Objective: Semaphorin4D (Sema4D), a novel integral membrane glycoprotein, plays a role in atherosclerosis, angiogenesis and chronic inflammation. Elevated levels of sema4D were presented in myocardial infarction, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Aim of the study was to investigate the relation between sema4D and recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) in paroxysmal AF.

Methods: The present study included 161 paroxysmal AF patients (PAF) (101 patients undergone CA) and 60 healthy subjects. Serum levels of sema4D were measured and study participants were followed-up for 3 months and 1 year since CA in terms of recurrence respectively.

Results: Sema4D levels were significantly elevated in the recurrent group compared to the non-recurrent PAF patients (p < 0.001). Sema4D was importantly positively correlated with both left atrial volume index (r = 0.51, p < 0.013) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (r = 0.38), p < 0.011). In multivariate analysis, sema4D [odds ratio (OR) = 1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.42; p < 0.001] and left atrial diameter (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.23; p = 0.012) were found to be significant independent risk parameters for recurrence.

Conclusions: Sema4D is a novel biomarker that may help to identify individuals with recurrence after CA procedure in long term period in PAF.