My group is currently studying the genetic aspects of atrial fibrillation in an extended family with many members suffering from Atrial fibrillation. I found the following article extremely useful: 

Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation

Implications for Future Research Directions and Personalized Medicine

Steven A. Lubitz, Cevher Ozcan, Jared W. Magnani, Stefan Kääb, Emelia J. Benjamin, Patrick T. Ellinor

Journal of atrial fibrillation

Author Manuscript

HHS Public Access

Lone AF – etiologic factors and genetic insights into pathophysiolgy

Babar Parvez, MD and Dawood Darbar, MD

Additional article information

Abstract

Ever since atrial fibrillation (AF) was first recognized in young people (so called “lone” AF) over 4 decades ago, there has been increasing focus on determining the underlying the pathophysiology of the condition. Although lone AF is presumed to be a highly heterogeneous disease, recent studies have identified novel risk factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, endurance sports and genetics, for the arrhythmia. This monograph aims to highlight some of the recent advances in our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of lone AF especially insight provided by contemporary genetic studies. These insights may provide novel therapeutic targets for treatment of this challenging arrhythmia in young patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, representing a growing epidemic with significant health consequences and affecting more than two million adults in the U.S. [1]. The mean age of individuals with AF is 75 years; disease prevalence increases with age (2.3% age > 40 years; 5.9% age > 65 years) and with the presence of structural heart disease such as ischemic, hypertensive, myocardial, or valvular disease.

AF in young patients or so called “lone” or idiopathic AF is characterized by the presence of the arrhythmia in the absence of structural heart disease or other identifiable causes such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, hyperthyroidism, or alcohol use. Lone AF typically occurs in young and middle-aged adults (mean age at diagnosis ~ 44 years) [2]]. The prevalence of lone AF, depending on the age of the population under consideration, ranges from 2% to 11% [3, 4, 5]. Although novel risk factors for this arrhythmia have recently been described [6, 7], the etiology of an individual’s condition often remains unknown [8].

The term lone auricular fibrillation was first introduced by Evans and Swann [9] in 1953. Since then it has been suggested that a diagnosis of lone AF should be restricted to patients 40 mm) was common among competitive athletes (20%), this was not associated with higher incidence of lone AF. In contrast, a small prospective study showed that the 10-year cumulative incidence of lone AF in 300 top-ranked runners was 5.3% compared with 0.9% in 495 healthy controls [44]. This was supported by another study that showed that left atrial enlargement in a cohort of 252 marathon runners was associated with increased risk for lone AF [40].

A recent study assessed the association between frequency of vigorous exercise and risk of developing AF in 16,921 apparently healthy men in the Physicians’ Health Study [48]. During 12 years of follow-up, 1,661 men reported developing AF. This study showed that the frequency of vigorous exercise was associated with an increased risk of developing AF in young men and joggers. However, this risk decreased as the population aged and was offset by known beneficial effects of vigorous exercise on other AF risk factors.

Genetic Basis of Atrial Fibrillation

The underlying pathophysiology of AF especially lone AF remains poorly understood. Recent advances in genetics and molecular biology have provided important insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of AF. Although familial AF was first reported in 1943 [49], it is only recently that the genetic basis for the arrhythmia has been recognized.

Heritability of lone AF

Heritability of AF is suggested by two recent population-based studies demonstrating that the presence of AF in first-degree relatives was associated with an increased risk of developing AF [50, 51]. In fact, the relative risk of AF is estimated at 85% in individuals with at least one parent with a history of AF [50]. We and others have confirmed that a family history of AF is present in one-third of patients with lone AF indicating that familial AF is more common than previously recognized [52, 53].

Genes associated with AF

Studies of kindreds with AF suggest a genetic basis for the condition, especially in younger subjects with lone AF. Several genes and loci have now been described for Mendelian AF (Table 1). A gene locus for AF was first reported in 1997, based on genetic mapping in three Spanish families [6]. However, the gene responsible for AF in these kindreds has not yet been identified. A second locus for AF on the proximal long arm of chromosome 6 was identified in 2003 [54]. Three additional AF loci have subsequently been identified on chromosomes 20q12–13 [55], 5p13 [56] and 10p11–q21 [57]. We recently identified a novel AF locus on chromosome 5p15 by genome-wide linkage analysis of a 4-generation family with familial AF [58]. Importantly, our study established an abnormally prolonged P-wave determined by signal-averaged ECG analysis as an intermediate or ‘endophenotype’ that improved statistical power of the linkage study in this family.

Table 1

Genes and loci implicated in familial atrial fibrillation (AF).

In one such family of Chinese descent, Chen and coworkers [59] identified a mutation in KCNQ1, which encodes a potassium channel that underlies the slowly repolarizing current in cardiomyocytes known as IKs. The investigators were able to map the locus to a 12-Mb region of chromosome 11p15 in a 4-generation family with early-onset lone AF and long QT syndrome. The KCNQ1 gene lies within this region and resequencing identified an S140G mutation in all affected family members. Functional analysis of the S140G mutant revealed a gain-of-function effect in KCNQ1/KCNE1 and KCNQ1/KCNE2 currents, which contrasts with the dominant negative or loss-of-function effects of KCNQ1 mutations previously associated with congenital long QT syndrome. The same group also established a link between KCNE2 and AF by identification of a mutation in two families with AF [60]. The mutation (R27C) also caused a gain-of-function when co-expressed with KCNQ1. Interestingly, there is a high incidence of atrial arrhythmias in patients with the short QT syndrome caused by gain-of-function mutations in IKs, IKr, or IK1 [61] and this suggests an important role for shortening of the action potential in the development of AF. More recently, a truncating mutation in KCNA5, encoding a voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv1.5) underlying the ultrarapid delayed rectifier current (IKur) was associated with familial AF [62].

Another set of single-gene-based abnormalities cause AF by impairing conduction through effects on the cardiac sodium channels that carry fast inward Na+ current (INa), via loss-of-function gene variants in the α-subunit pore-forming subunit gene, SCN5A. These can present predominantly as AF occurring alone [63], in association with dilated cardiomyopathies [64], or in the context of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias with Brugada syndrome. Finally, a series of patients has recently been described with loss-of-function mutations in the CACNA1C and CACNB2 genes, encoding α-subunit and β2-subunit genes of the cardiac L-type Ca2+-current (ICaL), producing features of both Brugada syndrome and short QT syndrome accompanied with a high incidence of AF [65].

AF Candidate Genes

A candidate gene can be any gene that is hypothesized to cause a disease. Based on the work relating KCNQ1 to AF, investigators have considered other potassium (and ion) channels as potential candidate genes for AF and screened for mutations in these genes in cohorts of subjects with lone AF. Otway and colleagues [66] examined 50 kindreds with AF and amplified the genes for KCNQ1 and KCNE1–3, which encode accessory subunits of KCNQ1. They found a single mutation (R14C) in KCNQ1 in only one family. Unlike the S140G mutation discovered by Chen and colleagues [59], R14C had no significant effect on KCNQ1/KCNE1 current amplitudes in cultured cells at baseline. However, upon exposure to hypotonic solution, mutant channels exhibited a marked increase in currents compared with wild-type channels. Interestingly, only those with left atrial dilatation had AF, leading the authors to speculate a “two-hit” hypothesis for AF. They also identified a mutation in KCNE2 in two of the kindreds. Like the S140G mutation in KCNQ1 the mutation in KCNE2 (R27C) dramatically increased the amplitude of IKs. Additional studies suggest that the relationship between potassium channels and AF extends beyond IKs. The work of Xia and colleagues [67] also implicates KCNJ2 which encodes, an inward rectifier potassium channel that underlies IK1 in AF. In their work, a V931I mutation was found in all affected members in one kindred with familial AF. The mutation also leads to gain-of-function in KCNJ2 channels, which increased potassium current amplitudes. However, there is still an incomplete understanding of how an increase in the background current IK1 might lead to AF.

The genes that encode connexins, gap-junction proteins that mediate the spread of action potentials between cardiac myocytes, have also been examined as potential candidates for AF. Prior work has shown that mice with null alleles of GJA5, the gene for connexin-40, exhibit atrial reentrant arrhythmias. From this work, Gollob and colleagues [68] considered this gene as a potential candidate in individuals with lone AF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation surgery. An analysis of DNA isolated from their cardiac tissue showed that 4 of the 15 subjects had mutations in GJA5 that markedly interfered with the electrical coupling between cells. In three of the patients, DNA isolated from their lymphocytes lacked the same mutation in GJA5 indicating that the connexin-40 mutation had been acquired after fertilization or was a somatic mutation. One of the four individuals carried the mutation in both cardiac tissue and lymphocytes consistent with a germline rather than somatic mutation.

Association studies

Most patients with AF have one or more identifiable risk factors, but many or even most patients with these same risk factors do not develop AF. Thus, a working hypothesis is that genetic determinants favor AF in some individuals with identifiable risk factors. Studies comparing cases of non-familial AF to age-related and gender-matched controls (association studies) have provided some insight into the genetic basis of acquired AF. Over the last decade, many case-control and cohort studies have been performed in subjects with AF, leading to the identification of variants associated with the disease. These studies have typically tested a small number of variants and have been directed at candidate genes previously believed to be involved in AF. Examples include genes encoding the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and calcium handling, as well as neurohormonal and lipoprotein pathways. Additionally, genes encoding gap junction proteins, ion channels, interleukins, signaling molecules, and mediators of other molecular pathways have been examined. Unfortunately, these studies have been limited by a low prior probability of any polymorphism truly being associated with AF. Further complicating these analyses are the small sample sizes and a lack of replication in distinct populations, as well as phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity.

In recent years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been made possible by advances in genotyping technology that allow investigators to assay hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spread over the entire human genome. In the first GWAS of AF, involving replication studies in three distinct European and a Chinese population, a strong association was discovered between AF and two SNPs on chromosome 4q25 [69]. About 35% of individuals of European descent have at least one of the DNA sequence variations and the risk of AF increases by 1.72 and 1.39 per copy. The stronger variant is carried by 75% of the Chinese population, in whom it increases the risk of AF by 1.42 per copy. Although the mechanism for this observed association remains unknown, both variants are adjacent to the PITX2 gene, which is critical for cardiac development. In knockout mice, pitx2c was implicated in the formation of the extension of left atrial myocardium into the pulmonary veins [70]; since abnormal automaticity in this region is now implicated as a common driver for many forms of AF [71], PITX2 is an obvious candidate gene. We worked with others to replicate this association in a study of 4 large AF populations [72], and showed that the association also holds in post-cardiac surgery AF [73], a setting thought to be related to inflammation.

Genetic insight into the pathophysiology of lone AF

One prevailing conceptual model proposed for AF pathogenesis describes reduced atrial refractory period as a substrate for reentrant arrhythmias [74]. This model is supported by reports of gain-of-function mutations in genes encoding subunits of cardiac ion channels responsible for generating IKs (KCNQ1/KCNE2] and IK1 (KCNJ2) which are predicted to decrease action potential duration [59, 60, 67]. We recently identified mutations in KCNQ1 and NPPA (which encodes for atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP]), in two moderate-sized Caucasian kindreds with early onset familial lone AF and normal QT intervals. Although both these genes have previously been linked with familial AF [59, 75], this is the first study to demonstrate that augmented potassium current is the shared phenotype across these diverse genetic defects causing familial AF [76]. IKs gain-of-function mutations have previously been reported for potassium channel defects, but the notion that mutations in disparate genes, KCNQ1 and NPPA, lead to the same arrhythmia phenotype raises the possibility of subtype specific therapy for familial lone AF.

Interestingly recent studies have established that loss-of-function mutations are also associated with lone AF. Mutations in KCNA5, a voltage-gated potassium channel expressed solely in human atria, have been associated with familial AF [62, 77]. The mutated channels fail to generate the ultrarapid delayed rectifier current IKur and lead to atrial action potential prolongation, early afterdepolarizations and increased vulnerability to stress-induced triggered activity. This is a novel mechanism for lone AF that does not invoke shortening of the action potential duration. Such improved understanding of familial AF mechanisms provides a therapeutic rationale for either prolonging or shortening the atrial refractory period for the treatment of familial lone AF with antiarrhythmic drugs.

Management of lone AF

Management strategies in patients with lone AF include rhythm or rate control as well as anticoagulation. Recent randomized trials in minimally symptomatic patients have argued against vigorous attempts to maintain sinus rhythm [78]. However in such trials, patients maintaining sinus rhythm have improved outcomes [79] and many patients are highly symptomatic with AF.

Maintaining sinus rhythm with antiarrhythmic drugs or left atrial ablation remains an important goal for many patients especially those that have highly symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent lone AF. However a cardioselective beta-blocker e.g. metoprolol, may also be tried first [10]. Other membrane-active drugs such as flecainide, propafenone and sotalol are also moderately effective at maintaining sinus rhythm. In adrenergically-mediated lone AF [37, 39], beta-blockers represent the first line therapy, followed by sotalol and amiodarone.

Safety and efficacy of drug therapy and catheter ablation

The limited efficacy of membrane-active drugs and the potential for proarrhythmia combined with poor ventricular rate control with AV nodal blocking agents, has encouraged many electrophysiologists to consider left atrial catheter ablation at an early stage in the management of patients with lone AF [10]. However, it should be appreciated that patients with lone AF have excellent long-term survival [5] and the risks of serious adverse events with long-term antiarrhythmic drugs or ablation should be carefully weighed against the superb prognosis without any risk associated with such treatment. Nonetheless, the value of catheter ablation for improvement of symptoms in patients with lone AF is well established and is recommended according to published guidelines [10]. A 30 year follow up study [5] established a low risk of progression to permanent AF in young patients. Hence invasive therapies should be reserved for highly symptomatic patients. With aging and development of secondary comorbidities such as hypertension, heart failure, or diabetes, thromboembolic risk increases. Apart from left atrial catheter ablation, several surgical techniques have been proposed for the management of patients with lone AF, including the Cox maze III surgery, beating-heart pulmonary vein isolation and minimally invasive surgical approach via small right inframammary incisions or video assisted thoracoscopic approach [80, 81, 82].

Targeting therapy based on genetic subtypes

The rare ion channel and other variants that we and others have identified in patients with AF have obvious (but as yet untested) therapeutic implications. A gain of function potassium channel mutation would be predicted to respond to a potassium blocking drug, while sodium channel blockers would be predicted to be ineffective in subjects with AF arising from slow conduction or decreased sodium current. It is also possible that common genetic variants identify AF subtypes with differing drug responses. For example, recognizing that renin-angiotensin activation is implicated in AF [83, 84], we examined the impact of the common ACE ID polymorphism on response to antiarrhythmic therapy. An analysis of 213 subjects treated with rhythm control showed that lone AF and DD/ID genotypes were highly significant predictors of failure of drug therapy [85]. By contrast, we found no relationship between common SNPs in the β1-adrenergic receptor (resulting in G389R; rs1801253 and S49G; rs1801252) and response to ventricular rate control therapy in a group of 279 patients managed with rate control [86]. We have also examined the role of clinical variables and two common SNPs at the 4q25 locus (rs2200733, rs10033464) as predictors of response to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in AF. Among these, only rs10033464 genotype was associated with successful rhythm control (OR; 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01–2.19), and this association persisted after correction for clinical factors (OR 2.39; 1.25–4.59).

Conclusions

Currently lone AF is considered a nosographic entity, only when clinical and echocardiographic evidence of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease has been ruled out. Although a consistent definition is lacking, lone AF should be considered a separate entity from AF associated with underlying cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have identified novel risk factors for the disease that provide important insight into the underlying pathophysiology of the condition. Furthermore, improved understanding of the genetic basis for lone AF will not only help define clinical sub-types but will also provide new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of this challenging arrhythmia in young patients.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by NIH awards (HL65962, HL092217, and HL085690) and the American Heart Association award 0940116N.

Article information

J Atr Fibrillation. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 Dec 1.

Published in final edited form as:

J Atr Fibrillation. 2010 Dec 1; 1(12): 675–684.

PMCID: PMC2911796

NIHMSID: NIHMS209388

Babar Parvez, MD1 and Dawood Darbar, MD2

1 Department of Internal Medicine Meharry Medical College Nashville, TN

2 Department of Medicine Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, TN

Correspondence to: Dawood Darbar, MD, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215B Garland Avenue, Room 1285A MRB IV, Nashville, TN 37323-6602, Phone: 615 936-3058, Fax: (615) 322-8818, [email protected]

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As new discoveries in the field of genetics, the group Idiopathic AF becomes every time ever less. Most often the genetic AF Is monogenic and autosomal dominant, affecting various potassium channels in phase 3. More rarely, AF may be autosomal recessive or sex-linked. In such cases, the channels of sodium are affected. There are also known forms of AF with mutations in many genes - family polygenic atrial fibrillation.

Genetic AF may be an independent nosological unit or accompany with such channel diseases as the syndrome of elongated or shortened Interval QT, Brugada's syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. In addition, AF may be associated with such structural genetic  cardiomyopathy, as family dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic dysplasia right ventricle as well as with other diseases (noncompact cardiomyopathy, fibroelastosis and mitochondrial diseases).