Beta Amyloid and Malondialdehyde Serum Levels' Analysis in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered cardiac dysrhythmia, and AF patients are five times more likely to have a risk of stroke. Although the effects of stroke on patients are quite severe, lately it has been recognized that AF is associated with the incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze and determine the differences in two isoforms of amyloid beta (Aββ40 and 42) and malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels in AF patients who experience and who do not experience cognitive impairment.

METHODS

An observational study with case-control design was carried out on 63 people with atrial fibrillation, consisting of 38 people with cognitive impairment and 25 people without cognitive impairment. Examination of MDA and the Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels was carried out by ELISA. The difference level of each variable in the two groups was tested by the Mann-Whitney and χ tests, at P ≤ 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS

Lower mean levels of Aβ42 and higher mean levels of MDA were found in the group with cognitive impairment rather than in the group without cognitive impairment. Lower mean levels of Aβ40 were found in the group with cognitive impairment rather than in the group without cognitive impairment but this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Significantly lower levels of Aβ42 and higher levels of MDA were found in the AF patients with cognitive impairment rather than in the AF patients without cognitive impairment.