Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid on Multiple Cytokines and Biomarkers and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Within 1 Year of Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation (CA) is a procedure commonly used to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, AF recurrence after CA remains a relevant clinical issue. We tested the effects of an oral anti-oxidant treatment (α-lipoic acid, ALA) on AF recurrence post-CA. Patients with paroxysmal AF have been enrolled in a randomized, prospective, double blind, controlled placebo trial. Following CA, patients have been randomly assigned to receive ALA oral supplementation (ALA group) or placebo (control group), and evaluated at baseline and after a 12-month follow-up: 73 patients completed the 12-month follow-up (ALA: 33; control: 40). No significant difference has been detected between the two groups at baseline. Strikingly, one year after CA, ALA therapy significantly reduced serum markers of inflammation. However, there was no significant difference in AF recurrence events at follow-up when comparing ALA to placebo group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the only independent prognostic risk factor for AF recurrence post-CA is age. In conclusion, ALA therapy reduces serum levels of common markers of inflammation in ablated patients. Nevertheless, ALA does not prevent AF recurrence after an ablative treatment.