NLRP3 and atrial fibrillation: According to the available evidence, NLRP3 inflammasomes activation is associated with the development and progression of AF, and the possible mechanisms involved are leading to increased RyR 2 protein expression and RyR 2-mediated synaptic SR Ca2+ release events as well as inducing myocardial fibrosis, and contributing to the maintenance of substrates in AF (11, 12).