Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of statins may favorably affect atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation

Statin use and development of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and observational studies

“…In addition, recent data showing beneficial effects of statins on markers and clinical outcomes of patients with heart failure and/or ventricular arrhythmias reinforce this concept [15][16][17][18]. There is also increasing scientific interest regarding the role of statins in AF since their presumed pleiotropic effects might be operative in attenuating atrial remodeling [5,[9][10][11][12]19]. These notions are further fed by current data implicating inflammation and oxidative stress in AF [20][21][22][23][24][25].…”

Oral vitamin C administration reduces early recurrence rates after electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation and attenuates associated inflammation

“…There is evidence that in several conditions, inflammation augments oxidative stress and vice-versa, whereas such interrelation has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of AF [12,13,17]. Two recent studies showed that statin therapy was associated with a significant decrease in AF recurrence after successful cardioversion and a reduced incidence of AF in coronary artery disease patients, raising the possibility of a favourable action in atrial remodeling through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action [20][21][22]. Very recently, Dernellis and Panaretou in a placebocontrolled trial showed that methylpredisolone administration significantly reduced the recurrence rate of AF as well as the plasma CRP levels in patients with a first shortduration episode of persistent AF [23].…”

The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation

“…It has been postulated that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of statins may favorably affect atrial remodeling in AF [63]. This assumption is supported by an experimental study where simvastatin reduced the promotion of AF and suppressed electrical remodeling changes in a dog model of atrial tachy-pacing although classic dietary antioxidants were ineffective [55].…”