Probucol and succinobucol in atrial fibrillation: pros and cons

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. Recent studies have demonstrated the possible implication of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of AF. Probucol, a lipid-lowering drug that has a potent antioxidant effect, may have favorably benefits on atrial remodeling in AF. Although succinobucol, a derivative of probucol, have great intracellular antioxidant effects, its unfavourable influence on C-reactive protein levels maybe a possible reason for its increased risk of AF in ARISE study. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of probucol and succinobucol in atrial remodeling and their clinical impact on AF.