, AF raises up to almost 10%-12% in 80+ years. Thus, AF represents nowadays a highly prevalent medical problem generating a large economic burden. At the electrophysiological level, distinct mechanisms have been elucidated. Yet, despite its prevalence, the genetic and molecular culprits of this pandemic cardiac electrophysiological abnormality have remained largely obscure. Molecular genetics of AF familiar cases have demonstrated that single nucleotide mutations in distinct genes encoding for ion channels underlie the onset of AF, albeit such alterations only explain a minor subset of patients with AF. In recent years, analyses by means of genome-wide association studies have unraveled a more complex picture of the etiology of AF, pointing out to distinct cardiac-enriched transcription factors, as well as to other regulatory genes. Furthermore a new layer of regulatory mechanisms have emerged, i.e., post-transcriptional regulation mediated by non-coding RNA, which have been demonstrated to exert pivotal roles in cardiac electrophysiology. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the genetic regulatory networks that if impaired exert electrophysiological abnormalities that contribute to the onset, and subsequently, on self-perpetuation of AF.
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Heijman J, Schirmer I, Dobrev D. The multiple proarrhythmic roles of cardiac calcium-handling abnormalities: triggered activity, conduction abnormalities, beat-to-beat variability, and adverse remodelling. Europace 2016; 18:1452-1454. [PMID: 26826138 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilona Schirmer
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, School of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, School of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Mesubi OO, Anderson ME. Atrial remodelling in atrial fibrillation: CaMKII as a nodal proarrhythmic signal. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 109:542-57. [PMID: 26762270 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
CaMKII is a serine-threonine protein kinase that is abundant in myocardium. Emergent evidence suggests that CaMKII may play an important role in promoting atrial fibrillation (AF) by targeting a diverse array of proteins involved in membrane excitability, cell survival, calcium homeostasis, matrix remodelling, inflammation, and metabolism. Furthermore, CaMKII inhibition appears to protect against AF in animal models and correct proarrhythmic, defective intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis in fibrillating human atrial cells. This review considers current concepts and evidence from animal and human studies on the role of CaMKII in AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olurotimi O Mesubi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Suite 9026, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mark E Anderson
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Suite 9026, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA Department of Physiology and the Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Heijman J, Algalarrondo V, Voigt N, Melka J, Wehrens XHT, Dobrev D, Nattel S. The value of basic research insights into atrial fibrillation mechanisms as a guide to therapeutic innovation: a critical analysis. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 109:467-79. [PMID: 26705366 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an extremely common clinical problem associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Current antiarrhythmic options include pharmacological, ablation, and surgical therapies, and have significantly improved clinical outcomes. However, their efficacy remains suboptimal, and their use is limited by a variety of potentially serious adverse effects. There is a clear need for improved therapeutic options. Several decades of research have substantially expanded our understanding of the basic mechanisms of AF. Ectopic firing and re-entrant activity have been identified as the predominant mechanisms for arrhythmia initiation and maintenance. However, it has become clear that the clinical factors predisposing to AF and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are extremely complex. Moreover, all AF-promoting and maintaining mechanisms are dynamically regulated and subject to remodelling caused by both AF and cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, the initial presentation and clinical progression of AF patients are enormously heterogeneous. An understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms is widely assumed to be the basis of therapeutic innovation, but while this assumption seems self-evident, we are not aware of any papers that have critically examined the practical contributions of basic research into AF mechanisms to arrhythmia management. Here, we review recent insights into the basic mechanisms of AF, critically analyse the role of basic research insights in the development of presently used anti-AF therapeutic options and assess the potential value of contemporary experimental discoveries for future therapeutic innovation. Finally, we highlight some of the important challenges to the translation of basic science findings to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Algalarrondo
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, 5000 Belanger St. E., Montreal, Canada H1T 1C8 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jonathan Melka
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, 5000 Belanger St. E., Montreal, Canada H1T 1C8 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Xander H T Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, 5000 Belanger St. E., Montreal, Canada H1T 1C8 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany
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Voigt N, Heijman J, Dobrev D. New antiarrhythmic targets in atrial fibrillation. Future Cardiol 2015; 11:645-54. [PMID: 26609872 DOI: 10.2217/fca.15.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in developed countries. AF is associated with increased mortality and morbidity due to thromboembolism, stroke and worsening of pre-existing heart failure. Currently available pharmacological therapies for AF suffer from unsatisfying efficacy and/or are associated with major side effects such as bleeding complications or proarrhythmia. These limitations largely result from the fact that most of the currently available drugs were developed on an empirical basis, without precise knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the arrhythmia. During the last decade substantial progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms contributing to the initiation and maintenance of AF. This knowledge is expected to stimulate the development of safer and more effective drugs. Here, we review new antiarrhythmic drug targets, which have emerged based on this increasing knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Voigt
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
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Ning F, Luo L, Ahmad S, Valli H, Jeevaratnam K, Wang T, Guzadhur L, Yang D, Fraser JA, Huang CLH, Ma A, Salvage SC. The RyR2-P2328S mutation downregulates Nav1.5 producing arrhythmic substrate in murine ventricles. Pflugers Arch 2015; 468:655-65. [PMID: 26545784 PMCID: PMC4792352 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1750-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) predisposes to ventricular arrhythmia due to altered Ca2+ homeostasis and can arise from ryanodine receptor (RyR2) mutations including RyR2-P2328S. Previous reports established that homozygotic murine RyR2-P2328S (RyR2S/S) hearts show an atrial arrhythmic phenotype associated with reduced action potential (AP) conduction velocity and sodium channel (Nav1.5) expression. We now relate ventricular arrhythmogenicity and slowed AP conduction in RyR2S/S hearts to connexin-43 (Cx43) and Nav1.5 expression and Na+ current (INa). Stimulation protocols applying extrasystolic S2 stimulation following 8 Hz S1 pacing at progressively decremented S1S2 intervals confirmed an arrhythmic tendency despite unchanged ventricular effective refractory periods (VERPs) in Langendorff-perfused RyR2S/S hearts. Dynamic pacing imposing S1 stimuli then demonstrated that progressive reductions of basic cycle lengths (BCLs) produced greater reductions in conduction velocity at equivalent BCLs and diastolic intervals in RyR2S/S than WT, but comparable changes in AP durations (APD90) and their alternans. Western blot analyses demonstrated that Cx43 protein expression in whole ventricles was similar, but Nav1.5 expression in both whole tissue and membrane fractions were significantly reduced in RyR2S/S compared to wild-type (WT). Loose patch-clamp studies similarly demonstrated reduced INa in RyR2S/S ventricles. We thus attribute arrhythmogenesis in RyR2S/S ventricles resulting from arrhythmic substrate produced by reduced conduction velocity to downregulated Nav1.5 reducing INa, despite normal determinants of repolarization and passive conduction. The measured changes were quantitatively compatible with earlier predictions of linear relationships between conduction velocity and the peak INa of the AP but nonlinear relationships between peak INa and maximum Na+ permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Ning
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Duke of Kent Building, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7TE, UK
- Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Tingzhong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Laila Guzadhur
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
- Niche Science and Technology, Falstaff House, Bardolph Road, Richmond, UK
| | - Dandan Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - James A Fraser
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Aiqun Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
| | - Samantha C Salvage
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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Zhao Y, Huang Y, Li W, Wang Z, Zhan S, Zhou M, Yao Y, Zeng Z, Hou Y, Chen Q, Tu X, Wang QK, Huang Z. Post-transcriptional regulation of cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A expression and function by miR-192-5p. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015. [PMID: 26209011 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The SCN5A gene encodes cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 and causes lethal ventricular arrhythmias/sudden death and atrial fibrillation (AF) when mutated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. However, little is known about the regulation of SCN5A by miRNAs. Here we reveal a novel post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism for expression and function of SCN5A/Nav1.5 via miR-192-5p. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the 3'-UTR of human and rhesus SCN5A, but not elephant, pig, rabbit, mouse, and rat SCN5A, contained a target binding site for miR-192-5p and dual luciferase reporter assays showed that the site was critical for down-regulation of human SCN5A. With Western blot assays and electrophysiological studies, we demonstrated that miR-192-5p significantly reduced expression of SCN5A and Nav1.5 as well as peak sodium current density INa generated by Nav1.5. Notably, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and real-time qPCR analyses showed that miR-192-5p was up-regulated in tissue samples from AF patients, which was associated with down-regulation of SCN5A/Nav1.5. These results demonstrate an important post-transcriptional role of miR-192-5p in post-transcriptional regulation of Nav1.5, reveal a novel role of miR-192-5p in cardiac physiology and disease, and provide a new target for novel miRNA-based antiarrhythmic therapy for diseases with reduced INa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Weihua Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Shaopeng Zhan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Mengchen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Yuxi Hou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, CCLCM, Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xin Tu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qing K Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, CCLCM, Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Zhengrong Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China.
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Salvage SC, King JH, Chandrasekharan KH, Jafferji DIG, Guzadhur L, Matthews HR, Huang CL, Fraser JA. Flecainide exerts paradoxical effects on sodium currents and atrial arrhythmia in murine RyR2-P2328S hearts. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2015; 214:361-75. [PMID: 25850710 PMCID: PMC4510817 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aims Cardiac ryanodine receptor mutations are associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), and some, including RyR2-P2328S, also predispose to atrial fibrillation. Recent work associates reduced atrial Nav1.5 currents in homozygous RyR2-P2328S (RyR2S/S) mice with slowed conduction and increased arrhythmogenicity. Yet clinically, and in murine models, the Nav1.5 blocker flecainide reduces ventricular arrhythmogenicity in CPVT. We aimed to determine whether, and how, flecainide influences atrial arrhythmogenicity in RyR2S/S mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. Methods We explored effects of 1 μm flecainide on WT and RyR2S/S atria. Arrhythmic incidence, action potential (AP) conduction velocity (CV), atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and AP wavelength (λ = CV × AERP) were measured using multi-electrode array recordings in Langendorff-perfused hearts; Na+ currents (INa) were recorded using loose patch clamping of superfused atria. Results RyR2S/S showed more frequent atrial arrhythmias, slower CV, reduced INa and unchanged AERP compared to WT. Flecainide was anti-arrhythmic in RyR2S/S but pro-arrhythmic in WT. It increased INa in RyR2S/S atria, whereas it reduced INa as expected in WT. It increased AERP while sparing CV in RyR2S/S, but reduced CV while sparing AERP in WT. Thus, RyR2S/S hearts have low λ relative to WT; flecainide then increases λ in RyR2S/S but decreases λ in WT. Conclusions Flecainide (1 μm) rescues the RyR2-P2328S atrial arrhythmogenic phenotype by restoring compromised INa and λ, changes recently attributed to increased sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ release. This contrasts with the increased arrhythmic incidence and reduced INa and λ with flecainide in WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. C. Salvage
- Physiological Laboratory University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - J. H. King
- Physiological Laboratory University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | | | | | - L. Guzadhur
- Department of Biochemistry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - H. R. Matthews
- Physiological Laboratory University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - C. L.‐H. Huang
- Physiological Laboratory University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- Department of Biochemistry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - J. A. Fraser
- Physiological Laboratory University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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Heijman J, Voigt N, Nattel S, Dobrev D. Cellular and molecular electrophysiology of atrial fibrillation initiation, maintenance, and progression. Circ Res 2014; 114:1483-99. [PMID: 24763466 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.302226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 459] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically relevant arrhythmia and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The incidence of AF is expected to continue to rise with the aging of the population. AF is generally considered to be a progressive condition, occurring first in a paroxysmal form, then in persistent, and then long-standing persistent (chronic or permanent) forms. However, not all patients go through every phase, and the time spent in each can vary widely. Research over the past decades has identified a multitude of pathophysiological processes contributing to the initiation, maintenance, and progression of AF. However, many aspects of AF pathophysiology remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the cellular and molecular electrophysiology of AF initiation, maintenance, and progression, predominantly based on recent data obtained in human tissue and animal models. The central role of Ca(2+)-handling abnormalities in both focal ectopic activity and AF substrate progression is discussed, along with the underlying molecular basis. We also deal with the ionic determinants that govern AF initiation and maintenance, as well as the structural remodeling that stabilizes AF-maintaining re-entrant mechanisms and finally makes the arrhythmia refractory to therapy. In addition, we highlight important gaps in our current understanding, particularly with respect to the translation of these concepts to the clinical setting. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of AF pathophysiology is expected to foster the development of improved pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic approaches and to greatly improve clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- From the Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany (J.H., N.V., D.D.); Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (S.N.); and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (S.N.)
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Heijman J, Voigt N, Wehrens XHT, Dobrev D. Calcium dysregulation in atrial fibrillation: the role of CaMKII. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:30. [PMID: 24624086 PMCID: PMC3940963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently encountered clinical arrhythmia and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Ectopic activity and reentry are considered major arrhythmogenic mechanisms contributing to the initiation and maintenance of AF. In addition, AF is self-reinforcing through progressive electrical and structural remodeling which stabilize the arrhythmia and make it more difficult to treat. Recent research has suggested an important role for Ca(2+)-dysregulation in AF. Ca(2+)-handling abnormalities may promote ectopic activity, conduction abnormalities facilitating reentry, and AF-related remodeling. In this review article, we summarize the Ca(2+)-handling derangements occurring in AF and discuss their impact on fundamental arrhythmogenic mechanisms. We focus in particular on the role of the multifunctional Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type-II (CaMKII), which acts as a major link between Ca(2+)-dysregulation and arrhythmogenesis. CaMKII expression and activity are increased in AF and promote arrhythmogenesis through phosphorylation of various targets involved in cardiac electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling. We discuss the implications for potential novel therapeutic strategies for AF based on CaMKII and Ca(2+)-handling abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen Essen, Germany
| | - Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen Essen, Germany
| | - Xander H T Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Medicine-Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen Essen, Germany
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Voigt N, Heijman J, Wang Q, Chiang DY, Li N, Karck M, Wehrens XHT, Nattel S, Dobrev D. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of atrial arrhythmogenesis in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Circulation 2013; 129:145-156. [PMID: 24249718 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.113.006641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrical, structural, and Ca2+ -handling remodeling contribute to the perpetuation/progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent evidence has suggested a role for spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -release events in long-standing persistent AF, but the occurrence and mechanisms of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -release events in paroxysmal AF (pAF) are unknown. METHOD AND RESULTS Right-atrial appendages from control sinus rhythm patients or patients with pAF (last episode a median of 10-20 days preoperatively) were analyzed with simultaneous measurements of [Ca2+]i (fluo-3-acetoxymethyl ester) and membrane currents/action potentials (patch-clamp) in isolated atrial cardiomyocytes, and Western blot. Action potential duration, L-type Ca2+ current, and Na+ /Ca2+ -exchange current were unaltered in pAF, indicating the absence of AF-induced electrical remodeling. In contrast, there were increases in SR Ca2+ leak and incidence of delayed after-depolarizations in pAF. Ca2+ -transient amplitude and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load (caffeine-induced Ca2+ -transient amplitude, integrated Na+/Ca2+ -exchange current) were larger in pAF. Ca2+ -transient decay was faster in pAF, but the decay of caffeine-induced Ca2+ transients was unaltered, suggesting increased SERCA2a function. In agreement, phosphorylation (inactivation) of the SERCA2a-inhibitor protein phospholamban was increased in pAF. Ryanodine receptor fractional phosphorylation was unaltered in pAF, whereas ryanodine receptor expression and single-channel open probability were increased. A novel computational model of the human atrial cardiomyocyte indicated that both ryanodine receptor dysregulation and enhanced SERCA2a activity promote increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -release events, causing delayed after-depolarizations/triggered activity in pAF. CONCLUSIONS Increased diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak and related delayed after-depolarizations/triggered activity promote cellular arrhythmogenesis in pAF patients. Biochemical, functional, and modeling studies point to a combination of increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load related to phospholamban hyperphosphorylation and ryanodine receptor dysregulation as underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Experimental Cardiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Qiongling Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - David Y Chiang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Na Li
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Matthias Karck
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xander H T Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Experimental Cardiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Glukhov AV, Kalyanasundaram A, Lou Q, Hage LT, Hansen BJ, Belevych AE, Mohler PJ, Knollmann BC, Periasamy M, Györke S, Fedorov VV. Calsequestrin 2 deletion causes sinoatrial node dysfunction and atrial arrhythmias associated with altered sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling and degenerative fibrosis within the mouse atrial pacemaker complex1. Eur Heart J 2013; 36:686-97. [PMID: 24216388 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Loss-of-function mutations in Calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2) are associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). CPVT patients also exhibit bradycardia and atrial arrhythmias for which the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We aimed to study the sinoatrial node (SAN) dysfunction due to loss of CASQ2. METHODS AND RESULTS In vivo electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, in vitro high-resolution optical mapping, confocal imaging of intracellular Ca(2+) cycling, and 3D atrial immunohistology were performed in wild-type (WT) and Casq2 null (Casq2(-/-)) mice. Casq2(-/-) mice exhibited bradycardia, SAN conduction abnormalities, and beat-to-beat heart rate variability due to enhanced atrial ectopic activity both at baseline and with autonomic stimulation. Loss of CASQ2 increased fibrosis within the pacemaker complex, depressed primary SAN activity, and conduction, but enhanced atrial ectopic activity and atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with macro- and micro-reentry during autonomic stimulation. In SAN myocytes, CASQ2 deficiency induced perturbations in intracellular Ca(2+) cycling, including abnormal Ca(2+) release, periods of significantly elevated diastolic Ca(2+) levels leading to pauses and unstable pacemaker rate. Importantly, Ca(2+) cycling dysfunction occurred not only at the SAN cellular level but was also globally manifested as an increased delay between action potential (AP) and Ca(2+) transient upstrokes throughout the atrial pacemaker complex. CONCLUSIONS Loss of CASQ2 causes abnormal sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release and selective interstitial fibrosis in the atrial pacemaker complex, which disrupt SAN pacemaking but enhance latent pacemaker activity, create conduction abnormalities and increase susceptibility to AF. These functional and extensive structural alterations could contribute to SAN dysfunction as well as AF in CPVT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Glukhov
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anuradha Kalyanasundaram
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Qing Lou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lori T Hage
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian J Hansen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andriy E Belevych
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peter J Mohler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Björn C Knollmann
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Muthu Periasamy
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sandor Györke
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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King JH, Huang CLH, Fraser JA. Determinants of myocardial conduction velocity: implications for arrhythmogenesis. Front Physiol 2013; 4:154. [PMID: 23825462 PMCID: PMC3695374 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Slowed myocardial conduction velocity (θ) is associated with an increased risk of re-entrant excitation, predisposing to cardiac arrhythmia. θ is determined by the ion channel and physical properties of cardiac myocytes and by their interconnections. Thus, θ is closely related to the maximum rate of action potential (AP) depolarization [(dV/dt)max], as determined by the fast Na+ current (INa); the axial resistance (ra) to local circuit current flow between cells; their membrane capacitances (cm); and to the geometrical relationship between successive myocytes within cardiac tissue. These determinants are altered by a wide range of pathophysiological conditions. Firstly, INa is reduced by the impaired Na+ channel function that arises clinically during heart failure, ischemia, tachycardia, and following treatment with class I antiarrhythmic drugs. Such reductions also arise as a consequence of mutations in SCN5A such as those occurring in Lenègre disease, Brugada syndrome (BrS), sick sinus syndrome, and atrial fibrillation (AF). Secondly, ra, may be increased due to gap junction decoupling following ischemia, ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure, or as a result of mutations in CJA5 found in idiopathic AF and atrial standstill. Finally, either ra or cm could potentially be altered by fibrotic change through the resultant decoupling of myocyte–myocyte connections and coupling of myocytes with fibroblasts. Such changes are observed in myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy or following mutations in MHC403 and SCN5A resulting in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or Lenègre disease, respectively. This review defines and quantifies the determinants of θ and summarizes experimental evidence that links changes in these determinants with reduced myocardial θ and arrhythmogenesis. It thereby identifies the diverse pathophysiological conditions in which abnormal θ may contribute to arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H King
- Physiological Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
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