IL-6 is a cytokine capable of inducing inflammatory cell adhesion and aggregation, together with the activation of acute-phase reactive proteins (such as fibrinogen or C-reactive protein), causing atrial muscle inflammation, left ventricle hypertrophy, ventricle stiffness, increase in collagen content, atrial fibrosis and AF onset27,40. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is atrial fibrillation.