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Fibrinaloid Microclots and Atrial Fibrillation

Douglas B Kell1,2,3, Gregory Y H Lip4,5, Etheresia Pretorius1,3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.

Biomedicines
|April 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Fibrinaloid microclots, often found with inflammatory diseases, may contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). This research suggests microclots could play a causal role in AF, impacting treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pathology
  • Systems Biology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • Fibrinaloid microclots are known to accompany these inflammatory diseases and are a consequence of AF.
  • The potential causal role of microclots in AF development remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether fibrinaloid microclots contribute to the etiology of atrial fibrillation.
  • To explore the link between known AF risk factors and microclot formation.
  • To consider the implications of microclots as a potential cause of AF.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on AF, inflammatory diseases, and microclots.
  • Analysis of the role of exogenous stimuli (infection, air pollution) in AF and microclot formation.
  • Examination of in vitro data on microclot stimulation by infectious agents (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 spike protein).

Main Results:

  • Infections and air pollution, known AF triggers, stimulate fibrinaloid microclots in vitro.
  • Fibrinaloid microclots exhibit cytotoxicity, potentially through hypoxia/reperfusion.
  • Evidence suggests a plausible etiological role for microclots in AF development.

Conclusions:

  • Microclots may be a causative factor or contributor to atrial fibrillation development.
  • This hypothesis has significant implications for understanding AF mechanisms.
  • Potential for novel therapeutic strategies targeting microclots in AF.

Keywords:
Long COVIDarrhythmiasatrial fibrillationfibrinaloid microclotsinfectioninflammationparticulate matterpollution

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