TNF-α contributes to the development of an arrhythmogenic substrate and atrial fibrillation in mice through TGF-β signaling, myofibroblast activation, and MMP secretion.
TNF-α is involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrosis and altered connexin-40 expression in mice through the TGF-β signaling pathway, activation of myofibroblasts and increased secretion of MMPs. Collectively, these changes may contribute to the arrhythmogenic substrate and development of AF.
Liew et al. (Tue,) studied this question.