[Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and beta in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of non-vavular hypertensive atrial fibrillation patients].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the mRNA expressions of PPARalpha and PPARbeta in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of non-vavular hypertensive atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and elucidate its possible role in the pathogenesis of AF. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 103 patients with hypertensive AF (persistent AF 55, paroxysmal AF 48) and 50 age-adjusted hypertension patients without AF. The mRNA expressions of PPARalpha, PPARbeta, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in monocytes were detected by using a Real time polymerase chain reaction. The concentrations of high sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) were measured by immunoenzymetric method. RESULTS: The PPARalpha mRNA expression level was persistently decreased in hypertensive non-AF group, paroxysmal AF group, and persistent AF group (1.34 +/- 0.17, 1.09 +/- 0.23, 0.85 +/- 0.22), while the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001; respectively). TNF-alpha mRNA, IL-6 mRNA,CRP and IL-1 persistently increased in hypertensive non-AF group, paroxysmal AF group, persistent AF group, also the difference was statistically significant (P < 0. 001; respectively). The difference of PPARbeta mRNA was not statistically significant between non-AF group, paroxysmal AF group and persistent AF group. Left atrial diameter (LAD) was in positive correlation with CRP, IL-1, IL-6 mRNA and TNF-alpha mRNA (P < 0.05). PPARalpha mRNA level was in negative correlation with CRP, IL-1, IL-6 mRNA and TNF-alpha mRNA, the correlation coefficient was -0.519, -0.532, -0.491 and -0.528, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients with AF, increased inflammatory cytokines were associated with atrial remodeling and lead to the development of atrial fibrillation; PPARalpha was negatively correlated with these inflammatory cytokines and may play a vital role in the process of atrial fibrillation development.