Heat Shock Proteins Protect Against Atrial Fibrillation in Experimental Models
For 15 year we have been aware of the fact that substances that increase the so-called Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) in the atrium, can protect the heart against atrial fibrillation. A patient with atrial fibrillation then found an article in the scientific literature stating that L-glutamine helps make these protective HSPs. This was the first step towards successful collaborative research.
Input from this patient enabled us to conduct a clinical study on the effect of L-glutamine in patients with atrial fibrillation. We found that L-glutamine has a clear effect on HSP levels in the blood, and therefore these effects are associated with more energy in the body.
What is currently known about L-Glutamine and atrial fibrillation so far?
- L-glutamine is a common amino acid in the body and is a building block for many other amino acids and proteins.
- L-glutamine helps build muscle and is therefore widely used by bodybuilders.
- L-glutamine is safe in healthy people, but can cause side effects in people with kidney problems due to diabetes.
- L-glutamine provides more HSP in cells.
- Thanks to our generous donors, AFIP has been able to conduct an L-glutamine study.
- L-glutamine intake has a significant effect on HSP levels in the blood and provides more energy.
- AFIP is setting up a new study to test whether L-glutamine reduces episodes of atrial fibrillation.
L-glutamine heeft gunstig effect op HSP en energie in het lichaam
AFIP researchers found a significant change in the HSP levels in the blood of almost all patients as a result of L-Glutamine intake. Moreover, they have also observed the impact of L-Glutamine on the energy balance of the body.
During atrial fibrillation, several energy makers are affected. L-Glutamine intake ensures normalization of energy makers such as:
- Carbohydrates: needed for energy
- Nucleotides: necessary for the production of DNA
- Amino acids: necessary for building proteins
- Vitamins: needed for growth and development
These findings suggest that L-glutamine intake may have a beneficial effect on energy status in AF patients, potentially reducing atrial fibrillation episodes. This will soon be tested by AFIP in the Glutaminimize AF study.
Will you become a donor? Thanks to donations from patients and organizations such as Hart4Onderzoek and Stichting Coolsingel, we have established the first L-Glutamine study.
Glutaminimize AF study
Due to all the aforementioned positive effects of L-glutamine on HSP and energy values in the body, the AFIP Foundation is going to set a follow-up study in motion.
In the Glutaminimize study, the AFIP Foundation will investigate whether L-glutamine can help reduce episodes of atrial fibrillation.
These patients are firstly given a wristband that can measure atrial fibrillation. Subsequently, we map out how often patients have an episode with atrial fibrillation. After that, the patient can begin taking the L-glutamine for 6 months. During these 6 months we can continuously monitor the heart rhythm and determine whether L-glutamine causes fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation.
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