Inflammation, atrial fibrillation, and the potential role for colchicine therapy

Increasing evidence suggests that the "NACHT-LRR and PYD domain-containing protein 3" (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent preclinical evidence has suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). As such, the therapies that have shown efficacy in reducing ASCVD events may also prove beneficial in AF. In this article, we review the findings that implicate the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of AF, discuss existing evidence behind the use of anti-inflammatory agents for AF, and discuss the future role that colchicine and other anti-inflammatory agents may play in the prevention and treatment of AF. Increasing evidence suggests that the "NACHT-LRR and PYD domain-containing protein 3" (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent preclinical evidence has suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). As such, the therapies that have shown efficacy in reducing ASCVD events may also prove beneficial in AF. In this article, we review the findings that implicate the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of AF, discuss existing evidence behind the use of anti-inflammatory agents for AF, and discuss the future role that colchicine and other anti-inflammatory agents may play in the prevention and treatment of AF. Key Findings▪The NLRP3 inflammasome may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF).▪Anti-inflammatory therapies such as colchicine have shown benefits in reducing recurrence of AF after surgery or ablation.▪Future randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of colchicine therapy for primary prevention and treatment of AF. ▪The NLRP3 inflammasome may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF).▪Anti-inflammatory therapies such as colchicine have shown benefits in reducing recurrence of AF after surgery or ablation.▪Future randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of colchicine therapy for primary prevention and treatment of AF.