DNA BREAKS AND ELECTRIC CARDIOVERSION

Background. The electric cardioversion (ECV) is a strong external stress factor, despite its protective effect to restore sinus rhythm is well known. DNA is the crucial biopolymer for the health and life. The most severe DNA damages (DNA breaks), when stay unrepaired, may be fatal for the cells survival.
Aim. To investigate whether the ECV may induce the most severe DNA damages.
Methods. To this prospective controlled study we are planning to enrol 15-25 patients with persistent, optimally lone, atrial fibrillation and 5-10 matched health controls. In everyone 3 blood samples will be collected (pre-ECV, 30 and 60 min post-ECV) for DNA break analysis. The most severe DNA breaks will be analysed using Comet assay and γH2AX in peripheral blood cells (lymphocytes). Results will be expressed as mean (standard deviation) or median (max-min). Level of significance (P < 0.05)
Conclusion. Authors expect that ECV will induce the severe DNA damages followed by prompt DNA damage reparation.