Probucol attenuates atrial structural remodeling in prolonged pacing-induced atrial fibrillation in dogs.

AIMS: Oxidative stress has recently been implicated in atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we hypothesize that probucol can attenuate atrial structure remodeling. METHODS: Twenty dogs were randomly divided into sham-operated, control, and probucol-treated groups. We identified apoptosis and histopathological changes in the atria. Oxidative stress was measured by lipid peroxidation and echocardiographic examinations were performed. RESULTS: Atrial apoptosis indexes were dramatically decreased in the probucol-treated group compared to the control group. Relative to the control group, the percentage of myolysis was dramatically decreased in the probucol-treated group (p < 0.01). There was less lipid peroxidation in the probucol-treated group than the control group. Atrial function was dramatically elevated in the probucol-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the antioxidant probucol suppresses atrial structural remodeling and may act as a new therapy for AF.