Does atrial fibrillation affect plasma endothelin level?

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) may result in endocardial endothelium dysfunction. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1) during persistent AF and after sinus rhythm recovery following direct-current cardioversion and to assess the predictive value of ET-1 in AF patients.
Methods: The study group consisted of 43 patients with persistent AF and normal left ventricle systolic function who had undergone successful cardioversion. Blood samples were collected twice: 24 hours before and 24 hours after cardioversion. All patients were also examined in terms of sinus rhythm maintenance on the 30th day after cardioversion.
Results: There were no differences in ET-1 plasma concentration between the persistent AF group and the control group (2.6 ± 2.9 fmol/mL vs 2.3 ± 4.5 fmol/mL, NS). Plasma ET-1 levels did not change within 24 hours after successful cardioversion (2.5 ± 2.8 fmol/mL vs 2.6 ± 2.9 fmol/mL, NS). There was no correlation between the baseline plasma levels of ET-1 in patients with persistent AF and sinus rhythm maintenance 30 days after cardioversion.
Conclusions: Persistent AF does not affect plasma ET-1 concentration in patients with normal left ventricle systolic function and with no symptoms of heart failure. There are no significant changes in plasma ET-1 level during the 24 hours after cardioversion.