Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein of Metabolic Syndrome Modulates Gap Junctions and Slows Cardiac Conduction

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 21;7(1):12050. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-11416-5.

Abstract

Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) is a hallmark of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and each manifestation of MetS is related to atrial fibrillation (AF) risks. Slowed atrial conduction is a mechanism of AF in MetS. We hypothesized that VLDL can modulate and reduce atrial gap junctions. VLDLs were separated from normal (Normal-VLDL) and MetS (MetS-VLDL) individuals. VLDLs (15 µg/g) and equivalent volumes of saline (CTL) were injected respectively to C57BL/6 mice for 6 weeks. Electrocardiograms demonstrated that MetS-VLDL induced prolongation of P wave (P = 0.041), PR intervals (P = 0.014), QRS duration and QTc interval (both P = 0.003), but Normal-VLDL did not. Optical mapping of perfused hearts confirmed slowed conduction on atria and ventricles of MetS-VLDL mice. Slowed cardiac conduction was associated with significant atrial and ventricular remodeling, along with systolic dysfunction and comparable intra-cardiac fibrosis. MetS-VLDL induced downregulation of Cx40 and Cx43 at transcriptional, translational and tissue levels, and it also enhanced O-GlcNAcylation of Cx40 and Cx43. Protein structure analyses predicted O-GlcNAcylation at serine 18 of Cx40 and Cx43 which may impair stability of gap junctions. In conclusion, MetS-VLDL modulates gap junctions and delays both atrial and ventricular conduction. VLDL may contribute to the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias in MetS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Connexin 43 / chemistry
  • Connexin 43 / genetics
  • Connexin 43 / metabolism
  • Connexins / chemistry
  • Connexins / genetics
  • Connexins / metabolism
  • Electrocardiography
  • Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
  • Gap Junctions / drug effects*
  • Gap Junctions / physiology
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Glycosylation / drug effects
  • Heart / drug effects
  • Heart / physiopathology
  • Heart Conduction System / drug effects*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL / administration & dosage
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Myocardium / cytology
  • Myocardium / metabolism

Substances

  • Connexin 43
  • Connexins
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL