Clinical research
A pilot study of circulating PPAR-γ receptor protein in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- γ (PPAR-γ) protein concentration and inflammatory markers in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Material and methods: We enrolled a total of 73 elderly patients: 45 with AF as the test group and 28 in sinus rhythm as a control group. We assayed serum PPAR-γ receptor protein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-α). The study protocol and written informed consent were approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Research, Peking University First Hospital.

Results: The concentration of PPAR- γ receptor protein was lower in AF patients than that in the control group (p < 0.01), and the concentrations of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were higher than those in the control group (all p < 0.01). The PPAR-γ level was negatively correlated with hs-CRP, IL-6, and left atrium diameter (LAD) level (all p < 0.05). On logistic regression analysis, PPAR-γ, hs-CRP, TNF-α and LAD level were associated with AF.

Conclusions: Elderly patients with AF show an inflammatory state and atrial remodeling. The PPAR-γ receptor protein concentration is inversely linked with inflammation in AF. As an important transcription factor regulating inflammatory gene expression, PPAR-γ may take part in the pathogenesis of AF.