The prevalence and persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the relative inefficacy of the currently available pharmacotherapy requires development of new treatment strategies. Recent findings have suggested a mechanistic link between inflammatory processes and the development of AF. Epidemiological studies have shown an association between C-reactive protein and both the presence of AF and the risk of developing future AF. In case-control studies, C-reactive protein is significantly elevated in AF patients and is associated with successful cardioversion. Moreover, C-reactive protein elevation is more pronounced in patients with persistent AF than in those with paroxysmal AF. Furthermore, treatment with glucocorticoids, statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers seems to reduce recurrence of AF. Part of this anti-arrhythmic effect may be through anti-inflammatory activity. This article reviews what is known about inflammation in genesis and perpetuation of AF, the putative underlying mechanisms, and possible therapeutic implications for the inhibition of inflammation as an evolving treatment modality for AF.

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The objective of this research was to investigate if breastfeeding affects the size of the thymus. Ultrasound assessment of the thymic index (a volume estimate) at birth and age 4 months in 47 healthy infants born in the hospital were used. History of feeding mode, body size and illness were registered. At 4 months the geometric mean thymic index (range) was 38.3 (16.2-83.2) in exclusively breastfed infants (n = 21), 27.3 (15.6-50.0) in partially breastfed infants (n = 13) and 18.3 (12.2-32.6) in formula fed infants (n = 13; p = 0.0001, ANOVA). This finding was independent of weight, length, sex and previous or current illness. There was no significant difference in mean thymic index at birth between the three feeding groups and mean thymic index had increased in all three groups from birth to 4 months. For the formula-fed infants it seems that the thymus remains large for a period and then decreases in size after breastfeeding has been terminated. We conclude that the thymus is considerably larger in breastfed than in formula-fed infants at the age of 4 months. The cause of this difference is unknown but human milk contains many immune modulating factors that might cause this effect.

The results suggest that an increase in meat intake can prevent a decrease in Hb in late infancy, probably by enhancing iron absorption. However, there was no effect on iron stores or on cellular iron deficiency, evaluated by SF and TfR levels, respectively.