Possible Cure - there's hope!

[jeanjeannie50]

I received the following information in an email this morning re AF cure trials in Israel, looks promising. It's certainly worth a read:

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University (BGU) have identified a previously unknown mechanism for atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, the first stage toward finding a cure.

Researchers conducted genetic studies on three generations of a Jewish family of Iranian descent, recognizing that mutation in a gene (KCND2) pathologically encodes a crucial component of a potassium ion channel (Kv4.2) in the heart.

Based on these findings, the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev (NIBN) and the Faculty of Health Sciences on BGU’s campus are in the preliminary stages of developing an anti-arrhythmia medication.

Genetic studies in frogs and mutant mice demonstrated that the mutation increases the conductivity of the channel, significantly proliferating the onset of atrial fibrillation.

Molecular and genetic studies were conducted by Max Drabkin, an MD-PhD student from the Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, mentored by Prof. Ohad Birk, head of Soroka University Medical Center’s Genetics Institute.

Clinical studies involving the family of Iranian descent were conducted by Prof. Amos Katz, cardiologist and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at BGU, and Dr. Menahem Sasson, the family’s physician.

[heartbeat4]

Thanks for posting looks promising

[Finvola]

Thank you for this Jean. It would seem that those of us with close relatives with AF may be right that some ‘strains’ of it are genetic. Hope for all as this research may focus other teams in Israel and beyond. Good news.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Finvola]

Sounds as simple as finding out what will correct that mutant gene. We have to have hope of being normal again! Yes, AF is in my family too.

[dmjtanner in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Same here...in my family!

[BobD Volunteer]

Always loved unicorns. Probably not in our lifetime.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to BobD]

Think positively and always have hope, it will bring more joy into your life. x

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm positive I will one day find a unicorn Jean lol 😁

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

🦄

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Hidden]

Good to see you back on here. How are you now? x

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

This is second week after second surgery, so far so good. No a fib. I think my recovery is going faster and Im having less pain.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Hidden]

That's so good to hear that you're doing well.

Wishing you as speedy recovery and that you'll soon be out riding your horse. x

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thankyou💜

[sotolol in reply to BobD]

I make felt plushie 🦄 unicorns.

[maria68]

Very interesting research. AF in my family - my mother and now found out about two cousins. Thank you for posting.

[Tricia239]

Really interesting, let’s hope it progresses positively and quickly too!

[Janelr]

My mother had af which led to a severe stroke and was about same age as me 49 !

[Coco51]

Genetics will one day be the answer to so many medical problems. It's so great to hear people are working on this. Thank you.

[irene75359]

Well, look at medical advances in the last 10 years, never mind a lifetime! Really good to hear, thank you for posting.

[Seawalk]

I found it interesting, my mother had AF to. So many autoimmune disease in my family so genetics are a particularly interest to me. Yes always have hope. Thank you Jean.