A Goette

..Most of these changes seem to be related to activation of signal transduction systems at the molecular atrial level. This review will describe the role and regulation of different signal transduction systems in fibrillating atria...

..Studies suggest that myocardial progenitor cells invade atrial tissue. So far it is unclear, however, whether an atrial disease per se affects circulating HPCs...

..However, BB offers favorable pacing capabilities and is less arrhythmogenic compared to right atrial pacing during the postoperative period...

..The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on platelet activity, thrombin generation, and levels of von-Willebrand-factor in patients with persistent AF...

..Therefore, this review will highlight some novel "nonchannel drug targets" for AF therapy...

..Elucidating the signalling pathways responsible for the process of structural atrial remodeling has helped to define novel non-ion channel drug targets for atrial fibrillation...

..Further laboratory tests revealed elevated plasma levels of homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine and 8-isoprostaglandin F2alpha...

..This review highlights the underlying molecular biology of atrial fibrillation, which may also be relevant for AF therapy...

..This highly interesting methodology may be helpful to restore electrical conduction in fibrotic cardiac tissue...

..Cigarette smoking (CS) promotes endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the vascular bed. The impact of smoking on atrial myocardium is not defined in humans...

..Furthermore, tele-ECG recordings will be transmitted in any case of symptomatic AF. The present paper summarises the rationale and design of the ANTIPAF trial...

..In contrast, increased ventricular rate and elevated atrial pressure alone had no effect on platelet activity. Further studies are needed to determine if platelet ADP receptor inhibitors offer a therapeutic benefit in patients with AF...

..Long RF energy application times, high-power settings, and heavy sedation may have contributed to the observed severity of skin damage...

..We sought to determine the cardiac uptake of PC in patients with moderate-to-severe congestive heart failure (CHF) scheduled for cardiac resynchronization therapy...

..Therefore, this review will highlight on the basic knowledge of signal transduction and electrophysiological effects of angiotensin II, which may have an impact on the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmia...

..In conclusion, atria of patients with permanent AF show evidence of calpain I activation that might contribute to structural remodeling and contractile dysfunction, whereas there is no evidence of activation of tissue cytokines...

..However, the Bachmann's bundle offers favorable capabilities for postoperative a trial pacing, and thus it is a preferable site for electrode placement if postoperative atrial pacing is required...

..The purpose of this study was to determine the atrial expression of angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptors (AT(1)-R and AT(2)-R) in patients with AF...

..Atrial tachyarrhythmia causes atrial hypertrophy by activation of the CnA signal pathway, which thereby contributes to structural remodeling of human atria...

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..In conclusion, atrial bradykinin metabolizing activities are significantly altered during AF in humans. The observed alterations in ectopeptidase expression/activity may play a role in the structural remodeling of fibrillating atria...

..In addition to hsCRP, MCP-1 and VCAM may serve as new biomarkers, which may help to identify patients with an increased risk for thromboembolic events...

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..The in vitro pacing model presented here reflects changes occurring during tachycardia and, thus, allows functional analyses of the signaling pathways involved...

..Structural changes, like atrial fibrosis, may increase the likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurring in response to triggering events. The influence of isolated atrial amyloidosis (IAA) is largely unknown...

..Persistent AF is associated with the down-regulation of the opioid receptor/ligand expression. This suggests a loss of protective capacity in the fibrillating atrial tissue, resulting in an ultrastructural remodeling of atrial myocytes...

..The results support the importance of P-wave duration as a predictor of post-operative AF, and explain the increased prevalence of AF in elderly patients after OHS...

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..This study demonstrates that calcium inward current via L-type calcium channels contributes to oxidative stress and increased expression of oxidative stress markers and adhesion molecules during cardiac tachyarrhythmia...

..However, mobilization of progenitor cells by application of G-CSF gives inconsistent clinical effects. The aim of the present study was to assess pathophysiologic effects of progenitor cell mobilization...

..The purpose of the present study was to determine whether structural remodeling of the atria during atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with altered ADAM expression...

..This study was designed to determine the endocardial expression of eNOS in atrial tissue samples from patients with and without AF...

..So far, it is unknown whether AF itself influences renal function. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of AF on renal gene expression in a closed chest rapid atrial pacing model...

..e. direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI), synthetic polysaccharides (factor Xa Inhibitors), and others are discussed, and their possible future role in the treatment of AF is evaluated...

..Furthermore, novel anticoagulants are now clinically studied. This review briefly summarizes new developments in the pharmacotherapy for AF...

..However, in a large proportion of these patients, significant coronary artery disease is excluded by coronary angiography. Here we explored the potential underlying mechanism of these events...

..The in vivo mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and the possible proarrhythmic effects in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) and inducible ischemia have not been described...

..This review will summarize the present knowledge about the use of proteome analysis in myocardial diseases...

..One current initiative of the European Heart Rhythm Association is to initiate and develop a Europe-wide registry to monitor, over a prolonged follow-up period, the performance of ICDs and ICD leads...

..Thus, novel anticoagulants or hybrid therapy with a combination of anticoagulants with inhibitors of endocardial remodelling like angiotensin II receptor blockers appear to be attractive future perspective approaches...

..In addition to a careful selection of a relevant primary outcome parameter, coverage of outcomes in all major domains of AF-related morbidity and mortality is desirable for any clinical trial in AF...

..These data suggest that organized atrial contraction is needed to maintain normal endocardial expression of NOS. It is likely that loss of this antithrombotic enzyme contributes to the thromboembolic phenomena commonly observed in AF...

..Experimental basic research projects are focusing on different aspects of atrial remodeling in order to find out in which way the molecular mechanisms can be manipulated by new methods of treatment. First results are presented...

..In addition to a careful selection of a relevant primary outcome parameter, coverage of outcomes in all major domains of AF-related morbidity and mortality is desirable for any clinical trial in AF...