Elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor in human atrial fibrillation and angiotensin II-treated cardiomyocytes.

Background: Atrial fibrosis is a feature of structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a potent profibrotic factor, but its role of CTGF in AF is not yet fully understood.

Methods And Results: Right atrial appendages were obtained from 20 patients who underwent cardiac surgery (10 with sinus rhythm, 10 with AF).

Functional genomic study on atrial fibrillation using cDNA microarray and two-dimensional protein electrophoresis techniques and identification of the myosin regulatory light chain isoform reprogramming in atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Functional and structural changes of atrial tissue occur during the natural course of atrial fibrillation (AF), and these changes may contribute to further AF. We investigated the changes in AF tissue using cDNA microarray and two-dimensional protein electrophoresis techniques.

Methods And Results: We established a porcine model of AF by rapid right atrial appendage pacing at a rate of 600/min.