The balance between CD4+ T helper 17 and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 is involved in the pathogenesis and development of atrial fibrillation

Background: To investigate the expression of Th17, T lymphocyte immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3+) cells and their related cytokines in atrial fibrillation (AF) and their clinical significance.

Methodology: A total of 90 patients with AF were divided into paroxysmal group (n=45) and chronic group (n=45), and 45 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The proportion of Th17 cells and Tim-3 + cells in the peripheral blood were detected. The concentrations of related cytokines in peripheral blood serum were determined. The correlation between Th17 / Tim-3+ cells and related cytokines was analysed.

Results: Compared with the control group, the proportion of Th17 cells and the concentration of related cytokines (IL-17, IL-6 and Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9)) in peripheral blood of patients with paroxysmal and chronic AF increased significantly, while the proportion of tim3 + cells and the concentration of related cytokines decreased significantly. Compared with the paroxysmal group, the proportion of Th17 cells and the concentration of related cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients in the chronic group increased significantly, while the proportion of tim3 + cells and the concentration of related cytokines decreased significantly.

Conclusion: Th17 / Tim-3 + cell balance is involved in AF, and can be used as a target for AF treatment.