Non-Coding RNAs and Gut Microbiota in the Pathogenesis of Cardiac Arrhythmias: The Latest Update

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are indispensable for adjusting gene expression and genetic programming throughout development and for health as well as cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac arrhythmia is a frequent cardiovascular disease that has a complex pathology. Recent studies have shown that ncRNAs are also associated with cardiac arrhythmias. Many non-coding RNAs and/or genomes have been reported as genetic background for cardiac arrhythmias. In general, arrhythmias may be affected by several functional and structural changes in the myocardium of the heart. Therefore, ncRNAs might be indispensable regulators of gene expression in cardiomyocytes, which could play a dynamic role in regulating the stability of cardiac conduction and/or in the remodeling process. Although it remains almost unclear how ncRNAs regulate the expression of molecules for controlling cardiac conduction and/or the remodeling process, the gut microbiota and immune system within the intricate networks might be involved in the regulatory mechanisms. This study would discuss them and provide a research basis for ncRNA modulation, which might support the development of emerging innovative therapies against cardiac arrhythmias.