Why atrial fibrillation acts differently in women and men
Sex-specific arrhythmogenic mechanisms of atrial fibrillation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11220533
Using lab tests and computer models to understand how atrial fibrillation behaves differently in women and men so future care can be safer and more effective.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11220533 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project combines lab experiments on human atrial tissue with detailed computer models of heart cells and tissue to capture sex-specific differences in electrical activity. Researchers will use samples from male and female patients in normal rhythm and with chronic AF, and will run optical mapping in rabbit hearts to study hormone effects. The models will include differences in ion channels, calcium handling, and tissue structure to see how remodeling develops differently by sex. Together the experiments and simulations aim to show why women may have delayed remodeling but worse outcomes once changes occur.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with atrial fibrillation or patients undergoing cardiac surgery who can provide small atrial tissue samples for research.
Not a fit: People without atrial fibrillation and those not undergoing cardiac procedures are unlikely to be involved or directly helped by this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments or drug choices that are safer and more effective for women with atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown sex differences in heart electrophysiology, but combining human tissue experiments with biophysically detailed, sex-specific computer models is a relatively new and more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRANDI, ELEONORA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: GRANDI, ELEONORA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.