Publications by authors named "R M Wesselink"
Background: Obesity increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesize that 'obese' epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is, regardless of comorbidities, associated with markers of AF vulnerability.
Methods: Patients >40y of age undergoing bariatric surgery and using <2 antihypertensive drugs and no insulin were prospectively included.
Article Synopsis
- - Atrial fibrosis is a key factor in the development and persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF), but treating it is difficult due to the complex activity of atrial fibroblasts.
- - The study discovered that primary cilia play a crucial role in regulating the fibrotic response of atrial fibroblasts in AF, showing fewer ciliated fibroblasts in AF patients compared to those without AF.
- - Restoring or elongating primary cilia can potentially prevent the expression of fibrosis-related genes in AF patients, presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for managing atrial fibrosis.
The interplay of influences shaping dietary behaviors of adolescents needs to be well-understood to develop effective strategies stimulating healthy and sustainable behaviors. This study aimed to identify the most relevant, urgent, changeable and effective motivators and barriers of healthy and sustainable dietary behaviors among adolescents (10-19 years), as perceived by an inter- and transdisciplinary expert panel. Experts working in practice (N = 19) and academia (N = 13) - in the field of sustainability, health, nutrition and/or education - participated in this exploratory mixed-methods study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe aim to elucidate how miRNAs regulate the mRNA signature of atrial fibrillation (AF), to gain mechanistic insight and identify candidate targets for future therapies. We present combined miRNA-mRNA sequencing using atrial tissues of patient without AF (n = 22), with paroxysmal AF (n = 22) and with persistent AF (n = 20). mRNA sequencing previously uncovered upregulated epithelial to mesenchymal transition, endothelial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix remodelling involving glycoproteins and proteoglycans in AF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) secretome induces fibrosis. Fibrosis, primarily extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by fibroblasts, creates a substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the EAT secretome from patients with AF activates human atrial fibroblasts and through which components, remains unexplored.
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