A narrative review of non-coding RNAs in atrial fibrillation: potential therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms

Abstract

Objective: This review summarizes the advances in the study of ncRNAs and atrial remodeling mechanisms to explore potential therapeutic targets and strategies for AF.Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias, and its morbidity and mortality rates are gradually increasing. Non-coding ribonucleic acid RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed from the genome and do not have the ability to be translated into proteins. A growing body of evidence has shown ncRNAs are extensively involved in the pathophysiological processes underlying AF. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of these associations have not been fully elucidated. Atrial remodeling plays a key role in the occurrence and development of AF, and includes electrical remodeling, structural remodeling, and autonomic nerve remodeling. Research has shown that ncRNA expression is altered in the plasma and tissues of AF patients that mediate cardiac excitation and arrhythmia, and is closely related to atrial remodeling.Methods: Literatures about ncRNAs and atrial fibrillation were extensively reviewed to discuss and analyze. Conclusions:The biology of ncRNAs represents a relatively new field of research and is still in an emerging stage. Recent studies have laid a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of AF, future studies aimed at identifying how ncRNAs act on atrial fibrillation to provide potentially promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Association between Anemia and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Critically Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

“…Low Hb concentrations, included in the definition of anemia, are a possible marker for the pathophysiologic processes that favor the development of NOAF. However, a causal relationship may also be considered because NOAF is seen to occur due to an insufficient response to myocardial needs in anemia and atrial ischemia [ 9 ]. Presumably, hypotension may compromise myocardial perfusion, particularly in patients with anemia.…”

“…Anemia, especially acute anemia, produces intense adrenergic activation, and the adrenergic response due to anemia may trigger the development of NOAF in predisposed patients. Another mechanism that predisposes anemia to develop NOAF is ischemic damage to atrial myocytes and myocardial conduction cells [ 9 ].…”

Obesity-Related Atrial Fibrillation: Cardiac Manifestation of a Systemic Disease

“…Alternatively, biomarkers obtained non-invasively from serum or other secretions, such as saliva or urine, can prove to be an invaluable tool to predict incident AF and/or prognosticate AF progression. There has been a tremendous effort to identify various biomarkers specific to AF, including serum microRNAs, other non-coding RNAs [ 112 , 113 ], proteins/hormones [ 114 , 115 ], and metabolites [ 116 , 117 ]. However, the accuracy of these biomarkers is not yet sufficient for day-to-day clinical usage.…”

Emerging Roles of Micrornas in Veterinary Cardiology

“…The miRNA expression level is altered in patients with AF [ 32 ]. In atrial fibroblasts, the expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) genes collagen-1A1 (COL1A1), collagen-3A1 (COL3A1), and fibrillin is modulated by miR-29b.…”