**10. Gene polymorphisms and C-reactive protein levels related to inflammation**

Several studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between inflammation and AF. These studies have led to the conclusion that inflammation may cause AF or play an important role in the onset and maintenance of AF. Myocarditis, pericardiotomy and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were associated with AF, a dysrhythmia, in studies conducted. However, in some other studies, it has been determined that there is a relationship between AF and the induction of inflammatory response. Previous studies have suggested that AF may be due to inflammatory processes and there is a significant relationship between the CRP levels and the risk of developing AF in these studies. A study performed by Lo et al. found a significant relationship between high basal CRP levels and increased postoperative AF risk. Non-Willebrand factor expression, which is effective in tissue factor, fibrinogen, factor VIII and prothrombic state, is induced by the IL-6 gene, which plays an important role in inflammation. Another study by Gaudino et al. found that −174 G/C polymorphism, a polymorphism in the promoter region of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene, was a significant effect on the inflammatory response and was associated with the risk of postoperative AF development. Also Marcus et al., in their study showed a significant relationship between increased IL-6 levels and the risk of developing AF. There is also a study showing that patients with high CRP levels have higher AF risk than patients with normal CRP levels [27].
