Abstract 18117: Epicardial Adipose Tissue Produces Proinflammatory Cytokines and Influences the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Several studies have shown that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is not only an anatomic depot of fat, but also may serve as a local source of proinflammatory cytokines related to coronary artery disease (CAD). Although there are several studies reporting an association between EAT and CAD, the evidence concerning the association between EAT and arrhythmias is relatively limited. A recent study has shown that EAT locations are in excellent agreement with high dominant frequency sites, suggesting that EAT may be involved in the maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Purpose: In the present study, we studied whether adjoining atrial EAT may produce proinflammatory cytokines and influence the pathogenesis of AF. Methods: Samples were obtained from periventricular EAT, periatrial EAT, and subcutaneous adipose tissue in patients without CAD during elective cardiac surgery (aortic valve replacements or aortic vascular surgery). Cytokine expression was evaluated using a quantitative real-time polyme...