Effects of the calpain system expression on atrial structural remodeling in canine with atrial fibrillation

AIM: To evaluate the influence of the calpain system mRNA and protein expression on the progress of atrial structural remodeling in fibrillating canine.METHODS: 17 dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups: normal control group (SR,n=6) and atrial fibrillation (AF,n=11) group.AF was induced by rapid pacing for 8 weeks and all dogs underwent transthoratic echocardiography before and after rapid pacing.The mRNA and protein expression of calpainⅠ,calpainⅡand calpastatin were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting,respectively.RESULTS: Compared with SR group,the left atrial diameters and the content of calcium in atrial myocardium increased significantly in AF group (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in mRNA expression of calpainⅠand calpainⅡ (P>0.05) between two groups.The expression of calpastatin mRNA was upregulated significantly in AF group (P<0.05).The levels of calpainⅠand calpainⅡprotein were significantly increased in AF group compared with SR group (P<0.05).The expression of calpastatin protein was significantly decreased in AF group (P<0.05).The calpainⅠand calpainⅡprotein levels were positively correlated with the left atrial diameter.The calpastatin protein level was negatively correlated with the left atrial diameter (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The changes of the calpain system protein expression in AF result in the disturbance of calpain/calpastatin system and degradation of many proteins,which may play an important role in mechanism of atrial remodeling.     

Effect of spironolactone on hyperthyroxine-induced atrial fibrillation and atrial remodeling in rabbits

AIM: To detect the effect of spironolactone on hyperthyroxine-induced atrial remodeling. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were divided into control group (C), hyperthyroxine group (H) and spironolactone group (S). Thyroxin was given to the rabbits in group H and group S by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks, and then spironolactone was given in group S by gavage for 2 weeks. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was induced by "burst" stimulation after administration. The inducing rate of AF and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) were tested by intra-cardiac electrophysiologic instrument. The expression of AF-related Ca²⁺ channel (Cav1.2), K⁺ channels (Kv1.5 and Kv4.3) and connexins (Cx40 and Cx43) at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: Spironolactone reduced the inducing rate of AF. No significant difference of AERP between group H and group S was observed (CONCLUSION: Spironolactone attenuates the hyperthyroxine-induced atrial remodeling in rabbits, and reduces the susceptibility of the myocardium to AF.     

Effects of spironolactone on atrial structural remodeling in rabbit model of chronic atrial fibrillation

AIM: To evaluate the effects and potential mechanism of spironolactone (SP) on atrial structural remodeling in rabbit model of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: The sternotomy was performed and the pacing electrodes were fixed to the left atria of New Zealand white rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups. The rabbits were subjected to rapid atrial pacing (RAP) for 3 weeks in RAP group (intragastric administration with placebo) and RAP+SP group (intragastric administration with spironolactone at 20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1), respectively. The rabbits in sham group did not receive RAP and drugs. Before and after RAP, the structure and function of the atria were evaluated and AF inducibility was tested. After RAP, the atrial fibrosis was evaluated, and the expression levels of collagen I, collagen Ⅲ, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were determined. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of RAP, compared with sham group, obvious left atrial enlargement and dysfunction were observed in RAP group and RAP+SP group, but those had no significant differences in these 2 groups. Sustained AF was induced in 7, 5, and 0 rabbits in RAP group, RAP+SP group, and sham group, respectively. Compared with sham group, atrial interstitial fibrosis and the protein expression levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were all significantly increased in RAP group and RAP+SP group(P<0.05). Compared with RAP group, the the above indexes were all decreased in RAP+SP group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Spironolactone suppresses the atrial interstitial fibrosis and collagen expression, thus preventing atrial structural remodeling in rabbit model of chronic AF. The effect of spironolactone on reducing atrial MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels may be the potential mechanism.     

Effects of atorvastatin on atrial electrical remodeling in a rabbit model of chronic atrial fibrillation

AIM: To evaluate the effects of atorvastatin (ATO) on atrial electrical remodeling in a rabbit mo-del of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) produced by 3 weeks of rapid atrial pacing (RAP). METHODS: The sternotomy was performed and the pacing and testing electrodes were fixed to the left atria of 24 New Zealand white rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups. The rabbits in model group and ATO group were subjected to RAP for 3 weeks, and then were treated with placebo and ATO (2.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1), respectively. The rabbits in sham group did not receive RAP and drugs. Electrophysiological examination was performed to test heart rate, P-wave duration, atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and AF inducibility. The protein expression levels of Cav1.2, Kv4.3 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Sustained AF was induced in 5 and 4 rabbilts in model group and atorvastatin group and no rabbits in sham group was found. After 3 weeks of RAP, compared with sham group, heart rate and P-wave duration were increased and AERP was shortened in model group and ATO group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, AERP was increased in ATO group (P<0.05), while heart rate and P-wave duration had no difference between these 2 groups. Compared with sham group, the protein levels of Cav1.2 and Kv4.3 were decreased, and protein level of MPO was increased in model group and ATO group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, Cav1.2 was increased and MPO was decreased in ATO group (P<0.05), while Kv4.3 had no difference between these 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin suppresses the down-regulation of atrial Cav1.2 protein level and the shortening of AERP, thus preventing atrial electrical remodeling in a rabbit model of chronic AF. The effect of atrovastatin on reducing atrial MPO level may be the potential mechanism.     

Relationship between fibrosis and remodeling of gap junction in atrium of patients with atrial fibrillation

AIM: To examine fibrosis and remodeling of gap junction in atrial myocardium of patients with or without atrial fibrillation and to investigate the relationship between them. METHODS: Right atrial appendage (RAA) samples were collected from 44 patients with rheumatic heart disease during heart operation, 28 of which were clinically diagnosed as atrial fibrillation (AF), the left remained sinus rhythm (SR). Fibrosis and remodeling of connexin 43 were examined by polarization microscope and microscopy respectively, and analyzed with an image analyzer. Meanwhile, intercalated disc was counted under transmission electron microscope. The collagen volume fraction of type I (CVF-I) and the volume fraction of Cx43 (Cx43VF) were studied between groups of atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm. The relationship between CVF-I and fraction of remodeled intercalated disc was studied as well. RESULTS: (1) Polarization microscope demonstrated that CVF-I collagen increased (P<0.01) in atrial fibrillation group. (2) The ratio of remodeled of intercalated disc in patients with AF was higher (P<0.01) than that in SR group whereas the number of intercalated disc was not different (P>0.05) between the two groups. (3) Cx43VF decreased (P<0.01) in the AF patients compared to those with SR. (4) A positive correlation between fibrosis and the remodeling of intercalated disc (r=0.96, P<0.01) was observed. The CVF-I was negatively correlated with the Cx43VF (r=-0.98, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that both fibrosis of atrial muscle and remodeling of intercalated disc are involved in the pathogenesis of human atrial fibrillation. Fibrosis of atrial muscle may play an important role in the process of atrial fibrillation by interfering with remodeling of intercalated disc and thereby involves in the remodeling of connexins.     

Over-expressed calreticulin interacts with integrin-α5 and calcineurin system to induce atrial remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular disease

AIM: To determine whether calreticulin over-expression contributes to atrial fibrosis in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and valvular heart disease (VHD).METHODS: Right and left atrial specimens were obtained from 78 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. The patients were divided into sinus rhythm (SR) group, paroxysmal AF (PaAF) group and persistent AF (PeAF, AF lasting >6 months) group. The protein expression of calreticulin, integrin-α5, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was measured. Immunoprecipitation was also performed to determine whether calreticulin interacted with either calcineurin B or integrin-α5. RESULTS: The protein expression of calreticulin, integrin-α5 and TGF-β1 was increased in AF groups, especially in the left atrium of the patients with mitral valve disease as compared with SR group. Calreticulin interacted with both calcineurin B and integrin-α5. The expression level of integrin-α5 was significantly correlated with the expression level of TGF-β1, while the expression level of calreticulin was correlated with that of integrin-α5 and TGF-β1. Under similar classification of the cardiac function, the expression level of calreticulin in PeAF group was higher than that in SR group. CONCLUSION: The expression of calreticulin, integrin-α5, and TGF-β1 is increased in the atrial tissues of the AF patients and is related to the AF type, suggesting that calreticulin is involved in atrial remodeling in AF and VHD patients.     

Effects of interleukin-10 on the calcineurin activity in cultured cardiac fibroblasts induced by arginine vasopressin

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on the proliferation and calcineurin (CaN) activity in cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) induced by arginine vasopressin (AVP).METHODS: The CFs of left ventricle in neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated and cultured by trypsin digestion and selective plating technique. Then the proliferation rates of cells were determined by using the MTT ［3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide］ assay (A490 value). Cell cycle distribution was determined with flowcytometry technique. The CaN activity was measured by ultra-violet spectrophotography.RESULTS: (1) MTT colorimetry showed that 10-7 mol/L AVP significantly increased A490 value of CFs in comparison with control group (P<0.01). IL-10 attenuated the A490 value of AVP group in a concentration dependent manner. The A490 value of the 10-8, 10-7, 10-6, 10-5 g/L IL-10+10-7 mol/L AVP groups was 0.201±0.007, 0.187±0.006, 0.173±0.010 and 0.157±0.029 respectively, all data significantly lower than those in the presence of AVP alone (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) The percentage of the cells in S stage and proliferation index were markedly increased in 10-7mol/L AVP group compared with the control (P<0.01, respectively). In the 10-6 g/L IL-10+10-7 mol/L AVP group, the percentage cells in S stage and proliferation index were significantly lower than those in AVP group (P<0.01, respectively). IL-10 itself had no effect on fibroblast proliferation, but reduced AVP-induced fibroblast proliferation. (3) There was a significantly increase in CaN activity in AVP group compared with control (P<0.01). In the 10-8, 10-7, 10-6 and 10-5 g/L IL-10＋10-7 mol/L AVP groups, the CaN activity was 3.22±0.04, 3.06±0.06, 2.53±0.04 and 2.22±0.04, respectively. IL-10 dose-dependently down-regulated the CaN activity induced by AVP (P<0.01, respectively). However, the CaN activity was still higher in IL-10+AVP group than that in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that IL-10 regulates the CaN activity of CFs in the cell proliferation induced by AVP, suggesting that IL-10 plays a role in the regression of cardiac remodeling.     

Comparison of two methods for culturing neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts

AIM:To establish and compare the methods for culturing neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts culture. METHODS:Neonatal rat hearts were isolated by collagenase+trypsin or trypsin digestion. The cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts were isolated by different attachment techniques. The cellular morphology, purity and reactions to the reagent were tested. RESULTS:For morphology and purity, no difference between the 2 methods was observed, though more myocytes were harvested by the method of collagenase+trypsin digestion. For the cellular responses to reagent, the cardiac fibroblasts harvested with trypsin digestion had more potent proliferative ability than those with collagenase+trypsin digestion. CONCLUSION:There is no difference of cellular morphology and purity in the cardiac fibroblasts isolated by collagenase+trypsin digestion and trypsin digestion, but the fibroblasts with trypsin digestion have more potent proliferative ability.     

Effects of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase on collagen expression and proliferation of rat cardiac fibroblasts

AIM: To investigate the effect of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) on collagen expression and proliferation of rat cardiac fibroblasts and to explore the relationship between SCAD and cardiac fibrosis. METHODS: The model of proliferation and collagen expression of rat cardiac fibroblasts induced by angiotensin II was established. After treatment with siRNA-1186, the expression of SCAD at mRNA and protein levels, fatty acids beta oxidation rate, ATP, the enzyme activity of SCAD and free fatty acids in the rat cardiac fibroblasts were determined. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of SCAD was decreased in the rat cardiac fibroblasts induced by angiotensin II compared with the control cells, and the expression of collagen I and collagen III was significantly upregulated. Compared with negative control group, SCAD expression and activity, fatty acid beta-oxidation rate and ATP significantly decreased in siRNA-1186 group, but the content of free fatty acids were obviously increased in the rat cardiac fibroblasts, and the expression of collagen I and collagen III was significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSION: The expression and synthesis disorder of collagen may be triggered by down-regulation of SCAD. SCAD may be a promising therapeutic target for myocardial fibrosis.     

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice. Mitochondrial oxidative stress is supposed to contribute to development, progression and self-perpetuation of AF. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the major molecule mediating mitochondrial oxidative stress damage. ROS can alter the redox status of various molecular targets, which quite specifically leads to functional alterations of ion channel activity or activation of a variety of redox sensitive signal transduction pathways. Eventually, it leads to atrial electrical remodeling and promotes the development of AF. Therefore, mitochondrial oxidative stress pathways may be a new target for the therapy of atrial fibrillation.     

Non-contact mapping and frequency analysis of vagal-mediated atrial fibrillation

AIM: To explore the mechanism of the initiation and maintenance of vagal-mediated atrial fibrillation (AF) by non-contact mapping and frequency analysis of vagal-mediated atrial fibrillation in canine.METHODS: Atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and dispersion of AERP were measured in 8 canine during baseline and bilateral cervical vagal nerve stimulation (CVNS). Left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) electrical activity of AF was assessed by non-contact mapping and frequency analysis.RESULTS: Compared with baseline, CVNS attenuated left and right AERP, but only increased the dispersion of left AERP. During CVNS, AF was easily induced and maintained, repetitive organized activations rotated around a preferential route were only found in the LA, and dominant frequencies (DFs) from LA were higher than those of the RA ［(12.5±1.5)Hz vs (9.3±1.2)Hz, P<0.01］. After the cessation of CVNS, DFs of AF decreased in the LA and RA ［(9.2±0.5)Hz vs (8.5±0.6)Hz, P>0.05］, and AF was spontaneously terminated.CONCLUSION: The change of electrophysiological character, difference of activation pattern, and frequency gradient between the LA and RA suggest that the initiation and maintenance of vagal-mediated AF dependent on the LA.     

Protein kinase A regulates small-conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channel in chronic atrial fibrillation patients

AIM：To investigate the alteration of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 (SK2) channel currents in atrial myocytes from atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, and the relationship between protein kinase A (PKA) and SK2 channel. METHODS：Right auricular tissues were obtained from the patients undergoing open-heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Single atrial myocytes were isolated by modified enzymatic dissociation method. The SK2 channel currents in the isolated human atrial myocytes were recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The alteration of SK2 channel currents and the regulation of SK2 channel by PKA were compared between sinus rhythm (SR) group and AF group. The total protein and PKA levels in human atrial tissues were detected by BCA assay and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS：The SK2 channel current densities and the proportion of SK2 channel currents in the integrated inward currents were significantly increased in AF group (all P<0.05 vs SR group). PKA-selective inhibitor H-89 reduced SK2 channel current densities and the proportion of SK2 channel currents in the integrated inward currents in both SR and AF groups, with larger reduction in AF group (all P<0.05 vs SR group). The PKA level was significantly decreased in AF atrial tissues (P<0.05 vs SR group). CONCLUSION: The increase in SK2 channel currents underlies the occurrence and maintenance of AF. PKA-dependent regulation may be involved in the remodeling of SK2 channel in both SR and AF human atrial myocytes, with a more powerful effect in AF.     

Inhibitory effect of Ophiopogon japonicus on rat cardiac fibroblasts

AIM：To investigate the inhibitory effect of Ophiopogon japonicus on rat cardiac fibroblast (CFs) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS：Cultured CFs from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into 4 groups: control group (normal rat cardiac fibroblasts), Ophiopogon japonicus of 10 μg/L group, Ophiopogon japonicus of 20 μg/L group and Ophiopogon japonicus of 30 μg/L group. Cell vitality, ［3H］-proline incorporation, and the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and total Smad2/3 in CFs were determined. RESULTS：Compared with control, the cell vitality, ［3H］-proline incorporation, and the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and total Smad2/3 were significantly decreased in Ophiopogon japonicus of 10 μg/L group. Compared with Ophiopogon japonicus of 10 μg/L group, the cell vitality, ［3H］-proline incorporation, and the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and total Smad2/3 were significantly decreased in Ophiopogon japonicus of 20 μg/L group. Compared with Ophiopogon japonicus of 20 μg/L group, the cell vitality,［3H］-proline incorporation, and the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and total Smad2/3 were significantly decreased in Ophiopogon japonicus of 30 μg/L group. CONCLUSION：Ophiopogon japonicus may inhibit CFs. These actions are related to the changes of ［3H］-proline incorporation, and the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and total Smad2/3.     

Expression of MPO,MMP-2 and MMP-9 in atrial myocardium of rabbit atrial fibrillation model

ATM: To investigate the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in the atrial myocardium, and their potential effects on atrial structural remodeling in a rabbit atrial fibrillation (AF) model. METHODS: The sternotomy was performed and the pacing electrode was fixed to the left atria of 20 New Zealand white rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups:rapid atrial pacing (RAP) group and sham group. The rabbits in RAP group were subjected to RAP for 3 weeks. The structure and function of the atria and ventricle were analyzed by echocardiography. Atrial burst stimulation was performed to test AF inducibility. The atrial fibrosis was evaluated by Masson trichrome-staining. The mRNA and protein levels of MPO, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of RAP, obvious left atrial enlargement and dysfunction were observed, but almost no change of left ventricular diameter and function was found in RAP group compared with sham group. AF inducibility, atrial interstitial fibrosis and the mRNA and protein levels of MPO, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were all significantly increased in RAP group compared with sham group. CONCLUSION: Obvious atrial structural remodeling is found in the rabbit AF model induced by sustained RAP, and the up-regulation of MPO, MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be the potential molecular mechanism of atrial structural remodeling.     

Roles of Rho-kinase in rat cardiac fibroblasts proliferation and collagen synthesis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ

AIM: To investigate the role of Rho-kinase signal pathway in rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFBs) proliferation and collagen synthesis induced by angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ). METHODS: CFBs of neonatal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were isolated with the method of trypsin digestion and differential anchoring velocity. The CFBs were stimulated with AngⅡto induce fibrosis. Proliferation of CFBs was observed by MTT coloricmetric assay. Synthesis of collagen was detected by the hydroxyproline. The expression of Rho-kinase mRNA was examined using RT-PCR analysis. The extent of phosphorylation of myosin-binding subunit (MBS-P) of myosin phosphatase was quantified by Western blotting analysis, which was used to evaluate the activity of Rho-kinase.RESULTS: (1) Stimulation of neonatal SD rat CFBs with AngⅡ (10-7 mol/L) significantly increased CFBs proliferation and collagen synthesis (P<0.01). (2）Stimulation of neonatal SD rat CFBs with AngⅡ (10-7 mol/L) significantly increased the expression of Rho-kinase mRNA and rapidly activated Rho-kinase in a time-dependent manner. (3) Within a concentration coverage, hydroxyfasudil (H4413), a Rho-kinase inhibitor, effectively inhibited AngⅡ-induced CFBs proliferation and collagen synthesis (P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Rho-kinase signal pathway may be one of the most important signal transducter for AngⅡ-induced CFBs proliferation and collagen synthesis in neonatal SD rats.     

Activation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase and protein phosphatases in human atria during atrial fibrillation

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the signal transduction systems were activated at the molecular atrial tissue level in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and whether atrial expression of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) and protein phosphatases is altered. METHODS: Atrial tissue sample of 30 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were examined. 20 patients had AF, 10 patients had no history of AF. The mRNA expression of calcineurin B and MKP-1 were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. ERK1 and phospho-ERK1 were analyzed at the protein level by Western blot. RESULTS: Western blot analysis showed that atrial fibrillation did not induce significant change in ERK1 expression level in the left atrium. In contrast , phospho-ERK1 content was increased in the patients with AF in comparison with those who had sinus rhythm (SR). The mRNA expression of calcineurin B and MKP-1 in the patients with AF were significantly higher than that in patients with SR. CONCLUSION: The activation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase and protein phosphatases may have correlation with the initiation or maintenance of atrial fibrillation.