Junji Yamaguchi

Dr. Junji Yamaguchi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
10 February 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NLNyozin Leimon
Nyozin Leimon
ASAnna Suzuki
Anna Suzuki
KKKohei Kawajjiri
Kohei Kawajjiri
GNGiichi Nitta
Giichi Nitta
JYJunji Yamaguchi
Junji Yamaguchi
TSTetsuo Sasano
Tetsuo Sasano
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is closely linked to endothelial dysfunction, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are released by most cell types and mediate intercellular communication. We therefore investigated the role of EVs in endothelial dysfunction associated with AF. Methods: Vascular endothelial function in patients with sinus rhythm (SR), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), or AF was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry. Plasma-derived EVs were isolated from these three groups. Conditioned medium was collected from cultured cardiomyocytes (CMs), which were paced either regularly or irregularly at 1 Hz or 10 Hz or were non-paced, and EVs were subsequently isolated from the conditioned media. The isolated EVs were applied to endothelial cells (ECs), and mRNA levels of vasoactive genes were quantified. Results: The reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was significantly lower in patients with AF than in those with SR (RHI values: 1.98 in SR vs. 1.57 in AF, p = 0.049), whereas no significant decrease was observed in patients with PVCs, indicating endothelial dysfunction in AF. The plasma EV concentration was significantly higher in patients with AF than in those with SR. CMs subjected to 10 Hz irregular pacing released more EVs than non-paced cells and cells under 1 Hz regular pacing. When applied to ECs, EVs from patients with AF and from rapidly paced CMs significantly reduced NOS3 mRNA expression in vitro. Conclusions: Circulating EVs are increased in AF and could be associated with an impaired endothelial function in AF.