New insights from Göttingen: At the focus

New insights from Göttingen: At the focus

New findings on the treatment of atrial fibrillation: Significance of calcium fragrance

The underlying mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, a widespread cardiac arrhythmia in Germany, have now received new insights from research at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) in cooperation with the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). A team under the direction of Prof. Dr. Niels Voigt has discovered that disorders in the calcium mumping of the cardiac muscle cells contribute to the chronic forms of this disease.

atrial fibrillation is one of the most common forms of cardiac arrhythmias in Germany and affects around two million people. This is caused, among other things, by sporadic electrical malfunctions in the atrial stoves of the heart, which can increase over time. These conditions are not only uncomfortable, but can also have serious consequences, including strokes when there are blood clots.

The study, published in the journal "Circulation", shows that protein reduction in the heart muscle cells plays a central role in the development of atrial fibrillation. This affects the calcium fragrance of the cells. Calcium is an essential element that is responsible for the contractile function of the heart muscle. The researchers: inside pointed out that these buffers work in the car similar to "shock absorbers"; If you are no longer effective, even small fluctuations in the calcium concentration can lead to significant problems.

An important part of the study was the use of heart tissue, which was taken during surgical interventions. Here the heart muscle cells are isolated and could make their calcium waves visible with special microscope technology. These waves are incorrect electrical impulses that arise in the muscle tissue and lead to the irregular heart beats that are the characteristics of atrial fibrillation.

The researchers: Inside, also determined that already approved medication, such as Levosimendan and Omecamtiv, can be used potentially to improve the calcium fragrances. These drugs could help replace the defective buffers in the heart muscle cells and thus offer new therapy approaches for patients with atrial fibrillation.

The importance of this research is great because it not only deepens the understanding of the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, but also opens up perspectives for new therapeutic approaches. The team led by Prof. Voigt is optimistic that new strategies for the targeted treatment of atrial fibrillation can be developed, which reduce the frequency of the disease and improve the quality of life of the people affected.