Increased serum HMGB1 is related to oxidative stress in patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective To investigate the relationship between the serum concentration of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and oxidative stress in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods Patients with AF (paroxysmal or persistent) and matched control subjects were recruited. Serum HMGB1 concentration and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined. Results Serum hs-CRP and HMGB1 concentrations and MDA activity were significantly higher in patients with persistent AF (n=33) or paroxysmal AF (n=53) than in controls (n=30). Serum SOD activity was significantly lower in both patient groups than in controls. In the patient group, HMGB1 concentration was significantly positively correlated with MDA activity (r=0.535), and negatively correlated with SOD activity (r=-0.491). MDA, SOD, hs-CRP and HMGB1 were significant independent predictors of AF. Conclusions Increased oxidative stress may contribute to increased HMGB1 concentrations in patients with AF. Inhibition of oxidative stress may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for AF.