Blood-based 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level: A potential diagnostic biomarker for atrial fibrillation

Background: Recent research findings have revealed a key role of oxidative DNA damage in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, the circulating oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) may represent a biomarker for staging AF and identifying patients at risk for AF recurrence and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after treatment.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum levels of 8-OHdG correlate with the stage of AF, recurrence after AF treatment, and onset of POAF after cardiac surgery.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, 8-OHdG levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in human serum samples. Blood samples were collected from control patients without AF history; patients with paroxysmal AF and persistent AF undergoing electrical cardioversion or pulmonary vein isolation (PVI); and patients with sinus rhythm (SR) undergoing cardiac surgery. AF recurrence was determined during 12-month follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify changes in 8-OHdG levels between the groups.

Results: Compared to the control group, 8-OHdG levels in the patient groups gradually and significantly increased during arrhythmia progression. 8-OHdG levels in AF patients showing AF recurrence after PVI treatment were significantly increased compared to patients without AF recurrence. Moreover, in SR patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 8-OHdG levels were significantly elevated in those showing POAF compared to patients without POAF.

Conclusion: 8-OHdG level may represent a potential diagnostic biomarker for AF staging as well as for predicting AF recurrence and POAF after treatment.