Objiective:To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinases-2(MMP-2) and atrial fibrillation

also to investigate the relationship between MMP-2

cardiac function and left atria diameter of patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods:49 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were included in the atrial fibrillation groups

and 47 patients with sinus rhythm were selected in the control group

the serum concentration of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were measured with ELISA.The size of left atria diameter were detected with Doppler Ultrasonic cardiogram.Results:(1) The level of MMP-2 in atrial fibrillation group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05)

there was a positive correlation between left atria diameter and serum MMP-2 levels in the atrial fibrillation group(r=0.345

P<0.05).The level of the serum TIMP-2 showed no difference between the atrial fibrillation group and the control group(P>0.05).(2) The size of left atria diameter in atrial fibrillation group was significant higher than that in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusions:The levels of serum MMP-2 increased in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

both rose with severity of chronic heart failure.Rising of MMP-2 levels is one of the reason that left atria enlarged in persistent atrial fibrillation.