Conclusion
Elevated levels of BRD4 may be used to predict the enlargement and fibrosis of the left atrium, postoperative recurrence of AF after ablation, and reduced LVEF in patients with NVAF. Moreover, the postoperative recurrence rate after ablation of AF was significantly positively correlated with LAAPD and the low voltage regions of the left atrium, and negatively correlated with LVEF and LAA-PEV. Inhibition of BRD4 expression significantly improved the degree of left atrial fibrosis in rats with AF, and reduced the incidence and duration of AF. BRD4 may be involved in atrial fibrosis and remodeling through the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, thus participating in the occurrence and maintenance of AF.