Nonchannel drug targets in atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinical arrhythmia and one of the most important factors for ischemic stroke. In general, AF is treated with "channel-blocking drugs" to restore sinus rhythm and warfarin is recommended in the majority of patients to prevent atrial thrombus formation and thromboembolic events. In the recent years, a tremendous amount has been learned about the pathophysiology and molecular biology of AF. Thus, pharmacologic interference with specific signal transduction pathways with "non-channel-blocking drugs" appears promising as a novel antiarrhythmic approach to maintain sinus rhythm and to prevent atrial clot formation. Therefore, this review will highlight some novel "nonchannel drug targets" for AF therapy.
Goette
Andreas
A
Division of Cardiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipzigerstrasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. andreas.goette@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
Lendeckel
Uwe
U
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000378:metabolism; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D045726:Metalloproteases / Q000378:metabolism; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000975:Antioxidants; D000804:Angiotensin II; D045726:Metalloproteases