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Published on: July 20, 2022
β-Hydroxybutyrate and Citrate Synthase as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Aging-Related Atrial Fibrillation
Jia-Kang He1, Xiao-Xiao Jiang1, Shi-Yu Dai1
1Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No.193, Lianhe Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China.
Insights
Aging increases atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Reduced beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) and citrate synthase (CS) activity in elderly AF patients suggest mitochondrial dysfunction and atrial remodeling, potentially serving as biomarkers for age-related AF.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) rises with age, but the underlying mechanisms and effective biomarkers for elderly patients are not fully understood.
- Aging is a significant risk factor for AF, necessitating research into age-specific pathological pathways.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers is crucial for managing AF in the aging population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) and citrate synthase (CS) activity in age-related atrial fibrillation (AF).
- To explore the association between metabolic factors, mitochondrial function, and atrial remodeling in elderly AF patients.
- To identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for AF in elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma samples from 100 elderly AF patients, 100 young NAF patients, and 100 elderly NAF patients.
- Assessment of citrate synthase (CS) activity in plasma samples.
- Examination of left atrial tissues from AF and NAF patients undergoing valve replacement for mitochondrial dysfunction and structural remodeling.
Main Results:
- Elderly AF patients exhibited significantly lower levels of β-OHB and reduced CS activity compared to elderly NAF patients.
- A protective association was found between higher β-OHB levels and CS activity and the occurrence of AF in the elderly.
- Atrial tissues from elderly AF patients showed evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction, structural remodeling, and low-voltage areas.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulation of β-OHB and CS activity may contribute to aging-related AF by impacting mitochondrial function and atrial remodeling.
- β-OHB and CS activity show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for age-related atrial fibrillation.
- Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic pathways could offer new therapeutic strategies for elderly AF patients.
Abstract:
The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age; however, the precise mechanisms by which aging elevates AF risk and the effective biomarkers for managing AF in elderly patients remain unclear. We analyzed plasma samples from 100 elderly AF patients, 100 young and 100 elderly patients without atrial fibrillation (NAF), along with left atrial tissues obtained from both AF and NAF patients following valve replacement. Our findings indicate reduced levels of β-OHB and citrate synthase (CS) activity in elderly AF patients compared to their NAF counterparts. Statistical analysis revealed a protective association between β-OHB and CS activity concerning the occurrence of elderly AF. Furthermore, atrial tissues from elderly AF patients exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction, structural remodeling, and low-voltage areas. These results suggest that dysregulation of β-OHB levels and CS activity may contribute to aging-related AF by affecting mitochondrial function and atrial remodeling, highlighting their potential as diagnostic biomarkers for this condition.
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