|
|
Roles of atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation |
QUE Dongdong, SONG Xudong |
|
|
Abstract The mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF) is complicated and closely related to atrial remodeling including electrical, anatomical and automatic nervous system remodeling. Abnormal ion channel protein expression and (or) function could be induced by AF, which further promotes the formation of functional atrial reentry substrate as a feedback and ultimately causes electrical remodeling. Circulating electrical remodeling results in changing atrial substrates; inactivated atrial myocytes are replaced by fibrous tissue, which contributes to the gradual formation of atrial fibrosis and anatomical remodeling. Meanwhile, extensive atrial fibrosis further impedes electric impulse conduction and aggravates electrical remodeling in reverse. Automatic nervous system remodeling promotes the maintenance and recurrence of AF via the mechanism of positive feedback loop. The occurrence and development of AF might be delayed or even prevented by the antiatrialremodeling therapy in an early phase.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|