Role of inflammatory signaling in atrial fibrillation

Int J Cardiol. 2019 Jul 15:287:195-200. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.10.020. Epub 2018 Oct 4.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent arrhythmia, is often associated with enhanced inflammatory response. Emerging evidence points to a causal role of inflammatory signaling pathways in the evolution of atrial electrical, calcium handling and structural remodeling, which create the substrate of AF development. In this review, we discuss the clinical evidence supporting the association between inflammatory indices and AF development, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of AF, which appear to involve multiple canonical inflammatory pathways, and the potential of anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches in AF prevention/treatment.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; IL-1β; Inflammasome; Inflammation; NFκB; TNF-α.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Fibrillation / metabolism*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / pathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Heart Atria / metabolism*
  • Heart Atria / pathology
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / pathology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammasomes