Mechanistic insights into ventricular arrhythmogenesis of
hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19
Abstract
Background and Purpose: We investigate mechanisms for potential
pro-arrhythmic effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) alone, or combined
with azithromycin (AZM), in Covid-19 management supplementing the
limited available experimental cardiac safety data. Experimental
Approach: We integrated patch-clamp studies utilizing In Vitro
ProArrhythmia Assay Schema IC50 paradigms, molecular modelling, cardiac
multi-electrode array and voltage (RH237) mapping, ECG studies, and Ca2+
(Rhod-2 AM) mapping in isolated Langendorff-perfused guinea-pig hearts
with human in-silico ion current modelling. Key Results: HCQ blocked IKr
and IK1 with IC50s (10±0.6 and 34±5.0 µM) within clinical therapeutic
ranges, INa and ICaL at higher IC50s, leaving Ito and IKs unaffected.
AZM produced minor inhibition of INa, ICaL, IKs, and IKr,, sparing IK1
and Ito. HCQ+AZM combined inhibited IKr and IK1 with IC50s of 7.7±0.8 µM
and 30.4±3.0 µM, sparing INa, ICaL and Ito. Molecular modelling
confirmed potential HCQ binding to hERG. HCQ slowed heart rate and
ventricular conduction. It prolonged PR, QRS and QT intervals, and
caused prolonged, more heterogeneous, action potential durations and
intracellular Ca2+ transients. These effects were accentuated with
combined HCQ+AZM treatment, which then elicited electrical alternans,
re-entrant circuits and wave break. Modelling studies attributed these
to integrated HCQ and AZM actions reducing IKr and IK1, thence altering
cell Ca2+ homeostasis. Conclusion and implications: Combined HCQ+AZM
treatment exerts pro-arrhythmic ventricular events by synergetically
inhibiting IKr, IKs with resulting effects on cellular Ca2+ signalling,
and action potential propagation and duration. These findings provide an
electrophysiological basis for recent FDA cardiac safety guidelines
cautioning against combining HCQ/AZM when treating Covid-19.