Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the roles of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β<sub>1</sub> (TGF-β<sub>1</sub>) in atrial fibrosis in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Methods: Up to 40 cases involving simple mitral valve replacement surgery were divided into 2 groups: the chronic atrial fibrillation (cAF) group (n = 28) and the sinus rhythm group (n = 12). Echocardiography was used to measure the cardiac cavity size and analyze the cardiac function. Right atrial specimens were obtained during the operation. The collagen volume fraction in the atrial specimens was examined. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β<sub>1</sub>, Smad3 and CTGF were also investigated. Results: Compared with the sinus rhythm group, the cAF group had higher collagen content in the right atrial tissues. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β<sub>1</sub>, Smad3 and CTGF were also significantly elevated in the cAF group (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β<sub>1</sub> and CTGF in the cAF group correlated positively with the collagen volume fraction. The positive correlation between the expression of TGF-β<sub>1</sub> and CTGF was also demonstrated. Conclusions: CTGF is upregulated via the TGF-β<sub>1</sub>/Smad pathway in the atrial myocardium of cAF patients. Furthermore, the TGF-β<sub>1</sub>/Smad pathway may play an important role in the structural remodeling during atrial fibrosis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.