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

Abstract

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. © The Author(s) 2013.