The increased activity of TIMP-1 in the blood as a predictor of the recurrence of atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation.Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is involved in extracellular matrix remodeling which is considered to be a marker of regulation of matrix metalloproteinase activity.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay prior to a radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) procedure was used for measuring the serum level of TIMP-1 in 210 patients: 80 patients without history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and 130 patients with idiopathic AF .Their relationship with intraoperative efficacy and recurrence of AF was evaluated throughout the entire observation period.The observation period was 22.2 ± 7.9 months.TIMP-1 level was higher in the groups of patients with AF than in the control group: 131.51 ± 36.40, 149.5±42.7,151.5 ± 42.7 and 155.9 ± 44.7 ng/ml for paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing and permanent forms of AF.In the control group, TIMP-1 level was 103.6 ± 14.7 ng/ml.TIMP-1 level increased with the progression of AF.A multifactor analysis showed that TIMP-1 level, history of atrial fibrillation and left atrial volume were independent predictors of sinus rhythm recovery and recurrence of AF.An increase in TIMP-1 level in patients with AF has been shown.An increase in TIMP-1 levels was observed as AF progressed.TIMP-1 is prognostic criteria of arrhythmia recurrence after RFA.