Role of epicardial adipose tissue in atrial fibrillation as an age-related disease

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is more prevalent in older people. • We focused on Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in AF. • We compared gene expression in the left atrium and EAT. • Endothelin-1 may contribute to AF pathogenesis through endocrine mechanisms. The pathogenesis underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) and the involvement of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in AI have been previously reported. To investigate the potential role of EAT in AF by comparing gene expression profiles in left atrial and EAT samples. Public gene expression datasets from patients with AF and normal sinus rhythm were analyzed to identify genes upregulated in both tissues and those specific to each tissue. Network analysis tools were used to uncover hub and bottleneck genes potentially relevant for AF development. Thirty-one genes were upregulated in both left atrium and EAT samples. Endothelin 1 (EDN1) and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) were identified as potential hub or bottleneck genes associated with vascular function. Additionally, genes related to collagen and ribosomes were enriched in left atrium and EAT samples, respectively. EDN1 and FGF1, potentially secreted from EAT, might play a role in AF development by affecting the left atrium through endocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the specific pathways involved.