Document Detail


Molecular mechanisms of remodeling in human atrial fibrillation.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12062337     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
An important acknowledgement of the last several years is that atrial fibrillation (AF) modifies the electrical properties of the atrium in a way that promotes its occurrence and maintenance. This arrhythmogenic electrophysiological remodeling is well established, but can not explain by itself that 'AF begets AF'. This review describes molecular changes involving rapid functional alterations and slower changes in protein expression that cause electrical remodeling and contractile dysfunction in AF. An important molecular feature of AF is the reduction in L-type Ca(2+) channel function and protein expression. This reduction may serve to protect the cell against a potentially lethal Ca(2+) overload resulting from the increased activation rate in AF. Further, the review discusses the possible role of proteolytic systems, notably the calpains, as a mechanism linking Ca(2+) overload to reduced protein expression. Thus, it appears that the elaborate molecular changes in AF are directed primarily at protecting the myocyte from cellular stress. However, such early protection occurs at the expense of electrophysiological changes that promote the long-term maintenance of AF.
Authors:
Bianca J J M Brundel; Robert H Henning; Harm H Kampinga; Isabelle C Van Gelder; Harry J G M Crijns
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Cardiovascular research     Volume:  54     ISSN:  0008-6363     ISO Abbreviation:  Cardiovasc. Res.     Publication Date:  2002 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2002-06-13     Completed Date:  2002-07-12     Revised Date:  2005-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0077427     Medline TA:  Cardiovasc Res     Country:  Netherlands    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  315-24     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Radiation and Stress Cell Biology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. B.J.J.M.Brundel@med.rug.nl
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Atrial Fibrillation / etiology*,  metabolism,  physiopathology
Atrial Function*
Calcium / metabolism
Calcium Channels, L-Type / genetics*,  metabolism
Calpain / metabolism
Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
Chronic Disease
Connexins / metabolism
Gene Expression
Heart Atria / pathology
Humans
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Calcium Channels, L-Type; 0/Connexins; 7440-70-2/Calcium; EC 3.4.22.-/Calpain

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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