Sarah Dalgas Nissen - Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025
Project summary:
Anti-arrhythmogenic effects of metformin in obesity-induced atrial remodeling
We hypothesize that metformin mitigates obesity-induced atrial fibrillation (AF) by activating AMPK, thereby limiting adipocyte infiltration and structural remodeling. In obese Göttingen minipigs, serial MRI, electrophysiology, and tissue analyses will assess epicardial fat, AF susceptibility, and atrial composition. Findings may identify AMPK activation as a novel therapeutic target for obesity-related AF.
Project Title
Anti-arrhythmogenic effects of metformin in obesity-induced atrial remodeling
Background
Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including AF. Effective prevention and treatment strategies for obesity-induced AF remain limited. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, has shown potential cardioprotective effects, but its impact on obesity-induced atrial remodeling is unknown.
Aim
Using an obese porcine model, the study aims to assess metformin’s effect on AF susceptibility and atrial remodeling.
Methods
This study uses obese Göttingen minipigs to assess metformin’s effects on atrial remodeling. A Western diet will induce obesity, with MRI and pacing used to measure epicardial fat and AF susceptibility at baseline and over 12 months. Half will receive metformin, half placebo. Final mapping, ex vivo MRI, and tissue analysis will quantify fat, fibrosis, myocytes, and AMPK activity to clarify obesity-related AF mechanisms.
Sarah Dalgas Nissen
- med.vet. and PhD
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup
Mentor:
Professor Rikke Buhl, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
Collaborators:
Professor Dominik Linz: Cardiac Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Cardiology, The University of Maastricht, The Netherlands
Professor Niels Vejlstrup: Department of Cardiology, The Heart Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Professor Thomas Jespersen: Cardiac Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Assistant Professor Arnela Saljic: Cardiac Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen