Mecanismos de adaptação do coração em atletas de elite do sexo feminino: comparação com indivíduos sadios e tempo de treinamento / Heart adaptation mechanisms in elite female athletes: comparison with healthy individuals and time of training

Fundamento: O exercício intenso e continuado em atletas provoca fenótipos de remodelamento adaptativo, cujos parâmetros podem ser avaliados pela ecocardiografia convencional, e de deformação miocárdica. Assim, foi comparado o remodelamento miocárdico em atletas do sexo feminino (grupo atletas) com mulheres sedentárias da mesma faixa etária (grupo-controle) e entre atletas com maior e menor tempo de treinamento. Métodos: Foram selecionadas 57 futebolistas femininas (grupo atletas) e 25 mulheres sadias sedentárias (grupocontrole). As atletas foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo principal, com 32 atletas, e grupo sub-17, com 25 atletas. Foram determinadas, através de ecocardiografia, as dimensões, a função sistólica e diastólica das câmaras cardíacas e a deformação miocárdica (strain longitudinal, circunferencial, radial e mecânica rotacional), utilizando a estatística Z com significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: A idade dos grupos atletas, controle, principal e sub-17 foi de 22,1±6,3; 21,2±5,0; 26,5±5,1; e 16,5±0,6, respectivamente. O peso, o índice de massa corporal e a frequência cardíaca foram menores no grupo atletas. A espessura das paredes, o índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), o volume do átrio esquerdo (AE), a fração de ejeção e as dimensões do ventrículo direito (VD) foram maiores no grupo atletas, mas dentro de valores normais. A deformação miocárdica mostrou diminuição do strain radial, da rotação basal, da rotação apical e do twist, sugerindo mecanismo de reserva contrátil. Esses parâmetros foram menores no grupo principal, que também apresentava maior espessura das paredes, maior volume do AE e maior tamanho do VD, sugerindo que o aumento da reserva contrátil se relaciona com maior tempo de treinamento. Conclusões: As atletas do sexo feminino com treinamento intenso de longa duração apresentam remodelamento adaptativo das câmaras cardíacas e aumento da reserva contrátil observada em repouso, com esses parâmetros mais acentuados nas atletas com maior tempo de treinamento.(AU)

Background: Intense continuous exercise provokes adaptive remodeling phenotypes in athletes, the parameters of which can be evaluated through conventional echocardiography and myocardial deformation. We compared myocardial remodeling in female athletes (athlete group) with sedentary women of the same age range (control group) and between older and younger athletes. Methods: A total of 57 female soccer players and 25 healthy sedentary women were selected. The athlete group was subdivided into a main group and those under 17 years of age (< 17 group). The dimensions and systolic and diastolic function of the cardiac chambers and myocardial deformation (longitudinal and circumferential, as well as radial strain and rotational mechanics) was determined through echocardiography, using the Z statistic with a significance level of p< 0.05. Results: The mean age of the athlete, control, main, and < 17 groups was 22.1 (SD, 6.3); 21.2 (SD, 5.0); 26.5 (SD, 5.1); 16.5 (SD, 0.6) years, respectively. Weight, body mass index and heart rate were lower in the athlete group. Wall thickness, left ventricular mass index, left atrial (LA) volume, ejection fraction, and right ventricular dimensions were higher in athlete group, but remained within normal ranges. Regarding myocardial deformation, there was decreased radial strain, basal rotation, apical rotation, and twisting in the athlete group, suggesting a contractile reserve mechanism. These parameters were lesser in the main athlete group, who also had greater wall thickness, greater volume in the left atrium (LA) and larger size in the right ventricle (RV), suggesting that increased contractile reserve is related to longer time spent in the sport. Conclusions: In female athletes who had undergone intense long-term training, we observed adaptive remodeling of the cardiac chambers and increased contractile reserve (at rest), and these changes were more pronounced in those with longer involvement in the sport.(AU)

Níveis Elevados de Netrina-1 e IL-1β em Mulheres Idosas com SCA: Pior Prognóstico no Acompanhamento de Dois Anos / High Serum Netrin-1 and IL-1β in Elderly Females with ACS: Worse Prognosis in 2-years Follow-up

Resumo Fundamento Vários marcadores têm sido avaliados quanto a um potencial impacto nas decisões clínicas ou na predição de mortalidade na síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA), incluindo Netrina-1 e IL-1β. Objetivo Examinamos o valor prognóstico de Netrina-1 e IL-1β em pacientes com SCA (2 anos de acompanhamento). Métodos Avaliamos Netrina-1, IL-1β e outros fatores de risco em amostras de soro de 803 pacientes. Curvas de Kaplan-Meier e regressão de Cox foram usadas para análise de óbito por todas as causas, óbito por doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) e desfecho combinado de infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) fatal ou novo IAM não fatal, considerando p < 0,05. Resultados Houve 115 óbitos por todas as causas, 78 óbitos por DCV e 67 eventos no desfecho combinado. Níveis de Netrina-1 acima da mediana (> 44,8 pg/mL) foram associados a pior prognóstico (óbito por todas as causas e por DCV) em mulheres idosas, mesmo após o ajuste do modelo (HR: 2,08, p = 0,038 e HR: 2,68, p = 0,036). Níveis de IL-1β acima da mediana (> 13,4 pg/mL) em mulheres idosas foram associados a risco aumentado para todos os desfechos após o ajuste (todas as causas - HR: 2,03, p = 0,031; DCV - HR: 3,01, p = 0,013; desfecho combinado - HR: 3,05, p = 0,029). Para homens, não foram observadas associações entre Netrina-1 ou IL-1β e os desfechos. Conclusão Níveis séricos elevados de Netrina-1 e IL-1β mostraram associação significativa com pior prognóstico em idosas do sexo feminino. Eles podem ser úteis como indicadores prognósticos em SCA. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):507-514)

Abstract Background Several markers have been evaluated for a potential impact on clinical decisions or mortality prediction in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including Netrin-1 and IL-1β that have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Objective Our study examined the prognostic value of Netrin-1 and IL-1β in patients with ACS (2-year follow-up). Methods We evaluate Netrin-1, IL-1β and other risk factors in the serum sample of 803 patients. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used for the analysis of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and a combined outcome of fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or new non-fatal MI, considering p-value < 0.05. Results There were 115 deaths from all causes, 78 deaths due to cardiovascular causes and 67 events in combined outcomes. Netrin-1 levels above the median (>44.8 pg/mL) were associated with a worse prognosis (all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality) in elderly females, even after model adjustment (HR: 2.08, p = 0.038 and HR: 2.68, p = 0.036). IL-1β levels above the median (>13.4 pg/mL) in elderly females were associated with increased risk of all outcomes after adjustment (all-cause mortality - HR: 2.03, p = 0.031; cardiovascular mortality - HR: 3.01, p = 0.013; fatal MI or new non-fatal MI - HR: 3.05, p = 0.029). For males, no associations were observed between Netrin-1 or IL-1β and outcomes. Conclusion High serum levels of Netrin-1 and IL-1β showed significant association with worse prognosis in elderly females. They may be useful as prognostic indicators in ACS. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):507-514)

Bayés' syndrome: the association between interatrial block and supraventricular arrhythmias.

The past few years have given rise to extensive research on atrial conduction disorders and their clinical relevance. Most notably, an association between interatrial block and supraventricular arrhythmias has been discovered. This disorder, recently termed 'Bayés' syndrome', has important clinical implications. In this article, the authors review normal atrial conduction and associated disorders. A particular focus is placed on Bayés' syndrome and the relationship between interatrial block and supraventricular arrhythmias in different clinical scenarios. The report also outlines the current progress in the study of this syndrome and highlights areas requiring further investigation.

Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation on Left Ventricular Filling Pressure and Left Atrial Remodeling / Impacto da Ablação da Fibrilação Atrial na Pressão de Enchimento Ventricular Esquerdo e Remodelamento Atrial Esquerdo

Background: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), and the estimation of elevated LV filling pressures by E/e' ratio is related to worse outcomes in patients with AF. However, it is unknown if restoring sinus rhythm reverses this process. Objective: To evaluate the impact of AF ablation on estimated LV filling pressure. Methods: A total of 141 patients underwent radiofrequency (RF) ablation to treat drug-refractory AF. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed 30 days before and 12 months after ablation. LV functional parameters, left atrial volume index (LAVind), and transmitral pulsed and mitral annulus tissue Doppler (e' and E/e') were assessed. Paroxysmal AF was present in 18 patients, persistent AF was present in 102 patients, and long-standing persistent AF in 21 patients. Follow-up included electrocardiographic examination and 24-h Holter monitoring at 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation. Results: One hundred seventeen patients (82.9%) were free of AF during the follow-up (average, 18 ± 5 months). LAVind reduced in the successful group (30.2 mL/m2 ± 10.6 mL/m2 to 22.6 mL/m2 ± 1.1 mL/m2, p < 0.001) compared to the non-successful group (37.7 mL/m2 ± 14.3 mL/m2 to 37.5 mL/m2 ± 14.5 mL/m2, p = ns). Improvement of LV filling pressure assessed by a reduction in the E/e' ratio was observed only after successful ablation (11.5 ± 4.5 vs. 7.1 ± 3.7, p < 0.001) but not in patients with recurrent AF (12.7 ± 4.4 vs. 12 ± 3.3, p = ns). The success rate was lower in the long-standing persistent AF patient group (57% vs. 87%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Successful AF ablation is associated with LA reverse remodeling and an improvement in LV filling pressure. .

Fundamento: A disfunção diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) está associada a novos episódios de fibrilação atrial (FA), e a estimativa das pressões de enchimento do VE através da razão E/e' está relacionada a um pior prognóstico em pacientes com FA. Entretanto, não se sabe se a restauração do ritmo sinusal pode reverter este processo. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da ablação da FA na estimativa da pressão de enchimento do VE. Métodos: Um total de 141 pacientes foi submetido à ablação por radiofrequência (RF) para o tratamento da FA refratária a drogas. Foi realizado ecocardiograma transtorácico 30 dias antes e 12 meses após a ablação. Foram avaliados os parâmetros funcionais do VE, volume do átrio esquerdo indexado (VAEi) e Doppler transmitral pulsado e Doppler tecidual do anel mitral (e' e E/e'). Dezoito pacientes apresentavam FA paroxística, 102 persistente e 21 pacientes FA persistente de longa duração. O acompanhamento incluiu ECG e monitoramento pelo sistema Holter 24h, 3, 6 e 12 meses após a ablação. Resultados: Cento e dezessete pacientes (82,9%) não apresentaram FA durante o acompanhamento (média de 18 meses ± 5 meses). O VAEi apresentou redução significativa no grupo com sucesso (30,2 mL/m2 ± 10,6 mL/m2 para 22,6 mL/m2 ± 1,1 mL/m2, p < 0,001) em comparação ao grupo sem sucesso (37,7 mL/m2 ± 14,3 mL/m2 para 37,5 mL/m2 ± 14,5 mL/m2, p = ns). A melhora da estimativa da pressão de enchimento do VE, avaliada através da redução na razão E/e', foi observada apenas após ablação com sucesso (11,5 ± 4,5 vs. 7,1 ± 3,7, p < 0,001), não sendo observada em pacientes com FA recorrente (12,7 ± 4,4 vs. 12 ± 3,3, p = ns). A taxa de ...

Gender-Based Differences in Cardiac Remodeling and ILK Expression after Myocardial Infarction / Remodelamento Cardíaco e Expressão da ILK Diferem entre os Gêneros após Infarto do Miocárdio

Background: Gender can influence post-infarction cardiac remodeling. Objective: To evaluate whether gender influences left ventricular (LV) remodeling and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Female and male Wistar rats were assigned to one of three groups: sham, moderate MI (size: 20-39% of LV area), and large MI (size: ≥40% of LV area). MI was induced by coronary occlusion, and echocardiographic analysis was performed after six weeks to evaluate MI size as well as LV morphology and function. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot were used to quantify ILK in the myocardium. Results: MI size was similar between genders. MI resulted in systolic dysfunction and enlargement of end-diastolic as well as end-systolic dimension of LV as a function of necrotic area size in both genders. Female rats with large MI showed a lower diastolic and systolic dilatation than the respective male rats; however, LV dysfunction was similar between genders. Gene and protein levels of ILK were increased in female rats with moderate and large infarctions, but only male rats with large infarctions showed an altered ILK mRNA level. A negative linear correlation was evident between LV dimensions and ILK expression in female rats with large MI. Conclusions: Post-MI ILK expression is altered in a gender-specific manner, and higher ILK levels found in females may be sufficient to improve LV geometry but not LV function. .

Fundamento: O gênero pode ser decisivo no remodelamento cardíaco após infarto do miocárdio. Objetivo: Avaliar diferenças de gênero associadas ao remodelamento do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) após infarto do miocárdio (IM) e associadas à modulação de quinases acopladas à integrina (integrin-linked kinases-ILK). Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos e fêmeas foram divididos em 3 grupos: grupo sham, grupo com IM de extensão moderada (tamanho: 20-39% da área do VE); grupo com IM de grande extensão (tamanho: ≥ 40% da área do VE). O IM foi produzido por oclusão coronária e as análises ecocardiográficas foram obtidas após 6 semanas para avaliar a extensão do IM, bem como a morfologia e função do VE. RT-PCR em tempo real e Western blott foram realizados para quantificar a ILK no miocárdio. Resultados: A extensão do IM foi semelhante entre os gêneros. O IM resultou em disfunção sistólica e aumento do tamanho do VE no final da diástole e da sístole em função do tamanho da área necrótica para ambos os sexos. Ratos fêmeas com IM de grande extensão apresentaram dilatação diastólica e sistólica inferior a de ratos machos, mas a disfunção do VE foi semelhante em ambos os sexos. Os níveis gênicos e proteicos de ILK aumentaram em ratos fêmeas com infartos de extensão moderada e grande, mas apenas ratos machos com infartos de grande extensão apresentaram níveis alterados de mRNA do ILK. Uma correlação linear negativa foi observada entre as dimensões do VE e a expressão de ILK em ratos fêmeas com IM de grande extensão. Conclusões: A expressão de ILK pós-IM variou de maneira gênero-especifica, e os níveis mais elevados de ILK observados em ...

Bloqueo interauricular como sustrato anatómico-eléctrico de arritmias supraventriculares: síndrome de Bayés / Interatrial block as anatomical-electrical substrate for supraventricular arrhythmias: Bayes' syndrome

En este artículo hemos querido establecer que el bloqueo interauricular existe como entidad anatomoeléctrica y que debe ser considerado como un verdadero bloqueo. El bloqueo interauricular presenta diferentes grados al igual que otros bloqueos del sistema de conducción. Puede presentarse como expresión de remodelado puramente eléctrico o acompañar alteraciones estructurales que dilaten las aurículas. Se encuentra asociado a arritmias supraventriculares y es probablemente un predictor de accidente cerebrovascular cardioembólico. El bloqueo interauricular puede presentarse de manera transitoria, y en ciertas circunstancias clínicas, puede ser reversible. El aporte del mapeo endocavitario ha incrementado el conocimiento sobre su anatomía y fisiopatología, y posiblemente la magnetocardiografía podría contribuir al estudio no invasivo de esta entidad. La terminología a utilizar debería ser bloqueo interauricular de primer, segundo y tercer grado o alternativamente, y en función de simplificar: parcial o avanzado. La morfología de la onda P, en función de diagnosticar el grado avanzado, siempre debería ser tenida en cuenta. Para finalizar, debemos reconocer el aporte fundamental que el Dr. Bayés de Luna ha establecido sobre la relación del bloqueo interauricular con las arritmias supraventriculares conformando un síndrome arrítmico indiscutido; lo cual a nuestro criterio representa un aporte mayor al conocimiento de la electrocardiografía y la electrofisiología, y hace meritorio que este síndrome arrítmico sea denominado <

In this article we aimed to establish that interatrial block exists as an anatomical-electrical entity, which should be considered a true block. Interatrial block presents with different degrees as other blocks in the conduction system. It shows a correlation with the left atrium size, however, it can be seen in patients with normal atrial size too. Interatrial block is strongly associated with atrial arrhythmias and it could be considered a predictor of cardioembolic stroke. Interatrial block is an expression of atrial electrical remodeling and dysfunction. IAB can be transient and in certain clinical circumstances, may be reversible. The contribution of endocardial mapping has increased our knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of interatrial block. Magnetocardiography could be a possible non-invasive procedure to further investigate this entity. The interatrial block classification should include first, second and third degree or alternatively, in order to simplify the terminology: partial or advanced. The P wave morphology should always be taking into consideration when diagnosing this condition. Finally, without the initial description of interatrial block made by Dr. Bayés de Luna, it would be impossible to understand interatrial block as an anatomical and electrical substrate for atrial arrhythmias. It is our opinion that this represents a major contribution to the knowledge of electrocardiography and electrophysiology, and makes commendable that this arrhythmic syndrome should be called <

[Interatrial block as anatomical-electrical substrate for supraventricular arrhythmias: Bayés syndrome]. / Bloqueo interauricular como sustrato anatómico-eléctrico de arritmias supraventriculares: síndrome de Bayés.

In this article we aimed to establish that interatrial block exists as an anatomical-electrical entity, which should be considered a true block. Interatrial block presents with different degrees as other blocks in the conduction system. It shows a correlation with the left atrium size, however, it can be seen in patients with normal atrial size too. Interatrial block is strongly associated with atrial arrhythmias and it could be considered a predictor of cardioembolic stroke. Interatrial block is an expression of atrial electrical remodeling and dysfunction. IAB can be transient and in certain clinical circumstances, may be reversible. The contribution of endocardial mapping has increased our knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of interatrial block. Magnetocardiography could be a possible non-invasive procedure to further investigate this entity. The interatrial block classification should include first, second and third degree or alternatively, in order to simplify the terminology: partial or advanced. The P wave morphology should always be taking into consideration when diagnosing this condition. Finally, without the initial description of interatrial block made by Dr. Bayés de Luna, it would be impossible to understand interatrial block as an anatomical and electrical substrate for atrial arrhythmias. It is our opinion that this represents a major contribution to the knowledge of electrocardiography and electrophysiology, and makes commendable that this arrhythmic syndrome should be called «Bayés' syndrome¼

Principios básicos de las nuevas estrategias farmacológicas antiarrítmicas en fibrilación auricular / Basic mechanisms of the new antiarrhythmic drugs in atrial fibrillation

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia crónica sostenida más frecuente en la población general. A pesar de los últimos avances tecnológicos y en el entendimiento de sus mecanismos, derivados de modelos experimentales, así como de los procedimientos de ablación en pacientes con FA, los fármacos antiarrítmicos siguen siendo la principal estrategia para la cardioversión y mantenimiento del ritmo sinusal. Nuevas generaciones de fármacos antiarrítmicos han llegado a la práctica clínica, y otros se encuentran en fase de experimentación. Los nuevos fármacos actúan de forma más específica sobre corrientes iónicas auriculares, y al mismo tiempo involucradas en el mantenimiento de la arritmia. Paralelamente, cada vez se da más importancia a la necesidad de actuar sobre el sustrato arritmogénico auricular y los factores que lo promueven, implicados en el mantenimiento a largo plazo de la arritmia (terapias upstream). La presente revisión tiene como objetivo exponer las actuales líneas de desarrollo en fármacos antiarrítmicos y terapias para prevención o retraso del remodelado auricular, con base a los conocimientos mecanísticos que hoy en día se involucran en el mantenimiento de la FA.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Despite of new technological breakthroughs and the understanding of the mechanisms underlying AF, based on animal models and ablation procedures in patients, the antiarrhythmic drugs remain the main therapeutic strategy to restore and maintain the sinus rhythm. New antiarrhythmic drugs are already available in the clinical practice and many others are under development. The new antiarrhythmic drugs have the capability to block atrial-specific ionic currents, which are involved in the maintenance of the arrhythmia. Parallel, increasing evidence supports the use of compounds to regulate the arrhythmogenic atrial substrate involved in the long-term maintenance of the arrhythmia (upstream therapies). This article reviews the new antiarrhythmic drugs and upstream therapies, based on the current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of AF.

EFECTO DEL REMODELADO ELÉCTRICO AURICULAR EN UN MODELO TRIDIMENSIONAL DE AURÍCULA HUMANA

Las arritmias cardíacas más frecuentes en humanos tienen origen auricular. El modelado de la actividad auricular se ha convertido en una importante herramienta en el análisis de arritmias como la fibrilación auricular. Estudios experimentales han demostrado que la fibrilación auricular tiende a perpetuarse, generando cambios electrofisiológicos denominados remodelado auricular. En este trabajo se presenta un modelo tridimensional geométricamente realista de la aurícula humana, al cual se le incorporan: anisotropía, dirección de las fibras y heterogeneidad en la conductividad. En un modelo del potencial de acción acoplado al modelo tridimensional, se estudió el efecto del remodelado auricular sobre el potencial de acción y su propagación teniendo en cuenta sus efectos sobre las corrientes iónicas. El modelo reprodujo el comportamiento de la actividad eléctrica en toda la superficie auricular. El remodelado redujo la duración del potencial de acción, el periodo refractario efectivo y la velocidad de conducción. Los resultados sugieren que en el modelo tridimensional desarrollado, es posible simular la actividad eléctrica auricular en condiciones fisiológicas y con remodelado eléctrico auricular.

The most common cardiac arrhythmias in humans originate in the atrium. Modelling of the atrial activity has become an important tool to analyze arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Experimental studies have shown that atrial fibrillation tends to be perpetual, generating electrophysiological changes called atrial remodeling. In this study we present a geometrically realistic three-dimensional (3D) model of human atrium, which incorporates anisotropy, direction of the fibers and conductive heterogeneity. The effects of remodeling on the ionic currents were applied to an action potential model coupled to the 3D model. The effects of remodeling on the action potential and its propagation were studied the model reproduced the electrical activity behavior across the atrial surface. Remodelling induced a reduction in the action potential duration, the effective refractory period and the conduction velocity. Our results suggest that in the developed 3D model of human atrium is possible to simulate the atrial electrical activity under physiological conditions and with atrial electrical remodeling.