Evaluation of Pre- and Postprocedural Oxidative Stress with TAC-TOS Score in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Abstract

Objective: The balance between free oxygen and nitrogen species and physiological antioxidant mechanisms is crucial for maintaining vital tissue functions. Notably, oxidative stress affects the pathophysiology of many diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the role of oxidative stress in AF and the effects of ablation procedures on oxidative stress. Methods: A total of 40 patients who underwent cryoballoon or radiofrequency ablation for pulmonary vein isolation were enrolled in the study. Patients with well-known diseases associated with increased oxidative stress were excluded. The total antioxidative capacity and total oxidative status (TOS) values before and six months after the procedure were examined and evaluated according to rhythm status. Results: After six months, there was a statistically significant difference in TOS compared with the preprocedure values (1880.05±1016.19 vs. 1418.32±1075.11, p=0.001). The postprocedural TOS value was significantly lower in the sinus rhythm group than in the patient group with AF (1237.48±1036.34 vs. 2270.88±870.20, p=0.013). However, there were significant differences between the paroxysmal and persistent AF groups according to preprocedural rhythm status (4.87±5.77 vs. 20.43±23.23, p=0.009). We did not find any association between C-reactive protein levels and the presence of arrhythmia after the procedure (11.29±16.19 vs. 13.70±25.47, p=0.662). Conclusion: Oxidative stress, as evaluated by TOS values, can be a prognostic parameter for AF recurrence after ablation.