NLRP3 and atrial fibrillation: Compared to the controls, the mRNA expression in peripheral leukocytes was significantly reduced in AF patients (P = 0.011) coupled with the increase in downstream leukocyte NLRP3 mRNA expression (P = 0.007) and plasma IL-1β levels (P < 0.001), consistent with changes in GPR43 and NLRP3 protein expression.