The serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 level is an independent predictor of recurrence after ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:This study investigated whether the serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 level is an independent predictor of recurrence after catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation.METHODS:Fifty-eight consecutive patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were enrolled and underwent catheter ablation. The serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 level was detected before ablation and its relationship with recurrent arrhythmia was analyzed at the end of the follow-up.RESULTS:After a mean follow-up of 12.1±7.2 months, 21 (36.2%) patients had a recurrence of their arrhythmia after catheter ablation. At baseline, the matrix metalloproteinase-9 level was higher in the patients with recurrence than in the non-recurrent group (305.77±88.90 vs 234.41±93.36 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.006). A multivariate analysis showed that the matrix metalloproteinase-9 level was an independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence, as was a history of atrial fibrillation and the diameter of the left atrium.CONCLUSION:The serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 level is an independent predictor of recurrent arrhythmia after catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Increased Inflammation in Pericardial Fluid Persists 48 Hours After Cardiac Surgery

“…3,4 Here we demonstrate a local 4- to 700-fold increase of these inflammatory factors for a 48 hour period in PCF compared to blood and PCF values at time 0. A recent study demonstrated a higher incidence of complications with early drain removal within 24 hours.…”

Atrial fibrosis underlying atrial fibrillation (Review)

“…Increased expression of MMP-9 has been observed in the atrial tissue and blood serum of patients with AF, and the MMP-9 levels appear to be associated with the stage of AF (36,37). In addition, it was found that serum MMP-9 levels can also be used as an independent factor to predict the recurrence of AF following catheter ablation (38). A previous meta-analysis demonstrated that the enhanced MMP-1 mRNA expression and decreased serum TIMP-2 levels may act as predictive markers for the incidence of AF (39).…”

Eosinophils in patients with lone atrial fibrillation

“…In preclinical studies, leukocytes were found to infiltrate the atrial myocardium both in patients with AF with an underlying structural heart disease and in patients with LAF . The neutrophil‐secreted enzyme myeloperoxidase and the consequently activated matrix metalloproteinases by redox reactions are involved in the turnover of extracellular matrix proteins within the atria, a key process in the development of atrial fibrosis, resulting in an increased risk of AF …”