Step forward in gene therapy to treat cause of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes

Written By :  Dr. Nandita Mohan
Medically Reviewed By :  Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2023-03-23 03:30 GMT   |   Update On 2023-03-23 03:30 GMT
Advertisement

People with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy are born with normal hearts but begin to develop an irregular heartbeat in their 20s or 30s. These arrhythmias can raise the heart rate to dangerous levels and explain why some individuals with the condition experience sudden cardiac arrest during exercise.

Scientists have corrected abnormal heart rhythms in mice by restoring healthy levels of a protein that heart cells need to establish connections with one another. That protein, GJA1-20k, is underproduced in people with a genetic condition called arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes under the age of 35.

Advertisement

The finding, reported in the journal Circulation Research, suggests a new strategy for treating the abnormal heart rhythms caused by arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The results may also have implications for treating dangerous arrhythmias associated with more common conditions, such as those that can develop soon after a heart attack.

To determine if they could restore the heart’s normal rhythm, the scientists turned to mice that have similarities to people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. They both have low levels of GJA1-20k and develop arrhythmias. The researchers used low doses of gene therapy to bring the trafficking protein back to normal levels. This, they confirmed, enabled heart muscle cells to transport Connexin 43 to its proper locations.

Most importantly, it gave the animals a more normal heartbeat. “The ease and low dose needed to fix the arrhythmias of even an inherited heart disease suggests that the authors have identified a critical pathway to stabilize cardiac electrical activity.

Disruptions in protein trafficking are thought to contribute to arrhythmias beyond those caused by arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and authors are optimistic that a similar treatment strategy might be useful for those conditions, too.

Reference:

Step forward in gene therapy to treat cause of sudden cardiac arrest in athlete; Circulation Research; DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.322294

Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : Circulation Research

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News