Prognostic relevance of ventricular arrhythmias in surgical patients with gastrointestinal tumors

BACKGROUND Individuals diagnosed with gastrointestinal tumors are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.Among which,ventricular arrhythmia is a prevalent clinical concern.This suggests that ventricular arrhythmias may have predictive value in the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal tumors.AIM To explore the prognostic value of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with gastrointestinal tumors receiving surgery.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 130 patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection.These patients were evaluated by a 24-h ambulatory electrocardiogram(ECG)at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to June 2020.Additionally,41 general healthy age-matched and sexmatched controls were included.Patients were categorized into survival and non-survival groups.The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality,and secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs).RESULTS Colorectal tumors comprised 90%of cases.Preoperative ambulatory ECG monitoring revealed that among the 130 patients with gastrointestinal tumors,100(76.92%)exhibited varying degrees of premature ventricular contractions(PVCs).Ten patients(7.69%)manifested non-sustained ventricular tachycardia(NSVT).The patients with gastrointestinal tumors exhibited higher PVCs compared to the healthy controls on both conventional ECG[27(21.3)vs 1(2.5),P=0.012]and 24-h ambulatory ECG[14(1.0,405)vs 1(0,6.5),P<0.001].Non-survivors had a higher PVC count than survivors[150.50(7.25,1690.50)vs 9(0,229.25),P=0.020].During the follow-up period,24 patients died and 11 patients experienced MACEs.Univariate analysis linked PVC>35/24 h to all-cause mortality,and NSVT was associated with MACE.However,neither PVC burden nor NSVT independently predicted outcomes according to multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Patients with gastrointestinal tumors exhibited elevated PVCs.PVCs>35/24 h and NSVT detected by 24-h ambulatory ECG were prognostically significant but were not found to be independent predictors.

Nicorandil as a promising therapeutic option for ventricular arrhythmia:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Ventricular arrhythmia is a common type of arrhythmia observed in clinical practice.It is primarily characterized by premature ventricular contractions,ventricular tachycardia,and ventricular fibrillation.Abnormal formation or transmission of cardiac electrical impulses in patients affects cardiac ejection function.It may present with symptoms such as palpitations,dyspnea,chest discomfort,and reduced exercise tolerance.In severe cases,ventricular arrhy-thmia can even lead to death.Therefore,prompt treatment is very much essential upon diagnosis.The symptoms did not improve after previous conventional drugs and electrical defibrillation treatment,but the ventricular arrhythmia was prevented after the addition of nicorandil.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital because of intermittent chest tightness,shortness of breath for 10 days,and fainting once for 7 days.Combined with laboratory tests and auxiliary examination,the patient was tentatively diagnosed with coronary heart disease or arrhythmia-atrial fibrillation.After admission,the patient had intermittent ventricular arrhythmia,which was uncontrolled with lidocaine,defibrillation,and amiodarone.However,when she was treated with nicorandil,the ventricular arrhythmia stopped.Nicorandil mitigates the action potential duration by facilitating the opening of potassium ion channels,thereby regulating the likelihood of premature and delayed depolar-ization in two distinct phases and subsequently averting the onset of malignant ventricular arrhythmia.Nicorandil may inhibit ventricular arrhythmia by dilating coronary arteries,improving coronary microcirculation and reducing myocardial fibrosis.CONCLUSION option for inhibiting ventricular arrhythmias.

Analysis of the Efficacy of Low-Dose Betaloc Combined with Amiodarone in Treating Ventricular Arrhythmia

Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical effect of low-dose Betaloc combined with amiodarone in treating ventricular arrhythmia.Methods:70 patients with ventricular arrhythmia who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology of our hospital between August 2022 and August 2023 were selected as research subjects.They were divided into two groups using the coin-tossing method:the combination group(n=35)and the reference group(n=35).The combination group was treated with low-dose Betaloc and amiodarone,and the control group was treated with low-dose Betaloc alone.The treatment efficacy,cardiac function indicators,and related tested indicators of the two groups were compared.Results:The total efficacy of the treatment received by the combination group was much higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Besides,after treatment,the cardiac function indicators such as left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),and cardiac index(CI)of the patients in the combination group were significantly better than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(Hs-CRP),N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),adiponectin(APN),and other related test indicators of the patients in the combination group were significantly better than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Low-dose Betaloc combined with amiodarone has a noticeable effect in treating ventricular arrhythmia and deserves to be widely promoted.

Clinical Efficacy of Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release Tablets in the Treatment of Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Arrhythmias

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets in the treatment of post-myocardial infarction ventricular arrhythmias.Methods:The clinical data of 84 patients with post-myocardial infarction ventricular arrhythmia included in the study were collected and they were divided into Groups A and B with 42 cases each using the randomization method.Group A was treated with oral glucosamine hydrochloride,while Group B was administered oral metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets.Combined indicators were used to evaluate the improvement of clinical indicators,therapeutic effects,and the incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups.Results:The baseline data of the two groups of patients were not statistically significant(Pall>0.05);after treatment,the QT dispersion,corrected QT dispersion,and heart rate of Group B were lower than that of Group A(Pall=0.000<0.001);the 2 total clinical effectiveness of Group B was 95.24%,which was significantly higher than 80.95%in Group A(χ=4.087,P=0.043<0.05);the total incidence of adverse reactions in Group B was 4.76%,which was significantly lower than 219.04%in Group A(χ=4.087,P=0.043<0.05).Conclusion:In the treatment of post-myocardial infarction ventricular arrhythmia,the use of metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets can effectively correct the QT dispersion of patients,improve their heart rate,increase clinical effectiveness,and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions.

Function of the CaMKII-ryanodine receptor signaling pathway in rabbits with left ventricular hypertrophy and triggered ventricular arrhythmia

BACKGROUND:Calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase II(CaMKII) can be more active in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH),which in turn causes phosphorylation of ryanodine receptors,resulting in inactivation and the instability of intracellular calcium homeostasis.The present study aimed to determine the effect of CaMKII-ryanodine receptor pathway signaling in rabbits with left ventricular hypertrophy and triggered ventricular arrhythmia.METHODS:Forty New Zealand rabbits were randomized into four groups(10 per group):sham group,LVH group,KN-93 group(LVH+KN-93),and ryanodine group(LVH+ryanodine).Rabbits in the LVH,KN-93,and ryanodine groups were used to establish a left ventricular hypertrophy model by the coarctation of the abdominal aorta,while those in the sham group did not undergo the coarctation.After eight weeks,action potentials(APs) were recorded simultaneously in the endocardium and epicardium,and a transmural electrocardiogram(ECG) was also recorded in the rabbit left ventricular wedge model.Drugs were administered to the animals in the KN-93 and ryanodine groups,and the frequency of triggered APs and ventricular tachycardia was recorded after the rabbits were given isoprenaline(1 μmol/L) and high-frequency stimulation.RESULTS:The frequency(animals/group) of triggered APs was 0/10 in the sham group,10/10 in the LVH group,4/10 in the KN-93 group,and 1/10 in the ryanodine group.The frequencies of ventricular tachycardia were 0/10,9/10,3/10,and 1/10,respectively.The frequencies of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation were 0/10,7/10,2/10,and 1/10,respectively.The frequencies of triggered ventricular arrhythmias in the KN-93 and ryanodine groups were much lower than those in the LVH group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:KN-93 and ryanodine can effectively reduce the occurrence of triggered ventricular arrhythmia in rabbits with LVH.The CaMKII-ryanodine signaling pathway can be used as a new means of treating ventricular arrhythmia.

Treatment of Supraventricular Arrhythmias by Transcatheter Radiofrequency Ablation： The Experience of the Electrophysiology Unit of the University Hospital

TC-RF （transcatheter radiofrequency） ablation has an important role in the treatment ofSVA （supraventricular arrhythmias）. The indication to TC-RF ablation is usually made to improve the patient＇s quality of life through the elimination of the arrhythmic substrate. The objective of this study is to make a brief review of the literature and to report the Electrophysiology Unit experience of the Cardiovascular Department of the University Hospital of Trieste. From the study, it can be found that about one thousand of patients are visited annually in the Cardiovascular Department of the University Hospital of Trieste （1,019 ± 71/year over the past five years）. The acute success rate of atrial fibrillation and flutter ablation procedures was respectively 93.9% and 97.9% with a relapse rate of 30% and 10% at 12 month. Accessory pathways and nodal atrio ventricular re-entry tachycardia ablation procedures had an acute success rate of respectively 91.1% and 96.6% with a relapse rate of 10% at 12 months. The overall complication rate was 5%. Catheter ablation is an effective therapy for SVA treatment. It can often be definitive, and it is generally superior to drug therapy, with a low complication rate. The improvement in patients＇ quality of life is associated with a reduced need for access to health services.

Ventricular Arrhythmia in the Fontan Circulation:Prevalence,Risk Factors and Clinical Implications

Objective:Sudden cardiac death(SCD)and malignant ventricular arrhythmia(VA)are increasingly recognized as important issues for people living with a Fontan circulation,but data are lacking.We sought to characterize the cohort who had sudden cardiac death,most likely related to VA and/or documented VA in the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry including risk factors and clinical outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed.Inclusion criteria were documented non-sustained ventricular tachycardia,sustained ventricular tachycardia,ventricular fibrillation,resuscitated cardiac arrest or SCD>30 days post-Fontan completion.Results:Of 1611 patients,20(1.2%)had VA;14(1.0%)had VA without SCD and 6(<1%)had SCD(6%of all deaths recorded in Registry;5 of those had documented VA at the time of arrest and 1 was presumed to be VA-associated).The median age at first VA was 20.5(14–32)years,10(50%)were females,and the median age at Fontan operation was 8(4–17)years.On univariable analysis,hypoplastic left heart syndrome(p=0.03)and older age Fontan operation(p<0.001)were associated with VA.Earlier Fontan era(p<0.003),atriopulmonary Fontan(p<0.001),pre-Fontan atrioventricular valve repair(p=0.013)pre-or post-Fontan atrial arrhythmia(p=0.010)were associated with SCD.Patients with VA had a 3 times higher risk of death or heart transplant(HR 3.27(1.19,8.98),p=0.02).Conclusions:A proportion of people living with a Fontan circulation have malignant VA.Routine VA screening in this cohort is essential.More data are needed to aid risk stratification.

Effects of antiarrhythmic peptide 10 on acute ventricular arrhythmia

Objective:To observe the effects antiarrhythmic peptide 10(AAPIO) aon acute ventricular arrhythmia and the phosphorylation state of ischemic myocardium conncxin.Methods:Acute total ischemia and partial ischemia models were established by ceasing perfusion and ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in SD rats.The effects of AAP10(1 mg/L) on the incidence rate of ischemia-induced ventricular arrhythmia were observed.The ischemic myocardium was sampled to detect total-Cx43 and NP-Cx43 by immunofluorcsecnt staining and western blotting,the total-Cx43 expression was detected through image analysis system by semi-quantitative analysis.Results:AAP10 could significantly decrease the incidence of ischemia-induced ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.During ischemic stage,total ischemia(TI) and AAP10 total ischemia(ATI) groups were compared with partial ischemia(Pi) and AAP10 partial ischemia(API) groups.The rates of incidence for arrhythmia in the ATI and API groups(10%and 0%) were lower than those in the TI and PI groups(60%and 45%).The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.019,P=0.020).The semi-quantitative analysis results of the ischemic myocardium showed that the total-Cx43 protein expression distribution areas for TI.ATI,PI and API groups were significantly decreased compared with the control group.On the other hand,the NP-Cx43 distribution areas of TI,ATI,PI and API groups were significantly increased compared with the control group(P>0.05).AAP10 could increase the total-Cx43 expression in the ischemic area and decrease the NP-Cx43 expression.Western blot results were consistent with the results of immunofluorescence staining.Conclusions:AAP10 can significantly decrease the rate of incidence of acute ischemia-induced ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.Acute ischemic ventricular arrhythmias may have a relationship with the decreased phosphorylation of Cx43 induced by ischemia.AAP10 may stimulate the phosphorylation of Cx43 by increasing the totai-Cx43 expression and decreasing the NP-Cx43 expression in the ischemic area,so as to decrease ventricular arrhythmia.

C-reactive protein as a predictor of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

Objective To investigate whether C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of malignant ventricular arrhythmias (MVA) occurring in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients with Global Registry of Acute Coronary events (GRACE) scores < 140. Methods A total of 1450 NSTEMI patients were included in this study. Hs-CRP blood levels were measured via a turbidimetric immunoassay after confirming the diagnosis of NSTEMI with GRACE scores < 140. Results Consistent with prior studies, the MVA occurrence rate in our cohort was 6.7%, and patients with MVA exhibited a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (46.1%± 6.9% vs. 61.5%± 8.7%, P = 0.032), a higher incidence of Killip classification > 1 (34.1% vs. 24.2%, P < 0.001), an increased surgical revascularization rate (34.1% vs. 9.7%, P < 0.001), and increased mortality (16.5% vs. 5.8%, P < 0.001). Serum hs-CRP levels were higher (P = 0.003) in NSTEMI patients with MVA, and this increase appeared unrelated to other clinical parameters. The C-statistic to discriminate MVA was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.89). Using receiver operating characteristics analysis, we optimized a cutoff point of 16 mL/L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 95% and 61%, respectively;the positive predictive value was 20% and the negative predictive value was 99%. Conclusions An hs-CRP assay is a potential MVA biomarker in low-risk NSTEMI patients with GRACE scores < 140. If validated in prospective studies, hs-CRP may offer a low-cost supplementary strategy for risk stratification for NSTEMI patients.

Heart rate-adjusted PR as a prognostic marker of long-term ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac death in ICD/CRT-D recipients

Objective To evaluate the PR to RR interval ratio (PR/RR,heart rate-adjusted PR) as a prognostic marker for long-term ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac death in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillators (CRT-D).Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 428 patients who had an ICD/CRT-D equipped with home monitoring.Baseline PR and RR interval data prior to ICD/CRT-D implantation were collected from standard 12-lead electrocardiograph,and the PR/RR was calculated.The primary endpoint was appropriate ICD/CRT-D treatment of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs),and the secondary endpoint was cardiac death.Results During a mean follow-up period of 38.8 ± 10.6 months,197 patients (46%) experienced VAs,and 47 patients (11%) experienced cardiac death.The overall PR interval was 160 ± 40 ms,and the RR interval was 866 ± 124 ms.Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve,a cut-off value of 18.5% for the PR/RR was identified to predict VAs.A PR/RR ≥ 18.5% was associated with an increased risk of VAs [hazard ratio (HR)= 2.243,95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.665–3.022,P < 0.001) and cardiac death (HR = 2.358,95%CI = 1.240–4.483,P = 0.009) in an unadjusted analysis.After adjustment in a multivariate Cox model,the relationship remained significant among PR/RR ≥ 18.5%,VAs (HR = 2.230,95%CI = 1.555–2.825,P < 0.001) and cardiac death (HR = 2.105,95%CI = 1.101–4.025,P = 0.024.Conclusions A PR/RR ≥ 18.5% at baseline can serve as a predictor of future VAs and cardiac death in ICD/CRT-D recipients.

Usefulness of reversed U-curve technique to enhance mapping and ablation efficiency in the treatment of pulmonary sinus cusp-derived ventricular arrhythmias

Objective Reversed U-curve and nonreversed U-curve(conventional technique) were both reported to be effective in treating pulmonary sinus cusp (PSC)-derived ventricular arrhythmia (VA).The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics between two methods.

I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging for predicting ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure patients

Compared to antiarrhythmic drugs, implantable cardioverter defibrillator （ICD） leads to a more significant im- provement in preventing ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure patients. However, an important question has been raised that how to select appropriate patients for ICD therapy. 1-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine （MIBG） planar and SPECT imaging have shown great potentials to predict ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure patients by as- sessing the abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system. Clinical trials demonstrated that several parameters measured from 1-123 MIBG planar and SPECT imaging, such as heart-to-mediastinum ratio, washout rate, defect score, and innervation/perfusion mismatch, predicted ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure patients. This paper introduces the current practice of ICD therapy and reviews the technical background of 1-123 MIBG planar and SPECT imaging and their clinical data in predicting ventricular arrhythmia.

Effects of Potassium Aspartate and Magnesium on Ventricular Arrhythmia in Ischemia-reperfusion Rabbit Heart

The aim of this study was to determine if the potassium aspartate and magnesium （PAM） prevent reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias （RIVA） in ischemia-reperfusion （IR） rabbit heart. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into control, ischemia and PAM groups. Arterially-perfused rabbit left ventricular preparations were made, and transmural ECG as well as action potentials from both endocardium and epicardium were simultaneously recorded in the whole process of all experiments. In control group rabbit ventricular wedge preparations were continuously perfused with Tyrode＇s solution, and in ischemia group and PAM groups the perfusion of Tyrode＇s solution was stopped for 30 min. Then the ischemia group was reperfused with Tyrode＇s solution and the PAM group with Tyrode＇s solution containing 2.42 mg/L PAM, respectively. ECG, QT interval, transmural repolarization dispersion （TDR） and action potentials from epicardium and endocardium were simultaneously recorded, and the RIVA of the wedge preparation was observed. Compared with control group, TDR and incidence of RIVA were significantly increased in ischemia group （P〈0.05）. The incidence of RIVA in control, ischemia and PAM group was 0/10, 9/10 and 1/10, respectively. Compared with ischemia group, TDR and incidence of RIVA were significantly reduced in PAM group （P〈0.05）. Potassium aspartate and magnesium significantly reduce TDR and prevent ventricular arrhythmia in ischemic rabbit heart.

Effects of ramipril on ventricular arrhythmia after myocardial infarction in rabbits

BACKGROUND： Ventricular arrhythmia （VA） is one of the most common complications of myocardial infarction （MI）, and ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation are the main causes for sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to explore the effect of ramipril on the occurrence of VA and its mechanism after MI in rabbits. METHODS： Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits purchased from the Wuhan Laboratory Animal Research Center were divided into three groups： sham-operated （SHAM） group （n=8）, MI group （n=8） and MI with ramipril （RAM） group （n=8）. Rabbits in the SHAM group received a median sternotomy without ligation of the left ventricular coronary artery. Rabbits in the MI and RAM groups received a median sternotomy followed by ligation of the left coronary artery. The successful anterior MI was confirmed by elevation of the ST segment with more than 0.2 mV in lead II and II1. After MI, rabbits in the RAM group were fed with intragastric ramipril （1 mg/kg per day ） for 12 weeks. Before and 12 weeks after MI in the three groups, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation （VT/VF） episodes and MAP in cadiocytes of the epicardium, mid-myocardium and endocardium were recorded by a multichannel physiograph. Student＇s t test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS： VT/VF episodes were decreased more markedly in the RAM group than in the MI group after 12 weeks （2.6±0.8 vs. 12.±＋2.9, P〈0.05）. Twelve weeks after MI, the duration of repolarization for 90% （APD90） of three-tier ventricular myocytes in the MI group was longer than that before MI （258.2±21.1 vs. 230.1±23.2,278.0±23.8 vs. 245.8±25.4,242.6±22.7 vs. 227.0±21.7, P〈0.05）. However, the APD90 was not significantly different at 12 weeks before and after MI in the RAM group （P〉0.05）. Moreover, the transmural dispersion of repolarization （TDR） was increased more markedly 12 weeks after MI in the MI group than in the SHAM and RAM groups （36.2±10.2 vs. 18.7±6.2, 24.9±8.7, P〈0.05）. But the TDR was not significantly different between the RAM and SHAM groups （18.7±6.2 vs. 24.9±8.7, P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： Ramipril may reduce the incidence of malignant ventricular arrhythmia via mprovement of transmembrance repolarization heterogeneity after MI.

Effect of Oxidative Stress on Ventricular Arrhythmia in Rabbits with Adriamycin-induced Cardiomyopathy

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of oxidative stress on ventricular arrhythmias in rabbits with adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy and the relationship between oxidative stress and ventricular arrhythmia. Forty Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups （n=10 in each）： control group, metoprolol （a selective β1 receptor blocker） group, carvedilol （a nonselective β blocker/α-1 blocker） group and adriamycin group. Models of adriamycin-induced car-diomyopathy were established by intravenously injecting adriamycin hydrochloride （1 mg/kg） to rabbits via the auri-edge vein twice a week for 8 weeks in the adriamycin, metoprolol and carvedilol groups. Rabbits in the control group were given equal volume of saline through the auri-edge vein. Rabbits in the metoprolol and carvedilol groups were then intragastrically administrated metoprolol （5 mg/kg/d） and carvedilol （5 mg/kg/d） respectively for 2 months, while those in the adriamycin and control groups were treated with equal volume of saline in the same manner as in the metroprolol and carvedilol groups. Left ventricular end diastolic diameter （LVEDd） and left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） were measured by echocardiography. Plasma levels of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）, malondialdehyde （MAD） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） were detected. The left ventricular wedge preparations were perfused with Tyrode＇s solution. The transmural electrocardiogram, transmural action potentials from epicardium （Epi） and endocardium （Endo）, transmural repolarization dispersion （TDR） were recorded, and the incidences of triggered activity and ventricular arrhythmias were obtained at rapid cycle lengths. The results showed that TDR and the serum MDA and NT-proBNP levels were increased, and LVEF and the serum SOD level decreased in the adriamycin group compared with the control group. The incidences of triggered activity and ventricular arrhythmia were significantly higher in the adriamycin group than those in the control group （P〈0.05）. In the carvedilol group as compared with the adriamycin group, the serum SOD level and the LVEF were substantially increased; the TDR, and the serum MDA and NT-proBNP levels were significantly decreased; the incidences of triggered activity and ventricular arrhythmia were obviously reduced （P〈0.05）. There were no significant differences in the levels of MDA and SOD, LVEF, TDR and the incidences of triggered activity and ventricular arrhythmia between the adriamycin group and the metoprolol group. It was concluded that carvedilol may inhibit triggered activity and ventricular arrhythmias in rabbit with adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy, which is related to the decrease in oxygen free radials.

Autonomic function and ventricular tachyarrhythmias during acute myocardial infarction

Most cases of sudden cardiac death are attributed to sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias(VTs), triggered by acute coronary occlusion. Autonomic dysfunction, an important arrhythmogenic mechanism in this setting, is being actively investigated, aiming at the advent of preventive strategies. Recent experimental studies have shown vagal withdrawal after anterior myocardial infarction, coinciding with high incidence of VTs, followed by more gradual sympathetic activation coinciding with a second arrhythmia peak. This article summarizes recent knowledge on this intriguing topic, generating hypotheses that can be investigated in future experimental and clinical studies.

Spontaneous type 1 pattern, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Brugada Syndrome： an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Brugada syndrome （BrS） is primary electrical disorder characterized by ST segment elevation with right bundle branch block morphology in patients with apparent structurally normal hearts, It predisposes affected individuals to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation （VT/VF） and sudden cardiac death （SCD）.A number of studies have identified risk factors that are associated with a more malignant course of disease. These include male gender, syncope, a spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern, family history of SCD, family history of Brugada syndrome,

Effect of tumor necrosis factor-α on ventricular arrhythmias in rats with acute myocardial infarction in vivo

Acute myocardial infarction （AMI） is an acute cardiovascular emergency. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） on ventricular arrhythmias induced byAMI in rats in vivo. Two hundred and forty male Wistar rats were randomized into a sham- operation group, an AMI group, and a recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor：Fc fusion protein（rhTNFR：Fc） group. Acute anterior wall myocardial infarction was produced in the AMI group by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD）, and there was no ligation but operation in the sham-operation group. The rhTNFR：Fc group was treated with rhTNFR：Fc（10 mg/kg）, a TNF-a antagonist, 24 hours before LAD ligation. The spontaneous and induced programmed electrical stimulation ventricular arrhythmias were recorded at baseline and 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 3 hours, 6 hours and 12 hours after ligation. At the same time the protein and mRNA expression levels of TNF-a among different groups were detected by histochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Expression of TNF-a increased markedly from 10 minutes after infarction, peaked at 20-30 minutes, and returned to baseline gradually in the AMI group and rhTNFR：Fc group. The time- windows of spontaneous and induced ventricular arrhythmias were similar. Compared with the AMI group, the rhTNFR：Fc group showed a lesser expression of TNF-a protein and a lower incidence of ventricular arrhythmias （P〈0.05）. There was no obvious change in the sham-operation group. The expression of TNF-a induced by AMI could contribute to the onset of ventricular arrhythmias.

Carvedilol suppresses ventricular arrhythmia in a pressure over-load rabbit model through relieving transmural dispersion of repolarization with long-term administration

Objective： To investigate the effects of carvedilol （CVD） on transmural dispersion of repolarization（TDR） and arrhythmia in pressure over-load rabbits. Methods： Left ventricular hypertrophied（LVH） rabbit models were established by pressure over-load; All animal models were assigned into CVD group or LVH group randomly. The action potentials of endocardium, cpicardium and transmural ECG of arterially perfused left ventricular preparations were recorded concurrently. Action potential duration （APD）, TDR, ventricular arrhythmia and ultrasonic parameters, ratio of LVM to body weight （LVMI） were compared correspondingly. The stable plasma concentration of carvedilol in CVD group was detected by HPLC. APD, TDR and arrhythmia of LVH models were compared just preor post-perfusion with stable concentration of CVD. Results： In Contrast with values in LVH group, LVEFof CVD group were significantly elevated while the LVMI was remarkably reduced, TDRs were significantly shortened, and ratio of ventricular arrhythmia was lowered remarkably. No significant difference of APD, TDR and ratio of arrhythmia was found preor post-perfusion at stable plasma concentration of CVD. Conclusion： CVD can ameliorate the structure and function of pressure over-load ventricles; CVD contributes to the improvement of ventricular arrhythmia associated with its long-term effect on APD,TDR shortening ,whereas has nothing to do with its transient function on ionic channel blockade

Renal artery denervation suppresses intractable ventricular arrhythmia in patients with left heart thrombosis

Transcutaneous renal artery denervation （RND） has beeninitially developed for destruction of efferent nerve fireswith luminal delivery of radiofrequency or ultrasonic energyaiming blood pressure reduction in patients with refractoryhypertension. However, other positive results of RNDwere described afterwards, and they include suppression ofatrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia （VT） storm.