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Global Air Pollutant Phenanthrene and Arrhythmic Outcomes in a Mouse Model
Sana Yaar1, Tatiana S Filatova2, Ellie England1
1Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 1, 2023
Summary
Phenanthrene (Phe), a component of air pollution, disrupts mammalian heart function by slowing heart rate and increasing arrhythmia susceptibility. This study reveals Phe
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Background:
- Phenanthrene (Phe) is a PAH found in air pollution.
- Phe is known to cause cardiotoxicity in aquatic systems.
- Its effects on mammalian cardiac function are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the arrhythmogenic potential of acute Phe exposure on mammalian cardiac function.
- To define the underlying cellular mechanisms of Phe-induced cardiotoxicity.
- To assess the human health risks associated with Phe exposure.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were used to assess myocardial function.
- Voltage- and current-clamp recordings in isolated cardiomyocytes identified cellular mechanisms.
- Exposure to approximately 8 microM Phe was administered.
Main Results:
- Phe exposure significantly slowed heart rate, prolonged the PR interval, and reduced conduction velocity in mouse hearts.
- At the cellular level, Phe prolonged action potential duration and inhibited key repolarizing potassium currents (Ito, IKur).
- Phe also reduced action potential upstroke velocity and inhibited fast sodium (INa) and calcium (ICa) currents, increasing arrhythmia susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of direct inhibitory effects of Phe on mammalian cardiac electrical activity.
- Phe-induced electrical dysfunction increases arrhythmia susceptibility by impairing cardiac conduction and repolarization.
- These findings highlight potential serious health consequences for humans, necessitating further toxicological investigation and regulatory attention.
