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International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a rare inherited cardiac arrhythmia causing potentially fatal ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, mainly occurring during rest or sleep in...
Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a rare inherited cardiac arrhythmia causing potentially fatal ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, mainly occurring during rest or sleep in young individuals without heart structural issues. It increases the risk of sudden cardiac death, and its characteristic feature is an abnormal ST segment elevation on the ECG. While BrS has diverse genetic origins, a subset of cases can be conducted to mutations in the gene, which encodes for the Nav1.5 sodium channel. Our study focused on three novel mutations (p.A344S, p.N347K, and p.D349N) found in unrelated BrS families. Using patch clamp experiments, we found that these mutations disrupted sodium currents: p.A344S reduced current density, while p.N347K and p.D349N completely abolished it, leading to altered voltage dependence and inactivation kinetics when co-expressed with normal channels. We also explored the effects of mexiletine treatment, which can modulate ion channel function. Interestingly, the p.N347K and p.D349N mutations responded well to the treatment, rescuing the current density, while p.A344S showed a limited response. Structural analysis revealed these mutations were positioned in key regions of the channel, impacting its stability and function. This research deepens our understanding of BrS by uncovering the complex relationship between genetic mutations, ion channel behavior, and potential therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Humans; Brugada Syndrome; NAV1.5 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Mutation
PubMed: 37894777
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015089 -
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology :... Nov 2023Mexiletine, a class Ib antiarrhythmic drug, exhibits its major antiarrhythmic effect via inhibition of the fast and late Na currents in myocardial tissues that are... (Review)
Review
Mexiletine, a class Ib antiarrhythmic drug, exhibits its major antiarrhythmic effect via inhibition of the fast and late Na currents in myocardial tissues that are dependent on the opening of Na channels for their excitation. Through a comprehensive examination of mexiletine's therapeutic benefits and potential risks, we aim to provide valuable insights that reinforce its role as a vital therapeutic option for patients with ventricular arrhythmias, long QT syndrome, and other heart rhythm disorders. This review will highlight the current understandings of the antiarrhythmic effects and rationales for recent off-label use and address the mortality and proarrhythmic effects of mexiletine utilizing published basic and clinical studies over the past five decades.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Mexiletine; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Long QT Syndrome; Myocardium
PubMed: 37846818
DOI: 10.1111/pace.14846 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2023Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation....
INTRODUCTION
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation. LQT2 is the second most common subtype of LQTS caused by loss of function mutations in the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene. Although more than 900 mutations are associated with the LQTS, many of these mutations are not validated or characterized.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Sequencing analyses of genomic DNA of a family with LQT2 identified a putative mutation. i.e., KCNH2(NM_000238.3): c.3099_3112del, in KCNH2 gene which appeared to be a definite pathogenic mutation. The family pedigree information showed a gender difference in clinical features and T-wave morphology between male and female patients. The female with mutation exhibited recurring ventricular arrhythmia and syncope, while two male carriers did not show any symptoms. In addition, T-wave in females was much flatter than in males. The female proband showed a positive reaction to the lidocaine test. Lidocaine injection almost completely blocked ventricular arrhythmia and shortened the QT interval by ≥30 ms. Treatment with propranolol, mexiletine, and implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators prevented the sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and syncope, as assessed by a 3-year follow-up evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS
A putative mutation c.3099_3112del in the KCNH2 gene causes LQT2 syndrome, and the pathogenic mutation mainly causes symptoms in female progeny.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels; ERG1 Potassium Channel; Sex Factors; Mutation; Long QT Syndrome; Syncope; Lidocaine
PubMed: 37783170
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100285 -
Biomedicines Aug 2023The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the selectivity of blocking the late Na current (I) over the peak Na current (I) is related to the fast offset...
The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the selectivity of blocking the late Na current (I) over the peak Na current (I) is related to the fast offset kinetics of the Na channel inhibitor. Therefore, the effects of 1 µM GS967 (I inhibitor), 20 µM mexiletine (I/B antiarrhythmic) and 10 µM quinidine (I/A antiarrhythmic) on I and I were compared in canine ventricular myocardium. I was estimated as the maximum velocity of action potential upstroke (V). Equal amounts of I were dissected by the applied drug concentrations under APVC conditions. The inhibition of I by mexiletine and quinidine was comparable under a conventional voltage clamp, while both were smaller than the inhibitory effect of GS967. Under steady-state conditions, the V block at the physiological cycle length of 700 ms was 2.3% for GS967, 11.4% for mexiletine and 26.2% for quinidine. The respective offset time constants were 110 ± 6 ms, 456 ± 284 ms and 7.2 ± 0.9 s. These results reveal an inverse relationship between the offset time constant and the selectivity of I over I inhibition without any influence of the onset rate constant. It is concluded that the selective inhibition of I over I is related to the fast offset kinetics of the Na channel inhibitor.
PubMed: 37760824
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092383 -
Journal of Cardiovascular... Mar 2024Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are the most common ventricular arrhythmia that are encountered in the clinical practice. Recent data suggests that high PVC... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are the most common ventricular arrhythmia that are encountered in the clinical practice. Recent data suggests that high PVC burden may lead to the development of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy (PVC-CM) even in patients without structural heart disease. Treatment for effective suppression of PVCs, can reverse PVC-CM. Both antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and catheter ablation (CA) are recognized treatment modalities for any cardiac arrhythmias. However, with increasing preference of CA, the role of AADs needs further defining regarding their efficacy, safety, indications and patient selection to treat PVC-CM.
METHODS
To ascertain the role of AADs to treat PVC-CM; whether they are indicated to treat PVC-CM, and if so, when, we interrogated PubMed and other search engines for English language publications with key words premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), cardiomyopathy, anti-arrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation, and pharmacological agents. All publications were carefully reviewed and scrutinized by the authors for their inclusion in the review paper. For illustration of cases, ethical standard was observed as per the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki, and the patient was treated as per the prevailing standard of care. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for conducting the ablation procedure.
RESULTS
Our literature search specifically the pharmacological treatment of PVC-CM with AADs revealed significant paradigm shift in treatment approach for PVCs and PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. No major large, randomized control trials of AADs versus CA for PVC-CM were found. We found that beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are particularly effective in the treatment of PVCs originating from right ventricular outflow tract. For Class Ic AADs - flecainide and propafenone, small clinical studies showed Class Ic AADs to be effective in PVC suppression, but their usage was not recommended in patients with significant coronary artery disease. Mexiletine was found to have modest effect on PVC suppression. Studies showed sotalol to significantly reduce PVCs frequency in patients receiving both low and high doses. Studies also showed amiodarone to have higher successful PVC suppression, but not recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with idiopathic PVCs in the absence of symptoms and left ventricular dysfunction. For dronedarone, no major clinical data were available.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the available data in the literature, we conclude that AADs play important role in the treatment of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. However, appropriate patient selection criteria are vitally important, and in general terms AADs are indicated or polymorphic PVCs, epicardial PVCs; and when CA procedure is contraindicated, or not feasible or failed.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Ventricular Premature Complexes; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Cardiomyopathies; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 37676022
DOI: 10.1111/jce.16055 -
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics 2023Mexiletine, a class IB antiarrhythmic, is a structural analog of lidocaine. Our knowledge of mexiletine overdose is based on lidocaine overdose reports. Only a few cases...
BACKGROUND
Mexiletine, a class IB antiarrhythmic, is a structural analog of lidocaine. Our knowledge of mexiletine overdose is based on lidocaine overdose reports. Only a few cases of mexiletine overdose have been reported, including fatal overdoses. Mexiletine toxicity primarily affects the central nervous, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
CASE
A 16-year-old female was brought to our hospital by ambulance after taking an unknown dose of mexiletine in a suicide attempt. Ventricular fibrillation developed while in the ambulance; cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started and spontaneous circulation returned within 1 min. The patient had been taking oral mexiletine for 1 month to treat primary erythromelalgia. Her vital signs were normal, but she was unconscious. Following gastric lavage she was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. Midazolam and levetiracetam were required due to uncontrolled seizures. During the first hour of hospitalization, severe dyskinesia characterized by abnormal involuntary large hyperkinetic movements in all 4 extremities was observed and successfully treated with 2 doses of intravenous biperiden. The patient was discharged on day 6 of hospitalization.
CONCLUSIONS
Mexiletine overdose can be life-threatening. In addition to rapid and effective resuscitation, rapid identification and management of cardiovascular and central nervous system manifestations are key to preventing morbidity and mortality. The presented case had severe dyskinesia that was successfully treated with repeated doses of biperiden. Biperiden did not cause arrhythmia. Based on the presented case, we think biperiden should be considered for the treatment of movement disorders in cases of mexiletine overdose.
Topics: Humans; Dyskinesias; Mexiletine; Female; Adolescent; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Drug Overdose; Erythromelalgia; Biperiden; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37661688
DOI: 10.24953/turkjped.2023.84 -
Pediatric Cardiology Dec 2023The autosomal recessive (AR) form of Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is described both associated with deafness known as Jervell and Lange-Nielsen (JLN) syndrome, and without...
The autosomal recessive (AR) form of Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is described both associated with deafness known as Jervell and Lange-Nielsen (JLN) syndrome, and without deafness (WD). The aim of the study is to report the characteristics of AR LQTS patients and the efficacy of the therapy. Data of all children with AR LQTS referred to the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS from September 2012 to September 2021were included. Three (30%) patients had compound heterozygosity and 7 (70%) had homozygous variants of the KCNQ1 gene, the latter showing deafness. Four patients (40%) presented aborted sudden cardiac death (aSCD): three with previous episodes of syncope (75%), the other without previous symptoms (16.6% of asymptomatic patients). An episode of aSCD occurred in 2/3 (66.7%) of WD and heterozygous patients, while in 2/7 (28%) JLN and homozygous patients and in 2/2 patients with QTC > 600 ms. All patients were treated with Nadolol. In 5 Mexiletine was added, shortening QTc and obtaining the disappearance of the T-wave alternance (TWA) in 3/3. Episodes of aSCD seem to be more frequent in LQTS patients with compound heterozygous variants and WD than in those with JLN and homozygous variants. Episodes of aSCD also appear more frequent in children with syncope or with QTc value > 600 ms, even on beta-blocker therapy, than in patients without syncope or with Qtc < 600 ms. However, our descriptive results should be confirmed by larger studies. Moreover, Mexiletine addition reduced QTc value and eliminated TWA.
Topics: Child; Humans; KCNQ1 Potassium Channel; Mexiletine; Long QT Syndrome; Jervell-Lange Nielsen Syndrome; Syncope; Heart Arrest; Deafness
PubMed: 37597120
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03266-y -
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual Jul 2023Primary erythromelalgia (EM) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by recurrent erythema, burning pain and warmth of the extremities. The symptoms greatly compromise...
INTRODUCTION
Primary erythromelalgia (EM) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by recurrent erythema, burning pain and warmth of the extremities. The symptoms greatly compromise the patients' quality of life leading to severe disability. SCN9A mutations can be the cause of the disease. Dermatologists are often the specialists these patients turn to for assistance.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with primary EM, to assess the presence and mutation types in the SCN9A gene, to evaluate the effectiveness of several therapeutic approaches, and to propose a diagnostic algorithm with therapeutic implications.
METHODS
A monocentric retrospective study using the database of patients with a discharge diagnosis of primary EM of our Center. Demographic, clinical, instrumental and laboratory data of patients were reviewed.
RESULTS
Eleven female patients (age range 16 to 57) were selected. All patients were affected in both the lower and upper extremities. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 9 years. Four patients had four different heterozygous variants of the SCN9A gene. Two patients, although genetically negative, had a suggestive family history. A variety of medications were tried in all our patients to alleviate symptoms, but their efficacy was variable, partial and/or transitory. The most effective therapies were antihistamines, venlafaxine, and mexiletine.
CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis and treatment of EM remain challenging. Patients with this condition display a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and severity, as well as a paucity of resources and structures to support them. Mutations in the SCN9A gene are not always detected.
PubMed: 37557164
DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1303a191 -
Cureus Jun 2023Non-dystrophic myotonia (NDM) is a group of rare mono-genetic muscle disorders caused by skeletal muscle sodium or chloride channelopathies. These disorders are...
Non-dystrophic myotonia (NDM) is a group of rare mono-genetic muscle disorders caused by skeletal muscle sodium or chloride channelopathies. These disorders are characterized by high muscle tone and the inability of the muscles to relax spontaneously after voluntary contraction. Myotonia congenita refers to a form of NDM that typically manifests during the later stages of childhood. It occurs as a result of genetic mutations affecting the chloride channels found in the sarcolemma membrane of skeletal muscles. Here, we present a case series of two male siblings born out of third-degree consanguineous union ages 10 and eight years, respectively, who presented with proximal muscle weakness and the characteristic "Herculean body" appearance. They demonstrated characteristic clinical diagnostic signs of myotonia. The diagnosis of myotonia congenita was confirmed through distinctive electromyography (EMG) findings, which were further supported by genetic testing revealing a homozygous mutation c.1445G>A in exon 13 of the CLCN1 gene, indicating autosomal recessive inheritance. This uncommon condition exhibits characteristic clinical manifestations and classical EMG findings, which are difficult to disregard once encountered. Genetic tests serve as a valuable tool to validate the diagnosis.
PubMed: 37489215
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40869 -
Archiv Der Pharmazie Oct 2023Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of cardiac electrophysiology resulting in life-threatening arrhythmias; nowadays, only a few drugs are available for the management...
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of cardiac electrophysiology resulting in life-threatening arrhythmias; nowadays, only a few drugs are available for the management of LQTS. Focusing our attention on LQT2, one of the most common subtypes of LQTS caused by mutations in the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG), in the present work, the stereoselectivity of the recently discovered mexiletine-derived urea 8 was investigated on the hERG potassium channel. According to preliminary in silico predictions, in vitro studies revealed a stereoselective behavior, with the meso form showing the greatest hERG opening activity. In addition, functional studies on guinea pig isolated left atria, aorta, and ileum demonstrated that 8 does not present any cardiac or intestinal liability in our ex vivo studies. Due to its overall profile, (R,S)-8 paves the way for the design and development of a new series of compounds potentially useful in the treatment of both congenital and drug-induced forms of LQTS.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Guinea Pigs; Mexiletine; Molecular Docking Simulation; Urea; Structure-Activity Relationship; Potassium Channels; Long QT Syndrome
PubMed: 37460390
DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300116