Figure 10

Proposed pathophysiology of OSA-induced atrial fibrosis and MSC mechanism of action. OSA acts as a pro-inflammatory stimulus and inhibits MMP-2 synthesis, reducing collagen degradation and thus favoring collagen accumulation. MSC administration blunts inflammation and normalizes MMP-2 synthesis, thereby increasing collagen degradation and preventing from collagen deposit. OSA also increases ACE expression, but its role in fibrosis promotion is uncertain. Red lines represent inhibition, green lines represent activation. MSC: mesenchymal stem cells. OSA: obstructive sleep apnea.