Clinical significance of TNF-a assessment as inflammation marker in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Study goal: to assess levels of TNF-α in blood serum of patients with atrial fibrillation during paroxysm and after the episode. To find possible practical application of measuring TNF-α serum levels as a diagnostic method to detect the onset of paroxysm. Methods : 29 patients with IHD and arterial hypertension complicated by rhythm disturbances (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) were examined. Control group included 33 healthy volunteers. Observation period lasted four weeks. Blood levels of TNF-α were measured during paroxysm with duration up to two days and four weeks after sinus rhythm been restored and remained under control on background of constant anti-anginal, anti-hypertensive and anti-arrhythmic therapy. Results : Direct correlation between the onset time, the severity of paroxysm and the level of serum TNF-α was established. Return to normal levels of TNF-α was observed by the fourth week after restoration of sinus rhythm on background of treatment. In control group TNF-α levels at baseline and four weeks after remained within normal values. Conclusions : Data confirming active involvement of TNF-α in development of inflammation and initiation of apoptosis during paroxysm that results in aggravation of cardiovascular diseases was obtained. Application of the method of assessing TNF-α serum levels as severity and prognostic marker of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was proposed.

TNF-α, atrial fibrillation