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Endothelin system in human persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
B J Brundel1, I C Van Gelder, A E Tuinenburg
1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. B.J.J.M.Brundel@med.rug.nl
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|July 27, 2001
Summary
The endothelin system shows significant gene expression changes in human atria during atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly with valve disease. These alterations may contribute to AF pathophysiology and heart disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Cardiology
- Atrial Fibrillation Research
Background:
- The endothelin system is a key compensatory mechanism in left ventricular dysfunction.
- Its role in the atria during atrial fibrillation (AF) remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endothelin system mRNA and protein expression in human atria.
- To compare expression levels in AF patients with and without underlying valve disease.
Main Methods:
- Compared right atrial appendages from 36 AF patients (paroxysmal/persistent) and 36 controls.
- Utilized semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction for mRNA analysis.
- Employed slot-blot analysis for receptor protein quantification.
Main Results:
- Pro-endothelin-1 mRNA increased in AF patients with valve disease.
- Endothelin receptor A (ET-A) and B (ET-B) protein levels were significantly reduced across various AF patient groups.
- ET-B mRNA decreased in persistent AF, irrespective of valve disease, while ET-A mRNA remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Significant alterations in endothelin system gene expression occur in human atria during AF.
- These changes are more pronounced with underlying valve disease.
- Endothelin system dysregulation may contribute to AF pathophysiology and cardiac disease progression.