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The Cutting Edge

Cutting-edge Model of Heart Helps Scientists Study New Therapies

  Promising New Approach to Treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
 

Two views of a heart model showing electrical activity during ventricular fibrillation, a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood becomes fragmented and discoordinated. Image: Courtesy of Dr. Alan Garfinkel

A team of UCLA doctors, scientists and engineers has created a detailed computer model that shows how the heart’s electrical signals are affected by congestive heart failure. The “virtual heart” will help medical researchers study new drug therapies that could treat heart failure.

One of the senior authors of the paper was William Klug, PhD, a UCLA mechanical and aerospace engineering professor, who was killed by a gunman in his office on June 1, 2016.

The model “can potentially help many who suffer from arrhythmias in congestive heart failure,” says Alan Garfinkel, PhD, professor of integrative biology and physiology.

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood. It is a leading cause of death. Patients also die at an accelerated rate from electrical disturbances called arrhythmias, the subject of the UCLA study. The model can simulate tiny, subtle changes in the heart’s cells and tissues, as well as the larger impact on the entire heart. The changes are then shown in a corresponding electrocardiogram, a tool commonly used to diagnose heart abnormalities.

The model is based on a rabbit’s heart. It can show what happens to the heart cells and tissue when the levels and flow of calcium, potassium and sodium ions — all required for the heart to work — are changed. The model also shows, for the first time, what happens to the organ when various critical chemicals and electrophysiologic components of a healthy working heart are altered by disease.

The researchers say the invention could help doctors zero in on effective new drug therapies for heart failure, because it should make it easier to understand how certain medications work and when and where in the heart they can be most effective. The study also revealed that ventricular fibrillation, a condition in which the heart beat becomes fragmented and erratic, can be caused by a slowdown in cellular processes at the top of the heart during heart failure. In addition, the researchers used their model to plan a new drug strategy against this heart-failure form of fibrillation.

“Electrophysiology of Heart Failure Using a Rabbit Model: From the Failing Myocyte to Ventricular Fibrillation,” PLOS Computational Biology, June 23, 2016


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Spring 2017

Spring 2017
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IN THIS ISSUE
  • Forward Thinking
  • Experimental Implant Returns Hand Movement to Quadriplegic
  • An Alternative Theory of Tumor Metastasis
  • Different Types of Autism-spectrum Disorders Share Abnormal Pattern of Brain Cells
  • Combating the Cellular Damage of Aging
  • Researchers Uncover How to Prevent Calcification of Heart Tissue
  • Giving a Jump-start to the Brain
  • UCLA Researchers Develop Open-source Program for Analyzing Thyroid Health
  • Cutting-edge Model of Heart Helps Scientists Study New Therapies
  • Affordability, Eligibility Biggest Barriers for Californians without Insurance
  • Genetic Factors Control Regenerative Properties of Blood-forming Stem Cells
  • Brain-wave Measurements Predict Response to Antidepressants
  • CARE for the HIV Community
  • Inspired to Serve
  • Gut Feeling
  • On Track
  • First Responders
  • Awards & Honors
  • In Memoriam
  • Reflections: Shirah Vollmer, MD ’86 (RES ’90, FEL ’91)
  • The Power of Faith in Healing
  • Honoring the Philanthropy of the Manoukians
  • UCLA Neurology Celebrates the Silton Family’s Philanthropy and the Inaugural Silton Chair Holder
  • Cardiovascular Leadership Sponsors Symposium, Educates the Community
  • Honoring Hope and Courage
  • Party on the Pier Benefits Children
  • UCLA Cancer Researcher Recognized for Exceptional Advancements
  • UCLA Health System Board Meeting Delves into Precision Health
  • Chairs of Distinction: UCLA Neurologists Named as Wilstein Chairs
  • UCLA Launches UCLA National Clinician Scholars Program
  • Celebrating UCLA’s Leaders of Tomorrow Scholars
  • Class of ’76 Alumni Celebrate 40th Reunion, Raise Money for Medical Scholarships
  • Running for Research
  • Switzer Prize Will Recognize Excellence in Research
  • High School Seniors Honor Loved Ones with Cakes for Cancer
  • Gifts
  • In Memoriam
  • A Memorable Healer and a Challenging Case
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