Electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation--cellular and molecular mechanisms

Atrial fibrillation is associated with changes in atrial electrophysiology that facilitate the initiation and persistence of the arrhythmia. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are diverse; they have intensively been investigated over the past few years. The results, that have substantially improved the understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation are reviewed. On the cellular level, atrial fibrillation leads to a strong shortening and an impaired rate adaptation of the action potential as well as changes in action potential morphology. Atrial fibrillation is associated with an altered gene expression of the L-type calcium channel (ICa,L) and of potassium channels (Ito, IK1, IKACh). The molecular mechanisms of intraatrial conduction slowing are less well understood; changes in the expression or distribution of gap junction proteins or a decrease of the fast sodium inward channel (INa) seem to be involved. A trigger for many of the observations is an overload of the myocyte cytoplasm with Ca2+ and a consecutive decrease of the systolic calcium gradient, furthermore changes in calcium-handling proteins are detectable in atrial fibrillation. In the last part, the clinical relevance and potential new therapeutic approaches are discussed.     

Remodeling bei Vorhofflimmern

Hintergrund: Vorhofflimmern verändert die atriale Elektrophysiologie, wodurch das Auftreten und der Erhalt der Arrhythmie begünstigt werden. Dies wird als elektrisches Remodeling bei Vorhofflimmern bezeichnet. Die zellulären und molekularen Mechanismen dieses Prozesses wurden in den letzten Jahren intensiv bei Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern und in verschiedenen experimentellen Modellen charakterisiert. Die Ergebnisse trugen wesentlich zum besseren Verständnis der Pathophysiologie dieser Rhythmusstörungen bei. Zelluläre und molekulare Mechanismen: Auf zellulärer Ebene komt es bei Vorhofflimmern zu einer deutlichen Verkürzung und verminderten Frequenzadaptation der Aktionspotentialdauer sowie zu einer veränderten Aktionspotentialmorphologie. Vorhofflimmern führt zu einer Modulation der Genexpression des L-Typ Calciumkanals (I_{Ca, L}) und von Kaliumkanälen (I_to, I_K1, I_KACh). Die molekularen Mechanismen der bei Vorhofflimmern beobachteten intraatrialen Leitungsverzögerungen sind weniger klar. Veränderungen der Expression und Verteilung von Gap-Junction-Proteinen oder eine Verminderung des schnellen Natriumkanals (I_Na) wurden berichtet. Ein Auslöser vieler der gemachten Beobachtungen ist die Überladung der Myozyten mit Ca²⁺ mit einer Verminderung des systolischen Calciumtransienten, ebenso lassen sich Veränderungen der die Calciumhomöostase beeinflussenden Proteine bei Vorhofflimmern nachweisen. Schlussfolgerung: Die Veränderungen des zellulären und molekularen Milieus bei Vorhofflimmern haben erhebliche Auswirkungen auf den klinischen Verlauf und auf die therapeutische Beeinflussbarkeit der Rhythmusstörung. Die klinische Bedeutung der gemachten Beobachtungen und daraus potentiell resultierende neuartige Therapieansätze werden diskutiert. Background: Atrial fibrillation is associated with alterations in atrial electrophysiology that facilitate the initiation and persistence of the arrhythmia. This process was termed electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms have intensively been investigated over the past few years in patients with atrial fibrillation and in different experimental models. The results, that have substantially improved the understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, are reviewed. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms: On the cellular level, atrial fibrillation leads to a strong shortening and an impaired rate adaptation of the action potential as well as to changes in action potential morphology. Atrial fibrillation is associated with an altered gene expression of the L-type calcium channel (I_{Ca, L}) and of potassium channels (I_to, I_K1, I_KACh) The molecular mechanisms of intraatrial conduction slowing are less well understood, changes in the expression or distribution of gap junction proteins or a decrease of the fast sodium inward channel (I_Na) have been reported in some studies. A trigger of initiation for electrical remodeling is an overload of the cytoplasm with Ca²⁺ and a consecutive decrease of the systolic calcium gradient, furthermore changes in calcium-handling proteins are detectable in atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: These changes in the cellular and molecular milieu importantly determine the clinical course and the efficacy of therapeutical interventions in atrial fibrillation. The clinical relevance and potential new therapeutic approaches are discussed in the last part.     

Electrophysiologic remodeling and drug treatment of atrial fibrillation

Since 1995, a number of studies have established and detailed the mechanisms of electrical and structural atrial remodeling induced by atrial fibrillation. Atrial remodeling involves many cellular components, from ionic channels to connexins. The determination of these mechanisms may help to define a new therapeutic targets of atrial fibrillation, a frequent arrhythmia that remains difficult to treat. Atrial remodeling prevention may lead to limit the evolution of the arrhythmia (early recurrences after reduction, AF secondary to atrial tachycardia, permanent AF, decrease in atrial contractility, sinus dysfunction). Except amiodarone, the usual antiarrhythmic drugs have no effect on atrial remodeling. Calcium channel inhibitors prevent early remodeling but have no effect on prolonged remodeling. Digoxin increases remodeling. Angiotensin II receptor inhibitors have been shown to prevent early AF recurrence after reduction and are very promising in such a direction. Other methods such as the one of antioxidant therapy seem to be promising and could define soon a new antiarrhythmic therapeutic class, the antiremodeling drugs.     

心房颤动电生理重塑机制研究进展

心房颤动是人类最为常见的快速型心律失常,而心房电重构在心房颤动的发生和维持中起着重要的作用。目前,国内外学者对心房电重构的机制进行了许多先进的研究,认为心房电重构主要是由离子通道重构引起,同时也可能和心房肌钙超载、肾素-血管紧张素系统及其他有关。本文对此机制进行了全面的综述。     

Atrial fibrillation: A progressive atrial myopathy or a distinct disease?

Atrial fibrillation is a complex arrhythmia with multiple possible mechanisms. A lot of experimental and clinical studies have shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms of arrhythmia, especially on molecular basis. Electrical, contractile and structural remodeling, calcium handling abnormalities, autonomic imbalance and genetic factors seem to play a crucial role in atrial fibrillation initiation and maintenance. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation are not completely understood and whether atrial fibrillation is an unclassified cardiomyopathy or a distinct disease still remains to be answered. This review highlights proarrhythmic and pathophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation and approaches the molecular basis underlying atrial fibrillation susceptibility.     

Mechanisms of initiation in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most relevant arrhythmia in daily clinical practice. The pathophysiology is determined by multiple independent reentrant wavelets in both atria. Repetitive triggers and an underlying substrate may favor the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation. Mapping studies in patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation identified potentials from the ostia of pulmonary veins as a main source of triggers that initiate atrial fibrillation. In ongoing clinical trials, catheter ablation of pulmonary vein foci is used to eliminate atrial premature beats and thereby prevent the initiation of atrial fibrillation. The autonomic modulation of the heart rate and the occurrence of other supraventricular tachycardias that degenerate into atrial fibrillation are also considered as triggering mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. Since symptomatic bradycardia is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, atrial pacing therapies for prevention of atrial fibrillation are another concept. Ongoing clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of pacing in patients with and without a primary pacemaker indication are currently under investigation. To date, data to which extent anatomical and electrophysiological characteristics of the atria influence the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation are still missing. The myocardial adaptation to atrial fibrillation, the so-called "atrial remodeling", includes shortening of the atrial refractory period, slowing of atrial conduction, shortening of the atrial action potential, a progressive reduction of L-type calcium channel expression and microfibrosis of the myocardial tissue. New drug developments target atrial remodeling by modulating ion channel function and receptors of the angiotensin metabolism.     

Mechanisms of atrial remodeling and clinical relevance

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atrial fibrillation usually occurs in the context of an atrial substrate produced by alterations in atrial tissue properties referred to as remodeling. Remodeling can result from cardiac disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or biologic processes such as senescence. Recent advances in understanding remodeling have allowed for insights into mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation that have been transferred from experimental models to humans. This paper reviews recent progress in understanding atrial remodeling, as well as the consequent clinical insights into atrial fibrillation pathophysiology and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Two principal forms of remodeling have been described in animal models of atrial fibrillation: ionic remodeling, which affects cellular electrical properties, and structural remodeling, which alters atrial tissue architecture. Atrial tachycardias (particularly rapid tachyarrhythmias such as atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation) cause ionic remodeling, which decreases the atrial refractory period and promotes atrial reentry. Congestive heart failure produces atrial interstitial fibrosis, which promotes arrhythmogenesis by interfering with atrial conduction properties. Recent animal studies have provided insights into the pathways involved in remodeling, and have indicated the pathophysiological role of remodeling in specific contexts. In addition, work in animal models has provided information about pharmacological interventions that can prevent the development of remodeling. Clinical studies have shown that novel approaches to remodeling prevention identified in animal work have potential therapeutic value in man. SUMMARY: Understanding atrial remodeling has the potential to improve our appreciation of the pathophysiology of clinical atrial fibrillation and to allow for the development of useful new therapeutic approaches.     

Atrial fibrillation: molecular biology bases

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent form of sustained arrhythmia. In most cases the arrhythmia is acquired, in rarer cases it may occur as a familial disease with a autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics have had a major impact on our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the initiation, maintenance and chronification of the arrhythmia. Recently, the chromosomal locus for familial atrial fibrillation has been mapped to chromosome 10q22-q23, however, so far the causative gene has not been identified. ATRIAL REMODELING: Atrial fibrillation itself modifies atrial electrical properties in a way that promotes the occurrence and maintenance of the arrhythmia, in other words "atrial fibrillation begets atrial fibrillation". The principle stimulus for atrial remodeling is the rapid atrial rate. PERSPECTIVES: It is hoped that the results of future studies will not only further improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation but may also help to develop new therapeutic strategies.     

Structural remodelling during chronic atrial fibrillation: act of programmed cell survival

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with an overall prevalence of almost 1%. Increasing prevalence and associated risks such as stroke and mortality have increased the need for better and more reliable therapeutic treatment. This has stimulated research to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is primarily characterised by electrical remodelling and functional deterioration. Both phenomena are reversible but after prolonged duration of atrial fibrillation, a discrepancy occurs between rapid electrical remodelling and slow recovery of contractile function. Recent studies have indicated that morphological remodelling might underlie this incongruity. In experimental models of lone atrial fibrillation, the remodelling involves cellular changes that are reminiscent of dedifferentiation and are characterised by cellular volume increase, myolysis, glycogen accumulation, mitochondrial changes and chromatin redistribution. The absence of clear signs of degeneration in these models points towards cardiomyocyte adaptation or a mechanism of programmed cell survival. In patients with atrial fibrillation cardiomyocyte degeneration does occur along with dedifferentiation which might be the result of underlying cardiac pathologies or longer duration of atrial fibrillation. In this review we focus on structural remodelling during atrial fibrillation. The different aspects of histological and ultrastructural changes as well as their role in atrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte survival are discussed. We briefly describe the underlying molecular remodelling. and possible mechanisms responsible for remodelling involving calcium overload and stretch are presented.     

心房有效不应期离散度与心房颤动

心房颤动是临床最常见的心律失常之一,有较高的致残率及致死率,关于心房颤动的机制有较多的学说,目前研究已经证实心房电重构能够促进心房颤动的发生与维持,心房电重构包括心房有效不应期的缩短,心房有效不应期离散度的增加及局部电传导的减慢,现就心房有效不应期离散度与心房颤动的关系及其影响机制做一综述。     

Atrial electrophysiological remodeling caused by rapid atrial activation: underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance to atrial fibrillation.

One of the most exciting developments in our understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF) over the last several years has been the recognition that AF itself modifies atrial electrical properties in a way that promotes the occurrence and maintenance of the arrhythmia, a process termed 'atrial remodeling'. The principle stimulus for AF-induced atrial remodeling is the rapid atrial rate that results: rapid regular atrial pacing produces changes similar to those caused by AF in animal models. The mechanisms of atrial tachycardia-induced remodeling have been extensively explored, and involve changes in atrial electrophysiology associated with altered ion channel function. The most important ionic change is a reduction in L-type Ca2+ current, which reduces action potential duration (APD) and APD adaptation to rate. AF-induced changes in ion channel function appear to be due both to rapid voltage- and time-dependent alterations in channel availability caused by tachycardia and to slower downregulation of messenger RNA concentrations encoding alpha-subunits of specific ion channels. Atrial remodeling likely contributes importantly to a wide variety of clinical phenomena of previously unrecognized mechanism, including atrial dysfunction after cardioversion of AF, the increasing resistance to therapy of longer-standing AF, the association of AF with other forms of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and the tendency of paroxysmal AF to become chronic. The present paper reviews the state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms and clinical consequences for AF of atrial remodeling caused by rapid atrial activation.     

Atrial fibrillation: the tip of the iceberg

Atrial fibrillation (AF) usually results from profound alterations of the functional properties and structure of the atrial myocardium. For instance, at the cellular level AF is associated with a marked shortening of the action potential (AP) also seen in dilated atria in sinus rhythm. Drastic down-regulation of the I-type Ca2+ current that activates during the plateau phase is one of the main mechanisms responsible for this AP shortening. The down-regulation could be due to a variety of mechanisms including decreased channel expression and alteration of their camp-dependent phosphorylation. There are also alterations of repolarizing currents such as the transient outward potassium current or acetylcholinegated-inward rectifier potassium current. The electrical remodeling of diseased atria is most often associated with severe tissular and cellular alterations including: fibrosis, myocyte dystrophy with myolysis and dedifferentiation, apoptosis and gap junction disorganization. These abnormalities could result from a common and non specific adaptive response to changes in the working conditions of the atrial myocardium. The main goal of research in this field is now to link up the various abnormalities observed during AF and to determine their respective roles in atrial vulnerability to arrhythmia.     

Ionic mechanisms of electrical remodeling in human atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a decrease in atrial ERP and ERP adaptation to rate as well as changes in atrial conduction velocity. The cellular changes in repolarization and the underlying ionic mechanisms in human AF are only poorly understood. METHODS: Action potentials (AP) and ionic currents were studied with the patch clamp technique in single atrial myocytes from patients in chronic AF and compared to those from patients in stable sinus rhythm (SR). RESULTS: The presence of AF was associated with a marked shortening of the AP duration and a decreased rate response of atrial repolarization. L-type calcium current (ICa,L) and the transient outward current (Ito) were both reduced about 70% in AF, whereas an increased steady-state outward current was detectable at test potentials between -30 and 0 mV. The inward rectifier potassium current (IKI) and the acetylcholine-activated potassium current (IKACh) were increased in AF at hyperpolarizing potentials. Voltage-dependent inactivation of the fast sodium current (INa) was shifted to more positive voltages in AF. CONCLUSIONS: AF in humans leads to important changes in atrial potassium and calcium currents that likely contribute to the decrease in APD and APD rate adaptation. These changes contribute to electrical remodeling in AF and are therefore important factors for the perpetuation of the arrhythmia.     

Electrical and structural remodeling: role in the genesis and maintenance of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and congestive heart failure (CHF) are 2 frequently encountered conditions in clinical practice. Both lead to changes in atrial function and structure, an array of processes known as atrial remodeling. This review provides an overview of ionic, electrical, contractile, neurohumoral, and structural atrial changes responsible for initiation and maintenance of AF. In the last decade, many studies have evaluated atrial remodeling due to AF or CHF. Both conditions often coexist, which makes it difficult to distinguish the contribution of each. Because of atrial stretch in the setting of hypertension or CHF, atrial remodeling frequently occurs long before AF arises. Alternatively, AF may lead to electrical remodeling, that is, shortening of refractoriness due to the high atrial rate itself. In many experimental AF or rapid atrial pacing studies, the ventricular rate was uncontrolled. In those studies, atrial stretch due to CHF may have interfered with the high atrial rate to produce a mixed type of electrical and structural remodeling. Other studies have dissected the individual role of AF or atrial tachycardia from the role CHF plays in atrial remodeling. Atrial fibrillation itself does not lead to structural remodeling, whereas this is frequently produced by hypertension or CHF, even in the absence of AF. Primary and secondary prevention programs should tailor treatment to the various types of remodeling.     

快速起搏大鼠心房肌细胞L-型钙通道及钾通道Kv4.3的表达变化

目的 利用原代培养的心房肌细胞建立快速起搏模型,研究L-型钙通道及钾通道Kv4.3在快速起搏早期的表达变化.方法 原代培养大鼠心房肌细胞,并建立快速起搏细胞模型,利用RT-PCR以及Western-blot方法检测L-型钙通道α1c及钾通道Kv4.3在快速起搏3、6、12、24 h后mRNA和蛋白的表达变化.结果 快速起搏6 h后L-型钙通道α1c的mRNA和蛋白表达较起搏前持续降低,并于24 h时达到最低值;而钾通道Kv4.3 mRNA和蛋白的表达在快速起搏12 h后降低,并且在其后保持相对稳定的水平.结论 快速起搏早期,原代培养心房肌细胞L-型钙通道α1c及钾通道Kv4.3的mRNA和蛋白表达均出现不同程度的降低,提示其发生了离子通道重构,并且可能是电重构的分子基础.     

心房颤动致心房重构分子机制研究进展

心房颤动是临床上一种常见的心律失常,心房颤动致心房重构是近年来研究发现的一个重要的电生理现象。心房颤动本身能够导致心房电生理、功能和结构的改变。本文综述了心房颤动致心房快速的电生理变化和缓慢的蛋白质表达及其分子改变机制。通过对心房电生理重构、离子重构和蛋白质重构和超微结构及其功能变化等不同方面的全面阐述,探讨了心房重构的分子机制研究进展。防治心房颤动新的策略将取决于心房重构机制更好的理解。     

Novel pharmacological therapies for atrial fibrillation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atrial fibrillation is a common yet difficult cardiac rhythm to treat. Limitations of the currently available medications, increasing complexity of atrial fibrillation patient populations and the prevalence of the condition have made new drug development crucial. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation has increased tremendously over the years. The importance of electrical remodeling and structural remodeling has been widely appreciated and has opened new avenues for pharmacological research. RECENT FINDINGS: Novel ion channel blockers have targeted atrial-specific ion channels or a combination of ion channels in order to maximize efficacy and minimize proarrhythmic risk. Understanding of atrial fibrillation as a metabolically complex condition with activation of multiple signaling cascades has fuelled drug development in a new direction. Exciting new drugs inhibiting fibrosis, cellular hypertrophy and improving cell-cell communication may help treat chronic atrial fibrillation in the future. SUMMARY: Continuing progress in our knowledge of the ionic and structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation will only accelerate the search for a safe antidote. In the future focal pharmacological modulation may help target specific targets in diverse populations. The potential of many of these pharmacotherapies, however, will need to be tested in large randomized trials before our faith in them is realized.     

钙信号调节异常在房颤电重构过程中的作用

心房颤动（AF）是一种多因素导致的疾病,持续性AF后期不可避免要有结构上出现相应的改变,故在早期电重构期进行针对性的治疗很有必要。本文主要从AF电重构产生的生理基础、AF患者钙信号的改变及AF药物治疗的新思想方面做一综述。     

Molecular basis of electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and is often associated with other cardiovascular disorders and diseases. AF can lead to thromboembolism, reduced left ventricular function and stroke, and, importantly, it is independently associated with increased mortality. AF is a progressive disease; numerous lines of evidence suggest that disease progression results from cumulative electrophysiological and structural remodeling of the atria. There is considerable interest in delineating the molecular mechanisms involved in the remodeling that occurs in the atria of patients with AF. Cellular electrophysiological studies have revealed marked reductions in the densities of the L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ current, I(Ca,L), the transient outward K+ current, I(TO), and the ultrarapid delayed rectifier K+ current, I(Kur), in atrial myocytes from patients in chronic AF. Similar (but not identical) changes in currents are evident in myocytes isolated from a canine model of AF and, in this case, the changes in currents are correlated with reduced expression of the underlying channel forming subunits. In both human and canine AF, the reduction in I(Ca,L) appears to be sufficient to explain the observed decreases in action potential duration and effective refractory period that are characteristic features of the remodeled atria. In addition, expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase is reduced, suggesting that calcium cycling is affected in AF. These recent studies suggest that calcium overload and perturbations in calcium handling play prominent roles in AF-induced atrial remodeling. Although considerable progress has been made, further studies focused on defining the detailed structural, cellular and molecular changes that accompany the different stages of AF in humans, as well as in animal models of AF, are clearly warranted. It is anticipated that molecular insights gleaned from these studies will facilitate the development of improved therapeutic approaches to treat AF and to prevent the progression of the arrhythmia.