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Elevated collagen type III and VI formation reflects AF recurrence after ablation treatment
August 28, 2026
Recurrence of atrial fibrillation is reflected by elevated formation of collagen type III and VI after ablation treatment
Introduction
Catheter ablation treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) induces controlled myocardial injury to the pulmonary veins. This targeted injury initiates a wound healing response involving inflammation, fibroblast activation, and ECM remodeling. Collagen type III remodeling, deposited early during tissue repair, and type VI, which supports ECM organization, may indicate a persistent wound healing response rather than physiological scar formation.
The aim of this study was to investigate changes in circulating biomarkers of collagen III formation and collagen VI turnover in individuals with AF that underwent ablation to characterize the ECM remodeling response and explore their potential as indicators of post-procedural fibrosis.
Poster
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 may reflect excessive activation of fibroblasts
following the ablation, and although physiological scarring is necessary, AF recurrence might
be driven by overactive fibrosis. These biomarkers could therefore potentially assist in identifying
patients who develop excessive scarring and could benefit from antifibrotic treatment after their
ablation therapy.
