Impact of Biomarkers of Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Turnover on the Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Importance of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 as a Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence

Abstract

Our finding that markers of collagen turnover were elevated in patients who experienced AF recurrence after ablation indicate that these markers might be a useful guide to identify a subgroup of AF patients who require extensive ablation strategies. A 2-month postablation elevation in collagen turnover markers suggests that the wound healing process persists for that long after ablation.