Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrosis and Development of an Arrhythmogenic Substrate

Abstract

TNF-α is involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrosis and altered connexin-40 expression in mice through the TGF-β signaling pathway, activation of myofibroblasts and increased secretion of MMPs. Collectively, these changes may contribute to the arrhythmogenic substrate and development of AF.