Serum C-reactive protein and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α protein in right auricle of patients with chronic auricular fibrillation due to rheumatic valvular heart disease

Objective To observed the serum C-reactive protein（CRP） and tumor necrosis factor-alpha（TNF-α） protein expression in right auricle of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation due to rheumatic valvular disease. Methods Thirty-two patients with chronic atrial fibrillation due to rheumatic heart disease were divided sinus rhythm group（n=11） and chronic atrial fibrillation group（n=21）. Serum CRP level was measured by immune rate nephekmetry and TNF-αprotein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The serum CRP level and positive TNF-αprotein expression rate were significantly higher in chronic atrial fibrillation group than in sinus rhythm group（P＜0.05）. Conclusion Serum CRP level and TNF-α protein expression rate are significantly increased in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation due to rheumatic valvular disease. Inflammation may be one of the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and persistence of atrial fibrillation in such patients.