Expression of NFkappaB, ICAM1, and VCAM1 in rheumatic heart disease with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the expression of nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) levels in rheumatic heart disease patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation and those who do not.

STUDY

DESIGN

Twenty-six patients with rheumatic heart disease were enrolled. Ten patients had no history of atrial fibrillation and 16 had atrial fibrillation. Atrial tissue was obtained from the right atrial appendage during heart surgery. The expression levels of NFkappaB, ICAM1, and VCAM1 were examined with immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Myocardial inflammation and fibrosis were both increased in patients with atrial fibrillation. The levels of NFkappaB, ICAM1, and VCAM1 were significantly elevated in patients with atrial fibrillation as compared with the control group (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of NFkappaB, ICAM1, and VCAM1 may be involved in the development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic heart disease.