Skip to main content
Advertisement
Browse Subject Areas
?

Click through the PLOS taxonomy to find articles in your field.

For more information about PLOS Subject Areas, click here.

  • Loading metrics

Neurally mediated syncope diagnosis based on adenylate cyclase activity in Japanese patients

  • Tomoyoshi Komiyama ,

    Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

    komiyama@tokai-u.jp

    Affiliation Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Eiichiro Nagata,

    Roles Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – original draft

    Affiliation Department of Neurology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Tadashi Hashida,

    Roles Investigation

    Affiliation Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Susumu Sakama,

    Roles Investigation

    Affiliation Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Kengo Ayabe,

    Roles Investigation

    Affiliation Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Hiroshi Kamiguchi,

    Roles Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Validation

    Affiliation Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Ayumi Sasaki,

    Roles Formal analysis

    Affiliation Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Koichiro Yoshioka ,

    Contributed equally to this work with: Koichiro Yoshioka, Hiroyuki Kobayashi

    Roles Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation

    Affiliation Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Hiroyuki Kobayashi

    Contributed equally to this work with: Koichiro Yoshioka, Hiroyuki Kobayashi

    Roles Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation

    Affiliation Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan

Abstract

The study aims to clarify the mechanism in patients with neurally mediated syncope (NMS), focusing on the adenylate cyclase (AC) activity level in lymphocytes. This study included 40 subjects: 22 healthy volunteers and 18 NMS patients. We investigated the changes in AC activity that occur during of syncope at rest and during the head-up tilt (HUT) test. We obtained 8 mL of blood at rest time and four times during the HUT test. Then, we measured the AC activity and the test reagent was added to the lymphocytes (10,000) and reacted for 30 min at room temperature. We were able to determine the standard value of AC activity when adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP) were added to lymphocytes. The results of our study showed one of the causes of NMS has a difference in AC activity level and classification of the patients into two different types of NMS was possible: either the vasodepressor type (VT) or mixed type (MT). At rest time, VT patients showed significantly higher AC activity (AD; 100 μM: p = 0.005, IP; 50 μM: p = 0.02) and MT patients showed significantly lower AC activity (AD; 10 μM: p = 0.02, IP; 50 μM: p = 0.004) than the average AC activity in healthy volunteers. Moreover, VT patients had significantly higher AC activity than healthy volunteers at the four points of the HUT test. MT patients had significantly lower AC activity (AD: p = 0.04 and IP: p = 0.04) than healthy volunteers at the rest time of HUT. Our study showed a significant difference in AC activities between NMS patients and healthy volunteers at rest. Therefore, a detailed NMS diagnosis can be made by examining AC activity levels in blood taken at rest time.

Introduction

In this study, we sought to clarify the mechanism of neurally mediated syncope (NMS). In recent years, approximately 20% of unknown syncope cases were considered to be NMS [13]. Frequently occurring NMS lead to problems in everyday life [4, 5]. The underlying mechanisms causing NMS have yet to be clarified before any treatment can be proposed to patients.

In general, NMS patients are treated lightly as they quickly recover consciousness. However, while NMS itself is not fatal, NMS patients can experience secondary damage (head or chest contusion etc.) as a result of collapse [69]. Moreover, when the individual affected by NMS are drivers, this can lead to dangerous situations involving other people [6, 10, 11]. Regarding the impact on the patient and his environment, NMS needs to be considered a serious disease, its causes clarified, and proper diagnosis methods developed. In the NMS diagnosis, understanding the cause of symptoms is very important, such as for instance fainting in a standing or sitting position. However, since many diseases can result in fainting spells (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, cardiogenic syncope, arrhythmia, epilepsy, and cerebral vascular disorders), various additional examinations are required to confirm syncope-related symptoms [1218]. If NMS is suspected, diagnosis will entail conducting a head-up tilt (HUT) test [1922]. The HUT test will classify the NMS into one of the three different types: the vasodepressor type (VT), mixed type (MT), and cardioinhibitory type (CT) [2327].

AC mediates the effects of the Gi protein on the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels by acting on α2B-AR [2838]. When activated, the β2 receptor promotes the binding of AC to the Gs protein to generate cAMP [3943]. When cAMP activates protein kinase A, calcium ion channels are opened, accelerating calcium uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum [40, 4446]. Consequently, increased calcium concentrations lead to an increase in the contractile force of smooth muscle [4750]. Therefore, we speculated that this signaling affects AC activity related to the induction of NMS.

Then, we analyzed the mechanism of the molecular interaction and genetic polymorphisms in the adrenergic receptor (α2B-AR) gene. In particular, we focused on the glutamic acid repeat polymorphism site at Glu 301–303 in the α2B-AR gene, and evaluated the phenotypes of Glu12/12, Glu12/9, and Glu9/9. By measuring the difference in the signaling time of the Gi-α subunit (GPCR), we found that the binding energy of the Gi α-subunit in Glu9 was stronger than that in Glu12 [51]. In addition, Small (2001) et al. reported that both Glu 9 and Glu12 repeats showed different AC activity in ovary cells of the Chinese hamster [52]. Thus, we primarily investigated when changes in AC activity levels markedly occur at the NMS.

Past clinical studies have investigated whether AC activity is associated with NMS in patients. We propose to test AC activity in healthy volunteers and NMS patients. Moreover, we investigate the causes of NMS syncope to develop an early diagnosis method that could be used to diagnose NMS in otherwise healthy people.

Material and methods

Ethics statement

The respective institutional ethics committees approved our studies. All the subjects gave written informed consent, including for clinical research and AC activity studies.

———————————————————————————————

Tokai University, School of Medicine IRB

Institutional Review Board for Medical Ethics

Chairman;

Institutional Review Board for Clinical Research, Tokai University

1. Chairman Dr. Munetaka Haida Tokai University Junior College of Nursing and Technology University president

2. Vice Chairman Dr. Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Professor

3. Dr. Rumiko Shimazawa, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Professor

4. Dr. Kei Takeshita, Department of Medical Ethics, Tokai University School of Medicine, Professor

5. Dr. Naoki Yazawa, Department of gastroenterological surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Associate Professor

6. Dr. Masao Toyoda, Division of Nephrology and Metabolism, Department of Internal MedicineTokai University School of Medicine, Associate Professor

7. Dr. Daisuke Sakai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Associate Professor

8. Dr. Kenji Yokoyama, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Associate Professor

9. Dr. Yuji KOYAMA, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, Associate Professor

10. Dr. Noriaki Kishimoto, Health Management Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Senior Lecturer

11. Dr. Takashi Tsukamoto, Department of law department, Tokai University

12. Dr. Michio Oshikubo, Department of law department, Tokai University

13. M.S. Meiko Okabe, Department of Nursing, Tokai University School of Medicine, Associate Professor

14. Tsuyoshi Kimura, Medical Division, Deputy director

15. Koichiro Sato, Pharmaceutical department, Pharmacy technician

16. Shuichi Ishida, Academic Research Support Division, Manager

17. Kazumi Nitta, Nursing unit, Tokai University Hospital

18. Dr. Ayako Mikami, Center Hospital of National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Department, Off-Campus Committee

19. Dr. Nobuhiro Sudo, Hatano Isehara Medical Association, Chairman, Off-Campus Committee

20. Kenichi Takahashi, Isehara city hall, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Manager, Off-Campus Committee

21. Reiko Hirai, Isehara city hall, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Chief clerk, Off-Campus Committee

----------------------------------------------------------------

NMS patients and healthy volunteers

Eighteen Japanese NMS patients (11 males: 42.2 ± 21.2 yr; 7 females: 45.3 ± 21.8 yr) and 22 Japanese healthy volunteers (11 males: 33.5 ± 7.7yr; 11 females: 36.4 ± 7.2 yr) were recruited from the Tokai University School of Medicine from June 2015 to January 2018 (Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4). For the HUT test, 12 healthy volunteers were selected from the 22 healthy volunteers (5 males: 32.4 ± 7.4 yr; 7 females: 38.6 ± 6.3 yr). The diagnoses of NMS patients were based on Colman, et al.[53] and the guidelines of the Japanese Circulation Society (http://www.j-circ.or.jp/english/). The type of NMS (vasodepressor type: VT, mixed type: MT, and cardioinhibitory type: CT) was diagnosed based on data obtained in the electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and pulse at the tilt test. All NMS patients fainted in the tilt test [54]. Organic disease was excluded.

HUT test and blood collection

All the study patients were admitted to the hospital overnight. Patients, not sedated and fasting, underwent the HUT table test between 9:00 am and 11:00 am on a tilt table set to 70°, having rested in the supine position for 15–20 min prior to recording rest time measurements. Healthy volunteers also underwent HUT testing while fasting (Fig 1). The lights and air conditioning were turned off for the duration of the test. Blood was collected from subjects lying on the back for the resting blood draw and we collected 8 mL of blood four times during the HUT test: at the rest time, at 70°, after 10 min, and after 20 min. After removing approximately 1 mL of blood, we switched syringes and drew another 8 mL. To avoid a false positive response, no pharmacological provocation was used and none of the patients had ingested caffeine or medication the day before the test. A positive outcome was defined as the development of syncope or presyncope in association with significant arterial hypotension. We recorded blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiogram readings during the HUT testing (Fig 1, Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4).

thumbnail
Fig 1. The head-up tilt (HUT) table and points of blood draw.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g001

Comparative analysis of AC activity with changing timing

We measured changes of the AC activity at rest in three healthy volunteers (C11, C38, C41) during different seasons. Volunteer C38 was tested on August 17th, 2015 and on July 7th, 2016. Volunteer C11was tested on June 5th, and after five months on November 9th, 2015. Volunteer C41 was tested on July15th, then two months later on September 9th, 2016. Moreover, C41 did the HUT test on July 15th and on September 29th, 2016.

Measurement of AC activity and preparation of lymphocytes

In order to investigate the AC activity amount, we conducted the following experimental method. We isolated the lymphocyte layer from the blood by centrifuge using BD Vacutainer Blood Collection Tubes (New Jersey, USA). Next, we washed the cells with induction Buffer (RPMI 1640, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA) in a medium to separate platelets and isolate the lymphocytes. Test reagent was added to the lymphocytes (10 μM for 10,000 cells, respectively) and for a reaction time of 30 min at room temperature. Then, we measured the amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in accordance with the Promega cAMP-Glo Assay protocol (GloMax-Multi Detection System, Wisconsin, USA). Amounts of cAMP were confirmed in the standard curve (Fig 2 and S1 Table). AC activities were measured in the presence of induction Buffer and /or test reagents (basal) and 100 uM FK. In our study, a concentration of 100 uM FK was reached as a plateau. The results of isoproterenol (IP) and adrenaline (AD) activity levels are expressed as percentages of forskolin (FK)-stimulated activity [52, 55].

thumbnail
Fig 2. Standard and forskolin curves of cAMP concentrations.

A standard curve of the cAMP concentrations.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g002

Adjustment of reagent concentrations for assays (adrenaline, isoproterenol, forskolin)

AD is a nonselective agonist of all adrenergic receptors, including the major subtypes α and β [29, 3335]. IP activates AC for the production of the adrenergic subtype β receptor, which promotes the binding of AC to G proteins to generate cAMP [34, 5658]. FK activates AC in the production of cAMP [5962]. Therefore, before measuring AC activity, we verified AD and IP concentrations added to lymphocytes. AD was reduced by 1 mM concentration for each 1/10 at the following concentrations: 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 μM, 10 μM, 100 μM, and 1 mM. IP was decreased by 5 mM for each 1/10 at the following concentrations: 5 nM, 50 nM, 500 nM, 5 μM, 50 μM, 500 μM, and 5 mM. FK was reduced by 100 μM for each 1/5 at the following concentrations: 100 uM, 20 uM, 4 uM, 800 nM, 160 nM, and 32 nM (Fig 3A and 3B).

thumbnail
Fig 3.

3A and 3B. Adenylate cyclase activity levels of the 40 subjects. A: Adrenaline was reduced by 1 mM concentration for each 1/10 at the following concentrations: 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 μM, 10 μM, 100 μM, and 1 mM. The circles suggested 40 total subjects (S2 Table). B: Isoproterenol was decreased by 5 mM for each 1/10 at the following concentrations: 5 nM, 50 nM, 500 nM, 5 μM, 50 μM, 500 μM, and 5 mM. The circles suggested 40 total subjects. Analysis of AC activity in 18 NMS subjects (Red circle) and 22 healthy volunteers (Blue circle) at rest by AD and IP (S2 Table). This analysis excluded one CT NMS patient.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g003

Statistical analysis of AC activities

Data are summarized as the mean ± SD. Comparisons were made using t-tests as appropriate. Our analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2019 (ver. 16.10.11029.20045). Statistical analysis was performed using the Excel t-test and mean ± standard deviation (SD) program to confirm significant differences. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Excel was also used for analyzing the ratio of AC activity amount.

Results

Measurement and analysis of AC activity in healthy volunteers and NMS patients at rest

We confirmed individual subjects from our results of AC activity with AD and IP (Fig 3A and 3B). Consequently, values between individuals were easily distinguished and observed at the following three concentrations: 1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM for AD (Fig 4A) and 500 nM, 5 μM, and 50 μM for IP (Fig 4B). In the 22 healthy volunteers, the average for AD was 0.54 ± 0.12 for 100 μM, 0.35 ± 0.15 for 10 μM, and 0.19 ± 0.10 for 1 μM; the average for IP was 0.44 ± 0.14 for 50 μM, 0.36 ± 0.15 for 5 μM, and 0.25 ± 0.11 for 500 nM. In the 18 NMS patients, the average for AD was 0.59 ± 0.12 for 100 μM, 0.39 ± 0.17 for 10 μM, and 0.19 ± 0.13 for 1 μM; the average for IP was 0.47 ± 0.17 for 50 μM, 0.38 ± 0.18 for 5 μM, and 0.26 ± 0.15 for 500 nM. The AC activity in NMS patients was higher than that in healthy volunteers at the three concentrations tested here. However, AD and IP were not significant in three concentrations between NMS patients and healthy volunteers (AD; 0.54 ± 0.12 for 100 μM, 0.35 ± 0.15 for 10 μM and 0.19 ± 0.10 for 1 μM, IP; 0.44 ± 0.14 for 50 μM, 0.36 ± 0.15 for 5 μM and 0.25 ± 0.11 for 500 nM) (S2 Table). We were then able to determine the standard value of AC activity in the healthy volunteers and the NMS subjects.

thumbnail
Fig 4. Adenylate cyclase activity in 18 NMS patients and 22 healthy volunteers at rest.

A and B are shown for the three concentrations (Adrenaline and Isoproterenol, respectively) of AC activity in healthy volunteers and NMS patients at rest. The AC activity of NMS patients was higher than that of healthy volunteers (AD; 0.54 ± 0.12 for 100 μM, 0.35 ± 0.15 for 10 μM and 0.19 ± 0.10 for 1 μM, IP; 0.44 ± 0.14 for 50 μM, 0.36 ± 0.15 for 5 μM and 0.25 ± 0.11 for 500 nM) at the three concentrations (S2 Table). (A) AD concentrations:100 μM, 10 μM, 1 μM (B) IP concentrations: 50 μM, 5 μM, 500 nM.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g004

Adenylate cyclase activity in NMS patients at rest

NMS patients were divided into two groups at rest: VT and MT group (Fig 5A and 5B). The VT group had higher AC activity level, while the MT group had lower AC activity levels, compared to the average AC activity level in the healthy volunteer group (S2 Table). The higher group (A) were suggested as the VT of NMS, and the lower group (B) was mainly the MT of NMS. Next, we performed t-tests among the VT group (n = 11) of NMS patients and healthy volunteers (n = 22). From our results, the VT group had significantly higher AC activity with AD; 0.65 ± 0.11 for 100 μM: p = 0.005 and 0.47 ± 0.12 for 10 μM: p = 0.03 (S3 Table). IP showed significantly higher AC activity in the VT group than in the healthy volunteers at p = 0.02 with 0.56 ± 0.15 for 50 μM concentrations (Fig 6A and 6B). When the MT group (n = 6) was compared to healthy volunteers, AC activity was significantly higher in the healthy volunteers than in the NMS patients at AD concentrations of 0.25 ± 0.05 for 10 μM (p = 0.02) and AD concentrations of 0.11 ± 0.05 for 1 μM (p = 0.04). At the three IP concentrations at a 0.31 ± 0.08 for 50 μM (p = 0.004), 0.24 ± 0.07 for 5 μM (p = 0.005) and 0.17 ± 0.03 for 500 nM (p = 0.004) showed significantly lower AC activity in the MT group than in the healthy volunteers (Fig 6C and 6D and S4 Table). At rest time, VT tended to be higher than the average of healthy volunteers, and MT tended to be lower than the average of healthy volunteers.

thumbnail
Fig 5. Adenylate cyclase activity in 17 NMS patients at rest.

A and B represent the AC activities in 11 vasodepressor type (VT: gray points) and in 6 mixed type (MT: black points) at rest. The data indicated two groups (VT and MT) as border line on average of healthy volunteers (dotted black line) in NMS patients. In particular, this was confirmed at the 10 μM of AD and 5 μM of the IP. The two concentrations have a large variance of standard deviation. Therefore, we analyzed and focused on the three concentrations from the AD and IP data. Error bars show mean ± standard deviation (S2 Table). CT is excluded from Fig 4C and 4D because it has one patient. (A) AD concentrations:100 μM, 10 μM, 1 μM (B) IP concentrations: 50 μM, 5 μM, 500 nM.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g005

thumbnail
Fig 6. Analysis of AC activities in NMS subjects (VT, MT) and 22 healthy volunteers at rest.

This figure shows the t-test (p < 0.05) among the VT (n = 11), MT (n = 6) of NMS patients and healthy volunteers (n = 22). AD at concentrations 100 μM and 10 μM, IP at 50 μM. Error bars show mean ± standard deviation (S3 Table and S4 Table). (A) AD concentration 100 μM (B and D) IP concentration 50 μM (C) AD concentration 10 μM.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g006

Measurement and analysis of AC activity between NMS patients and healthy volunteers during the HUT test

The HUT test was analyzed according to the two different types (VT and MT) of NMS. The four points of the measurement during the HUT test showed that in the VT group (n = 11), the activity of AC with AD and IP was significantly higher than in the healthy volunteers (n = 12). The following results were observed: with 100 μM of AD, base: p = 0.009, at 70°: p = 0.01, after 10 minutes: p = 0.001, and after 20 minutes: p = 0.01; with 50 μM of IP, base: p = 0.01, at 70°: p = 0.02, after 10 minutes: p = 0.005, and after 20 minutes: p = 0.005. Significant differences were found at the other two concentrations. In the MT group, although the AC activity with AD (1 μM: p = 0.04) and IP (500 nM: p = 0.04) was slightly lower in healthy volunteers during the HUT test (rest time), there was either no change or a decrease in AC activity (Fig 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D). However, 10 minutes after the tilt table set to 70°, AC activities had risen sharply, although this was not significant. In the VT and MT groups, AC activity markedly increased 10 minutes after head-up tilt 70° stress, which is thought to be due to presyncope or syncope.

thumbnail
Fig 7. Analysis of AC activities in NMS subjects (VT, MT) and 22 healthy volunteers during the HUT test.

This figure shows the analyzed t-test (p < 0.05) among the VT (n = 11), MT (n = 6) of NMS patients and healthy volunteers (n = 12). AD at concentrations 100 μM and 1 μM, IP at 50 μM. Error bars show mean ± standard deviation (S5 Table and S6 Table). * Some patients were in poor condition around 10 minutes from the tilt table set to 70°at the HUT test. (A) AD concentrations (100 μM) (B) IP concentrations (50 μM) (C) AD concentrations (1μM) (D) IP concentrations (500 nM).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g007

AC activities in the different seasons from three volunteers at rest and during the HUT test

In the three healthy volunteers (C11, C38, C41), there was no change in AC activity between different time points (separated by 11 months, five months, or two months) (Fig 8A, 8B and 8C). Moreover, the C41 healthy volunteer did not show a large change during the HUT tests performed at different times. From our results, we do not know exactly if the AC activity values have been decided to each person. However, irrespective of the season, AC activity was similar in each of the three volunteers and the change was minimal in C41 for the two HUT tests (Fig 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D).

thumbnail
Fig 8. The AC activities during the different seasons from three volunteers at rest.

(A) The AC activity in the C38 volunteer was measured on Aug. 17th, 2015 and Jul. 7th, 2016. (B) The AC activity in the C11 volunteer was measured on Jun. 5th, 2015 and Nov. 9th, 2015. (C) The AC activity in the C41 volunteer was measured on Jul. 15th, 2016 and Sep. 29th, 2016. Upper: Adrenaline Lower: Isoproterenol (S7 Table).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g008

thumbnail
Fig 9.

The AC activities in two different seasons from the C41 volunteer during the HUT test (A: Base, B: 70°, C: 10 min, D: 20 min) (July. 15th, 2016 and Sep. 29th, 2016). Upper: Adrenaline Lower: Isoproterenol (S8 Table).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.g009

Discussion

To clarify the mechanism of NMS, we focused on the AC activity level at the time of NMS. From our results, we were able to determine the standard value of AC activity when AD and IP were added to lymphocytes. Our study showed a significant difference in AC activity between NMS patients and healthy volunteers at rest and during the HUT test. Interestingly, the NMS types (VT or MT) could be distinguished based on AC activity level by how high or low the activities is. The AC activity (with AD 100 μM and IP 50 μM) is significantly higher in the VT patients than in the healthy volunteers at rest. In addition, the VT was significantly higher than healthy volunteers at the four points of the HUT test. AC activity (AD 10 μM and IP 50 μM) is significantly lower in the MT patients than in the healthy volunteers at rest. We think that the action of the Gi-α (inhibit) or Gs-α (stimulate) subunits are relative to the AC activities occur at the onset of NMS patients. The stimulatory Gs protein activates AC to increase intracellular cAMP. Gi protein inhibit the activation of AC. Therefore, our result suggests that AC activity of VT patients is higher because it is influence by Gi-α subunit and Gs-α subunit. VT patients seems to have relatively stronger action of the Gs-α subunit. In MT patients, the action of Gs-α subunit is weaker, and it is also considered that the AC activity level is lower do to the action of Gi-α subunit. In healthy volunteers, the balance of action between Gi-α and Gs-α subunits has been maintained.

Also, both VT and MT groups, AC activity markedly increased 10 minutes after head-up tilt 70° stress, which is thought to be due to presyncope or syncope. Therefore, we found that it is possible for this data to be used as a diagnosis of NMS patients by AC activity levels. From our results, it became clear that AC activity is strongly related to the appearance of NMS. NMS diagnosis can be determined by examining AC activity levels from blood tests at rest time, without the requirement of performing the HUT test.

In the three healthy volunteers, there was no change in AC activity between HUT tests or between different time points (separated by 11 months, five months, or two months). If the AC activity level can be clarified, and which points at the growth process are determined, it is possible to diagnose a very early risk of NMS patients in the future by conducting AC activity tests at the earliest possible time. Even in environments where it is difficult to diagnose VT and MT, AC activity can become a useful diagnosis tool of NMS.

Based on the different AC activity levels in this study, regarding coping with NMS, it may be necessary to adjust caffeine intake in addition to tilt stretching. Caffeine acts to increase cAMP (AC activity) concentration in cells [6367]. From our results, patients who have higher AC activity levels than healthy volunteers are at a higher risk of NMS if they ingest caffeine. Conversely, patients with low AC activity may benefit from ingesting food containing caffeine. Because there is no treatment for NMS, suppressing the onset of NMS by adjusting the intake of tea or coffee seems a very easy preventive method.

The final goal of our research is to identify an early diagnosis of NMS and potentially prevent fainting and their associated injuries. Studies examining AC activity in a larger sample size are necessary to confirm the reliability of our findings. Furthermore, in our next report we are discussing the cause of NMS from the multilateral relationship of the glutamic acid repeat polymorphism site at Glu 301–303 in the α2B-AR gene, and evaluated the phenotypes or gene frequency of Glu12/12, Glu12/9, and Glu9/9.

We believe that AC activity tests could be implemented in job applicants for positions involving low gravity stress while operating ultra-high-speed aircraft, linear motor cars, space stations, as well as in long distance truck, bus, and train drivers or an aircraft pilot. In addition, the research in our study may be useful in creating an improved standard of medical management for stress during times of unexpected, large scale disasters in Japan’s future. We believe in the possibility of developing therapeutic drugs for NMS diseases.

Conclusions

Our study showed a significant difference in AC activities between NMS patients and healthy volunteers at rest and during the HUT test. In addition, we found different patterns among the two NMS types (VT or MT) based on AC activity level. Especially, by examining AC activity level from the blood at rest, it is possible to diagnose NMS patients. Based on our data, we might be able to find people with a high risk of developing NMS from healthy people.

Supporting information

S1 Table. An example raw data of healthy volunteer (C48).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s001

(PDF)

S2 Table. The raw data of adenylate cyclase activities from 22 healthy volunteers and 18 NMS patients at rest time by adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s002

(PDF)

S3 Table. The raw data of adenylate cyclase activities from 22 healthy volunteers and 11 VT patients at rest time by adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s003

(PDF)

S4 Table. The raw data of adenylate cyclase activities from 22 healthy volunteers and 6 MT patients at rest time by adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s004

(PDF)

S5 Table. The raw data of adenylate cyclase activities from 12 healthy volunteers and 11 VT patients at HUT test by adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s005

(PDF)

S6 Table. The raw data of adenylate cyclase activities from 12 healthy volunteers and 6 MT patients at HUT test by adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s006

(PDF)

S7 Table. The raw data of adenylate cyclase activities in the different seasons from three volunteers by adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP).

Upper: Adrenaline

Lower: Isoproterenol.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s007

(PDF)

S8 Table. The raw data of adenylate cyclase activities in the different seasons from C41 volunteer by adrenaline (AD) and isoproterenol (IP).

The AC activities in the different seasons from the healthy volunteer during the HUT test. HUT was tested in two different seasons on the 15th of July and the 29th of September.

Upper: Adrenaline

Lower: Isoproterenol.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214733.s008

(PDF)

Acknowledgments

Our thanks go to the Support Center for Medical Research and Education of Tokai University for their technical assistance. Also, this study was supported in part by the Research and Study Program of Tokai University Educational System General Research Organization.

References

  1. 1. Linzer M, Yang EH, Estes NA 3rd, Wang P, Vorperian VR, Kapoor WN. Diagnosing syncope. Part 1: Value of history, physical examination, and electrocardiography. Clinical Efficacy Assessment Project of the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 1997;126(12):989–96. PubMed pmid:9182479.
  2. 2. Kapoor WN. Evaluation and outcome of patients with syncope. Medicine (Baltimore). 1990;69(3):160–75. pmid:2189056.
  3. 3. Zaqqa M, Massumi A. Neurally mediated syncope. Texas Heart Institute Journal. 2000;27(3):268. pmid:11093411; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC101078.
  4. 4. Alboni P. The different clinical presentations of vasovagal syncope. Heart. 2015;101(9):674–8. pmid:25792719.
  5. 5. Ungar A, Sgobino P, Russo V, Vitale E, Sutton R, Melissano D, et al. Diagnosis of neurally mediated syncope at initial evaluation and with tilt table testing compared with that revealed by prolonged ECG monitoring. An analysis from the Third International Study on Syncope of Uncertain Etiology (ISSUE-3). Heart. 2013:heartjnl-2013-304399. https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2013-304399.
  6. 6. Jhanjee R, Van Dijk JG, Sakaguchi S, Benditt DG. Syncope in adults: terminology, classification, and diagnostic strategy. Pacing and clinical electrophysiology. 2006;29(10):1160–9. pmid:17038147
  7. 7. Hadjikoutis S, O’Callaghan P, Smith PE. The investigation of syncope. Seizure. 2004;13(8):537–48. pmid:15519913
  8. 8. Martin K, Bates G, Whitehouse W. Transient loss of consciousness and syncope in children and young people: what you need to know. Archives of Disease in Childhood-Education and Practice. 2010;95(3):66–72.
  9. 9. Parry SW, Reeve P, Lawson J, Shaw FE, Davison J, Norton M, et al. The Newcastle protocols 2008: an update on head-up tilt table testing and the management of vasovagal syncope and related disorders. Heart. 2009;95(5):416–20. pmid:18701533
  10. 10. Iglesias JF, Graf D, Forclaz A, Schlaepfer J, Fromer M, Pruvot E. Stepwise evaluation of unexplained syncope in a large ambulatory population. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology. 2009;32:S202–S6. pmid:19250095
  11. 11. Varga E, Wórum F, Szabó Z, Varga M, Lõrincz I. Motor vehicle accident with complete loss of consciousness due to vasovagal syncope. Forensic science international. 2002;130(2–3):156–9. pmid:12477637
  12. 12. Oribe E, Caro S, Perera R, Winters SL, Gomes JA, Kaufmann H. Syncope: the diagnostic value of head-up tilt testing. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1997;20(4 Pt 1):874–9. pmid:9127391.
  13. 13. Khan HF, Hameed MA, Khan UA. Heart rate and blood pressure responses to orthostatic stress during head-up tilt test. Pak J Physiol. 2012;8(2). http://pjp.pps.org.pk/index.php/PJP/article/view/776.
  14. 14. Nakao M, Kobayashi S. Usefulness of implantable loop recorder in a patient with syncope during bathing. Journal of Arrhythmia. 2013;29(1):34–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joa.2012.10.001.
  15. 15. Dietz S, Murfitt J, Florence L, Thakker P, Whitehouse WP. Head-up tilt testing in children and young people: a retrospective observational study. J Paediatr Child Health. 2011;47(5):292–8. pmid:21244555.
  16. 16. Mereu R, Sau A, Lim PB. Diagnostic algorithm for syncope. Auton Neurosci. 2014;184:10–6. pmid:24939472.
  17. 17. Tan MP, Newton JL, Chadwick TJ, Parry SW. The relationship between carotid sinus hypersensitivity, orthostatic hypotension, and vasovagal syncope: a case–control study. Europace. 2008;10(12):1400–5. pmid:18987128
  18. 18. Macías‐Rodríguez RU, Duarte‐Rojo A, Cantú‐Brito C, Sauerbruch T, Ruiz‐Margáin A, Trebicka J, et al. Cerebral haemodynamics in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Liver International. 2015;35(2):344–52. pmid:24690075
  19. 19. Kikushima S, Kobayashi Y, Nakagawa H, Katagiri T. Triggering mechanism for neurally mediated syncope induced by head-up tilt test: role of catecholamines and response to propranolol. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1999;33(2):350–7. pmid:9973014.
  20. 20. Mercader M, Varghese P, Potolicchio S, Venkatraman G, Lee S. New insights into the mechanism of neurally mediated syncope. Heart. 2002;88(3):217–21. https://doi.org/10.1136/heart.88.3.217 pmid:12181208
  21. 21. Silvani S, Padoan G, Guidi AR, Bianchedi G, Maresta A. Cerebral vasoconstriction in neurally mediated syncope: relationship with type of head-up tilt test response. Ital Heart J. 2003;4(11):768–75. pmid:14699706.
  22. 22. Schondorf R, Stein R, Roberts R, Benoit J, Cupples W. Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is preserved in neurally mediated syncope. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2001;91(6):2493–502. pmid:11717210
  23. 23. Yokokawa M, Okamura H, Noda T, Satomi K, Suyama K, Kurita T, et al. Neurally mediated syncope as a cause of syncope in patients with Brugada electrocardiogram. Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology. 2010;21(2):186–92. pmid:19793146
  24. 24. Kula S, Olguntürk R, Tunaoğlu FS, Saygılı A. Distribution of syncopal episodes in children and adolescents with neurally mediated cardiac syncope through the day. EP Europace. 2005;7(6):634–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eupc.2005.06.010.
  25. 25. Liao D, Xu Y, Zou R, Wu L, Luo X, Li F, et al. The circadian rhythm of syncopal episodes in patients with neurally mediated syncope. Int J Cardiol. 2016;215:186–92. pmid:27128529.
  26. 26. Chu W, Wang C, Lin P, Li F, Wu L, Xie Z. Transient aphasia: a rare complication of head-up tilt test. Neurol Sci. 2014;35(7):1127–32. pmid:24514919.
  27. 27. Zhang W, Zou R, Wu L, Luo X, Xu Y, Li F, et al. The changes of electrolytes in serum and urine in children with neurally mediated syncope cured by oral rehydration salts. Int J Cardiol. 2017;233:125–9. pmid:28043672.
  28. 28. Cockcroft JR, Gazis AG, Cross DJ, Wheatley A, Dewar J, Hall IP, et al. β2-adrenoceptor polymorphism determines vascular reactivity in humans. Hypertension. 2000;36(3):371–5. pmid:10988267
  29. 29. Xie H-G, Stein CM, Kim RB, Gainer JV, Sofowora G, Dishy V, et al. Human β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms: No association with essential hypertension in black or white Americans&ast. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2000;67(6):670–5. pmid:10872649.
  30. 30. Sivenius K, Niskanen L, Laakso M, Uusitupa M. A Deletion in the α2B‐Adrenergic Receptor Gene and Autonomic Nervous Function in Central Obesity. Obesity research. 2003;11(8):962–70. pmid:12917501
  31. 31. Snapir A. An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the α2B-adrenergic receptor gene is a novel genetic risk factor for acute coronary events. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2001;37(6):1516. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0735-1097(01)01201-3 pmid:11345359
  32. 32. Masuo K. Roles of beta2- and beta3-adrenoceptor polymorphisms in hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Int J Hypertens. 2010;2010:832821. pmid:20981286; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC2963125.
  33. 33. Tayel SI, Khader HF, El-Helbawy NG, Ibrahim WA. Association of deletion allele of insertion/deletion polymorphism in α2B adrenoceptor gene and hypertension with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. The application of clinical genetics. 2012;5:111. pmid:23776387.
  34. 34. Galandrin S, Bouvier M. Distinct signaling profiles of β1 and β2 adrenergic receptor ligands toward adenylyl cyclase and mitogen-activated protein kinase reveals the pluridimensionality of efficacy. Molecular pharmacology. 2006;70(5):1575–84. pmid:16901982
  35. 35. Dishy V, Sofowora GG, Xie H-G, Kim RB, Byrne DW, Stein CM, et al. The effect of common polymorphisms of the β2-adrenergic receptor on agonist-mediated vascular desensitization. New England Journal of Medicine. 2001;345(14):1030–5. pmid:11586955.
  36. 36. Snapir A, Heinonen P, Alhopuro P, Karvonen M, Koulu M, Pesonen U, et al. DNA molecule encoding a variant alpha-2B-adrenoaceptor protein and uses thereof. Google Patents; 2004.
  37. 37. Nguyen K, Kassimatis T, Lymperopoulos A. Impaired desensitization of a human polymorphic alpha2B-adrenergic receptor variant enhances its sympatho-inhibitory activity in chromaffin cells. Cell communication and signaling: CCS. 2011;9(1):5. Epub 2011/02/09. pmid:21299895; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3041786.
  38. 38. Muszkat M, Kurnik D, Solus J, Sofowora GG, Xie HG, Jiang L, et al. Variation in the [alpha]2B-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRA2B) and its relationship to vascular response in vivo. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2005;15(6):407–14. pmid:15900214
  39. 39. Baillie GS, Sood A, McPhee I, Gall I, Perry SJ, Lefkowitz RJ, et al. β-Arrestin-mediated PDE4 cAMP phosphodiesterase recruitment regulates β-adrenoceptor switching from Gs to Gi. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2003;100(3):940–5. pmid:12552097.
  40. 40. Davare MA, Avdonin V, Hall DD, Peden EM, Burette A, Weinberg RJ, et al. A β 2 adrenergic receptor signaling complex assembled with the Ca 2+ channel Ca v 1.2. Science. 2001;293(5527):98–101. pmid:11441182
  41. 41. Brass LF, Laposata M, Banga HS, Rittenhouse SE. Regulation of the phosphoinositide hydrolysis pathway in thrombin-stimulated platelets by a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein. Evaluation of its contribution to platelet activation and comparisons with the adenylate cyclase inhibitory protein, Gi. J Biol Chem. 1986;261(36):16838–47. pmid:3023367.
  42. 42. Hanoune J, Defer N. Regulation and role of adenylyl cyclase isoforms. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2001;41(1):145–74. pmid:11264454.
  43. 43. Kress AK, Schneider G, Pichler K, Kalmer M, Fleckenstein B, Grassmann R. Elevated cyclic AMP levels in T lymphocytes transformed by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1. J Virol. 2010;84(17):8732–42. pmid:20573814; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC2918996.
  44. 44. Meinkoth JL, Alberts AS, Went W, Fantozzi D, Taylor SS, Hagiwara M, et al. Signal transduction through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Reversible Protein Phosphorylation in Cell Regulation: Springer; 1994. p. 179–86 PubMed PMID: 7935349
  45. 45. Gray PC, Scott JD, Catterall WA. Regulation of ion channels by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and A-kinase anchoring proteins. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 1998;8(3):330–4. pmid:9687361.
  46. 46. Horinouchi T, Higa T, Aoyagi H, Nishiya T, Terada K, Miwa S. Adenylate cyclase/cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway inhibits endothelin type A receptor-operated Ca2+ entry mediated via transient receptor potential canonical 6 channels. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2012;340(1):143–51. pmid:22001259.
  47. 47. Willoughby D, Cooper DM. Organization and Ca2+ regulation of adenylyl cyclases in cAMP microdomains. Physiol Rev. 2007;87(3):965–1010. pmid:17615394.
  48. 48. Lincoln TM, Cornwell TL, Taylor AE. cGMP-dependent protein kinase mediates the reduction of Ca2+ by cAMP in vascular smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol. 1990;258(3 Pt 1):C399–407. pmid:2156436.
  49. 49. Ishikawa T, Hume JR, Keef KD. Regulation of Ca2+ channels by cAMP and cGMP in vascular smooth muscle cells. Circ Res. 1993;73(6):1128–37. pmid:8222084.
  50. 50. Keef KD, Hume JR, Zhong J. Regulation of cardiac and smooth muscle Ca2+ channels (CaV1. 2a, b) by protein kinases. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology. 2001;281(6):C1743–C56. pmid:11698232.
  51. 51. Komiyama T, Hirokawa T, Sato K, Oka A, Kamiguchi H, Nagata E, et al. Relationship between human evolution and neurally mediated syncope disclosed by the polymorphic sites of the adrenergic receptor gene α2B-AR. PloS one. 2015;10(4):e0120788. pmid:25860977
  52. 52. Small KM, Brown KM, Forbes SL, Liggett SB. Polymorphic deletion of three intracellular acidic residues of the alpha 2B-adrenergic receptor decreases G protein-coupled receptor kinase-mediated phosphorylation and desensitization. J Biol Chem. 2001;276(7):4917–22. pmid:11056163.
  53. 53. Colman N, Nahm K, Ganzeboom KS, Shen WK, Reitsma J, Linzer M, et al. Epidemiology of reflex syncope. Clin Auton Res. 2004;14 Suppl 1(1):9–17. pmid:15480937.
  54. 54. Mosqueda-Garcia R, Furlan R, Tank J, Fernandez-Violante R. The elusive pathophysiology of neurally mediated syncope. Circulation. 2000;102(23):2898–906. pmid:11104751.
  55. 55. Calebiro D, Nikolaev VO, Persani L, Lohse MJ. Signaling by internalized G-protein-coupled receptors. Trends in pharmacological sciences. 2010;31(5):221–8. pmid:20303186.
  56. 56. MÜNCH G, Dees C, Hekman M, Palm D. Multisite contacts involved in coupling of the β‐adrenergic receptor with the stimulatory guanine‐nucleotide‐binding regulatory protein. European Journal of Biochemistry. 1991;198(2):357–64 pmid:1645656
  57. 57. Billington CK, Penn RB. Signaling and regulation of G protein-coupled receptors in airway smooth muscle. Respir Res. 2003;4(1):2. pmid:12648290; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC152647.
  58. 58. Garovic VD, Joyner MJ, Dietz NM, Boerwinkle E, Turner ST. β2‐Adrenergic receptor polymorphism and nitric oxide‐dependent forearm blood flow responses to isoproterenol in humans. The Journal of physiology. 2003;546(2):583–9. https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.2002.031138.
  59. 59. Insel PA, Ostrom RS. Forskolin as a tool for examining adenylyl cyclase expression, regulation, and G protein signaling. Cellular and molecular neurobiology. 2003;23(3):305–14. pmid:12825829
  60. 60. Kawabe J, Iwami G, Ebina T, Ohno S, Katada T, Ueda Y, et al. Differential activation of adenylyl cyclase by protein kinase C isoenzymes. J Biol Chem. 1994;269(24):16554–8. pmid:8206971.
  61. 61. Torphy TJ. β-Adrenoceptors, cAMP and airway smooth muscle relaxation: challenges to the dogma. Trends in pharmacological sciences. 1994;15(10):370–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-6147(94)90157-0. pmid:7809952
  62. 62. Hosono M, Takahira T, Fujita A, Fujihara R, Ishizuka O, Tatee T, et al. Cardiovascular and adenylate cyclase stimulant properties of NKH477, a novel water-soluble forskolin derivative. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1992;19(4):625–34. pmid:1380607.
  63. 63. Wang Q, Dai X, Yang W, Wang H, Zhao H, Yang F, et al. Caffeine protects against alcohol-induced liver fibrosis by dampening the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in rat hepatic stellate cells. Int Immunopharmacol. 2015;25(2):340–52. pmid:25701503.
  64. 64. Huang W, Cane MC, Mukherjee R, Szatmary P, Zhang X, Elliott V, et al. Caffeine protects against experimental acute pancreatitis by inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-mediated Ca2+ release. Gut. 2017;66(2):301–13. pmid:26642860; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC5284483.
  65. 65. Horrigan LA, Kelly JP, Connor TJ. Immunomodulatory effects of caffeine: friend or foe? Pharmacol Ther. 2006;111(3):877–92. pmid:16540173.
  66. 66. Itoh T, Ikebe M, Kargacin GJ, Hartshorne DJ, Kemp BE, Fay FS. Effects of modulators of myosin light-chain kinase activity in single smooth muscle cells. Nature. 1989;338(6211):164–7. pmid:2493140.
  67. 67. Hong F, Brizendine RK, Carter MS, Alcala DB, Brown AE, Chattin AM, et al. Diffusion of myosin light chain kinase on actin: A mechanism to enhance myosin phosphorylation rates in smooth muscle. J Gen Physiol. 2015;146(4):267–80. pmid:26415568; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC4586593.