Background: Cryoablation (CRYO) is a novel catheter ablation technique for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, uncertainty persists regarding the role of metabolic modifications associated with CRYO ablation. This study aimed to explore whether CRYO influences the metabolic signature, which has never been investigated before. 

Methods: Paired serum samples of AF patients (n=10) were collected before and 24h after CRYO. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was conducted by using LC-MS system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify differential metabolites. Pathway enrichment and Pearson correlation analysis were performed to reveal the disturbed metabolic pathways and potential interactions. 

Results: Seventy-nine metabolites revealed a significant change from baseline to 24h after CRYO. Pathway analysis revealed that disturbed metabolites were enriched in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between differential metabolites, biochemical markers, and clinical indicators. 

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that CRYO induces systemic changes in the serum metabolome of paroxysmal AF patients and provides potential metabolic benefits that could contribute to an enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology and metabolic mechanisms involved in catheter ablation.