NPPB and atrial fibrillation: The main findings of the present study are: (1) Responders to epicardial ablation showed a significant reduction of BNP values and inflammatory cytokines vs. nonresponders; (2) responders displayed a significant reduction of LAD, LAV, and MR and a significant improvement of LVEF vs. nonresponders; (3) responders had significantly increased SERCA levels in peripheral lymphocytes vs. nonresponders; and (4) AF recurrence after epicardial ablation was predicted via AF duration, LAV, SERCA levels, and serum BNP.