Title:Three Generation β-Blockers for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Author(s): Arthur C. Francisco, Wanessa M. C. Awata, Thauann S. Lima, Simone R. Potje, Clare C. Prohaska, Carla S. Ceron and Gabriel T. do Vale*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Minas Gerais State University, Passos-MG, Brazil
Keywords:
β-blocker, New β-blocker, β-adrenergic receptor, β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, atrial fibrillation, myocardiocytes.
Abstract: The efficiency of blood flowing from the heart depends on its electrical properties. Myocardial
electrical activity is associated with generating cardiac action potentials in isolated myocardial
cells and their coordinated propagation, which are mediated by gap junctions. Atrial fibrillation
(AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia which causes an aggressive disturbance in cardiac
electromechanical function. Moreover, AF increases the risk of stroke and mortality and is a major
cause of death. The mechanisms underlying AF involve electrophysiological changes in ion channel
expression and function. β-blockers may be useful in patients with chronic AF or in preventing
postoperative AF in subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or other types of
surgery. The reduction in heart rate induced by β1-adrenergic receptor antagonists may be associated
with the beneficial effect of this drug class. Second generation beta-blockers may be considered
superior to the first generation due to their selectivity to the β1 receptor as well as avoiding
pulmonary or metabolic adverse effects. Third generation beta-blockers may be considered a great
option for their vasodilation and antioxidant properties. There is also a new β-blocker, named
landilol that also results on reduced risk of post operative AF without adverse effects and its use
has been increasing in clinical trials.
