J Lewkowicz1, M Knapp2, A Tankiewicz-Kwedlo3, R Sawicki2, M Kamińska2, E Waszkiewicz2, W J Musiał2. 1. Department of Cardiosurgery, Medical University of Białystok, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Cure 24a, 15-276, Białystok, Poland. Electronic address: janka.lewkowicz@wp.pl. 2. Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland. 3. Department of Monitored Pharmacotherapy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The impact of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on structural atrial remodeling and sustainment of AF in patients with persistent and permanent AF is unresolved. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate MMP-9 and its tissue inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) as markers of atrial remodeling in patients with persistent AF (PAF) who underwent electrical cardioversion (ECV) and in patients with permanent AF (continuous AF, CAF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, clinical findings, and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated in 39 patients with AF and in 14 controls with sinus rhythm. RESULTS: The concentrations of MMP-9 were significantly higher in patients with PAF and CAF compared to controls. There was a significant increase of MMP-9 after ECV in the persistent AF group. The values of TIMP-1 were not significantly different between the groups. In patients with AF, MMP-9 levels were positively related to posterior wall thickness of the LV (r=0.356, P=0.049) and body mass index (r=0.367, P=0.046). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of MMP-9 were related to the occurrence and maintenance of AF. This suggests that MMP-9 can be a marker of atrial remodeling in patients with AF. Regulation of the extracellular collagen matrix might be a potential therapeutic target in AF.
INTRODUCTION:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The impact of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on structural atrial remodeling and sustainment of AF in patients with persistent and permanent AF is unresolved. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate MMP-9 and its tissue inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) as markers of atrial remodeling in patients with persistent AF (PAF) who underwent electrical cardioversion (ECV) and in patients with permanent AF (continuous AF, CAF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, clinical findings, and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated in 39 patients with AF and in 14 controls with sinus rhythm. RESULTS: The concentrations of MMP-9 were significantly higher in patients with PAF and CAF compared to controls. There was a significant increase of MMP-9 after ECV in the persistent AF group. The values of TIMP-1 were not significantly different between the groups. In patients with AF, MMP-9 levels were positively related to posterior wall thickness of the LV (r=0.356, P=0.049) and body mass index (r=0.367, P=0.046). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of MMP-9 were related to the occurrence and maintenance of AF. This suggests that MMP-9 can be a marker of atrial remodeling in patients with AF. Regulation of the extracellular collagen matrix might be a potential therapeutic target in AF.
Authors: Pauline B C Linssen; Hans-Peter Brunner-La Rocca; Casper G Schalkwijk; Joline W J Beulens; Petra J M Elders; Amber A van der Heijden; Roderick C Slieker; Coen D A Stehouwer; Ronald M A Henry Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2020-07-13 Impact factor: 5.923