Effects of atorvastatin on atrial remodeling in a rabbit model of atrial fibrillation produced by rapid atrial pacing

作者：Qian Yang, Xiaoyong Qi, Yi Dang, Yingxiao Li, Xuelian Song, Hao Xiao · 发表于：BMC Cardiovascular Disorders · 年份：2016 · DOI：10.1186/s12872-016-0301-8 · 被引用次数：23 · 研究领域：Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes、Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling、Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that myeloperoxidase (MPO) is involved in atrial remodeling of atrial fibrillation (AF). Statins could reduce the MPO levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluated the effects of atorvastatin on MPO level and atrial remodeling in a rabbit model of pacing-induced AF. METHODS: Eighteen rabbits were randomly divided into sham, control and atorvastatin groups. Rabbits in the control and atorvastatin groups were subjected to rapid atrial pacing (RAP) at 600 bpm for 3 weeks, and treated with placebo or atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/d), respectively. Rabbits in the sham group did not receive RAP. After 3 weeks of pacing, atrial structural and functional changes were assessed by echocardiography, atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and AF inducibility were measured by atrial electrophysiological examination, and histological changes were evaluated by Masson trichrome-staining. The L-type calcium channel α1c (Cav1.2), collagen I and III, MPO, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction and/or western blot. RESULTS: All rabbits were found to have maintained sinus rhythm after 3 weeks of RAP. Atrial burst stimulation induced sustained AF (>30 min) in 5, 4, and no rabbits in the control, atorvastatin, and sham groups, respectively. The AERP shortened and Cav1.2 mRNA level decreased in the control group, but these changes were suppressed in the atorvastatin group. Obvious...