Serum level of transforming growth factor beta 1 is associated with left atrial voltage in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Background: Atrial tissue fibrosis can cause electrical or structural remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation. Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) signaling acts as a central role in fibroblast activation. In this report, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum level of TGF-β1 and mean left atrial voltage in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF).

Methods: A total of 16 consecutive adult patients with CAF who underwent catheter ablation were enrolled. Blood samples for measurement of TGF-β1 were collected from periphery veins and coronary sinus before pulmonary vein isolation. The measurement was performed with a commercially available ELISA kit. Cardiac indices were measured using echocardiography. The left atrial electroanatomic mapping was performed after pulmonary vein isolation.

Results: Serum level of TGF-β1 in peripheral blood was higher than that in coronary sinus (p < 0.001). TGF-β1 serum level in coronary sinus negatively correlated with mean left atrial voltage (r = -0.650, p = 0.012), While periphery TGF-β1 level tended to be negatively correlated with mean left atrial voltage(r = -0.492, p = 0.053). Patients who treated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists had lower coronary sinus TGF-β1 serum level than those who did not treated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists (p = 0.046).

Conclusion: Level of TGF-β1 in peripheral serum is higher than that in coronary sinus, and serum level of TGF-β1 in coronary sinus is negatively associated with mean left atrial voltage in patients with CAF, angiotensin II receptor antagonists could affect TGF-β1 serum level.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Electroanatomic mapping; Fibrosis; Transforming growth factor beta 1.