Furosemide and Potassium Chloride-induced Alteration in Protein Profile of Left Ventricle and its Associated Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

BACKGROUND: Potassium ion (K(+)) plays an essential role in maintaining the electrical potential across the plasma membrane of cells. An abnormal serum K(+) level is associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and these patients are generally prescribed with furosemide and potassium chloride (KCl). We explored the association between the use of these drugs and the risk of SCD by analyzing biochemical parameters and proteomic changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were administered with furosemide and KCl and their effect was analyzed by studying cardiac and oxidative markers, electrolyte content and histopathology. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry were performed to investigate the LV proteomic changes. RESULTS: Furosemide and KCl treatments showed significant effect on physiological and biochemical parameters, and LV histopathology of experimental rats. Proteomic analysis indicated 17 differentially expressed proteins. Among them, eight protein spots were identified using peptide mass fingerprinting. In furosemide-treated group, four proteins were upregulated and two proteins were downregulated when compared to 2-DE proteomic profile of control. While in KCl-treated rats, seven proteins were found downregulated. CONCULSION: The present study revealed the differential expression of proteins by furosemide and KCl treatment. Thus, the results suggest that the use of these drugs leads to proteomic alteration, which involve in cardiac conductivity that might increase the risk of SCD.