@Article{ecn.2010.0216,
AUTHOR = {Pavel Osmancik, Zdenek Peroutka, Petr Budera, Dalibor Herman, Petr Stros, Zbynek Straka},
TITLE = {Changes in cytokine concentrations following successful ablation of atrial fibrillation},
JOURNAL = {European Cytokine Network},
VOLUME = {21},
YEAR = {2010},
NUMBER = {4},
PAGES = {278--284},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/ECN/v21n4/65846},
ISSN = {1952-4005},
ABSTRACT = {Aims. Atrial fibrillation is associated with the activation of inflammatory processes [e.g. higher
concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP)], as well as a pro-thrombotic
state [e.g. increased concentration of serum pro-thrombotic markers P-selectin and CD40 ligand
(CD40L)]. The aim of the present study was to establish, whether successful epicardial ablation of AF leads to
decreased concentrations of traditional inflammatory and thrombotic markers. Methods. Twenty-five patients
with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF were prospectively studied. All underwent epicardial isolation
of pulmonary veins. The success of the ablation was assessed clinically and with three Holter recordings. Blood
samples were drawn before, three and six months after surgery. Serum concentrations of IL-6, interleukin-10
(IL-10), CRP, CD40L and P-selectin were measured using ELISA. Results. AF was successfully ablated in
15 patients (SR group). In the other 10 patients (AF group), AF re-occurred during follow-up. Neither group
differed with respect to age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, or preoperative concentrations of
measured molecules. The concentrations of IL-6, CRP and CD40L decreased in successfully ablated patients;
however, there was no change in the concentrations of these molecules in the AF group. The concentrations of
IL-10 and P-selectin were unchanged in both groups during follow-up. Conclusion. Successful ablation of AF,
with sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance, is associated with decreased serum levels of markers of
inflammation.},
DOI = {10.1684/ecn.2010.0216}
}