The expression of IGFBP3 in clinical tissues or PA-treated fibrotic cells detected using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis showed that IGFBP3 expression was lowered (mRNA: 0.57-fold; protein: 0.54-fold) in the atrial appendicular tissues of AF patients (Fig. 4A). Here, IGFBP3 is linked to atrial fibrillation.