Oxidative Stress and the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation

Authors: Iravanian, Shahriar; Dudley, Samuel C.

Source: Current Cardiology Reviews, Volume 2, Number 4, November 2006 , pp. 247-254(8)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. Many known triggers of oxidative stress, such as age, diabetes, smoking, inflammation, and renin angiotensin system activation are linked with an increased risk of the arrhythmia. Blockers of angiotensin II signaling and other drugs with anti-oxidant properties can reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation. Now, studies in animal models and human tissue have shown directly that atrial fibrillation is associated with increased atrial oxidative stress. We review the evidence for a role of oxidative stress in causing atrial fibrillation and propose a unifying hypothesis that multiple triggers elicit oxidative stress which acts to enhance the risk of atrial fibrillation through ion channel dysregulation.

Keywords: Transcriptional regulation; superoxide; nitric oxide; ion channels; angiotensin II

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Division of Cardiology,Emory University/VAMC, 1670 Clairmont Rd. (111B), Decatur, GA, USA.

Publication date: 2006-11-01

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Current Cardiology Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on the practical and clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. All relevant areas are covered by the journal including arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, drugs, methodology, pacing, and preventive cardiology. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all researchers and clinicians in cardiology.