Comparison of apolipoprotein-A1 levels between paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients and healthy subjects

Introduction: Studies found that the inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). It is well-known that apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in a healthy physiological system. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether there is any difference of Apo-A1 levels in patients with PAF and healthy subjects. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled a total of 35 PAF patients and 34 comparable healthy participants. Apo-A1 levels were measured from each subject using an immunophelometric method. All enrolled subjects were followed-up for one year during the study period. Results: Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were statistically higher in PAF patients compared to healthy subjects (1.54 +/- 1.99 vs. 1.06 +/- 2.01, P = 0.016, respectively). Of note, patients with PAF had lower Apo-A1 levels (1.84 +/- 0.74 vs. 2.55 +/- 0.44, P = 0.001, respectively). There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of apolipoprotein-B levels (1.08 +/- 0.36 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.38, P = 0.339, respectively). We did not find any correlation between Apo-A1 levels and PAF attacks in the study. Conclusion: The main finding of this study was that Apo-A1 levels were significantly lower in PAF patients compared to healthy participants. Based on our results, we considered that Apo-A1 may have a key role in the pathogenesis of PAF.