Grant: Operating Grant

Cardiac arrhythmias are electrical disturbances that can prevent the heart from working properly. Death resulting from cardiac arrhythmias is one of the leading causes of mortality in most Western societies. Electrical activity in the heart is regulated in part by ion channel proteins. Changes in ion channel function can alter cardiac electrical patterns and synchronicity. Sex-related differences in susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmia exist. For instance, men have a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation than women. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by very rapid and disorganized electrical impulse. It is the most common arrhythmia in the population and is a significant source of cardiovascular complication and mortality. The basis of these sex-related differences is far from being understood. However, hormonal variations clearly emerged as an important factor in the development of some types of cardiac arrhythmia. Accordingly, the primary objectives of this research proposal will be to identify the basic mechanisms responsible for the higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in men and to explore the exact contribution of androgens (male hormones) in these differences. These studies will be realized using combination of electrophysiological and biochemical techniques while using mouse and human tissues. This work will help better understand sex-related differences in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation and the role of androgen in these differences. Ultimately, understanding the mechanism responsible for sex differences in cardiac arrhythmias may help to develop improved strategies for the prevention and the management of cardiac arrhythmias in both men and women.