The expression of ECM, including collage type 3, α1 (Col‑3A1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2/-9 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β was higher in patients with permanent AF, compared with patients in sinus rhythm (SR), and the expression levels of MIF were also increased in AF.
The index of low SIRT1 and high MMP2 respectively correlated with patients history of MI (ρ=0.3, p=0.01) and marginally with presence or history of atrial fibrillation (AF) (ρ=0.213, p=0.076).
This upregulated expression and activity were positively correlated with higher regulatory indicators of atrial structural remodeling as reflected by higher transcripts of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and interleukin-6, and higher ratios of MMP-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 in AF.
2) Bisphosphonates are associated with atrial fibrillation, and MMP2 is the only gene known to be associated with both bone abnormalities and atrial fibrillation.