New gene test could help to prevent strokes, say researchers
A new genetic test, developed by the Icelandic company deCODE Genetics, may help with the early identification of people with atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart abnormality characterised by momentary heart palpitations and believed to be the leading cause of stroke. The research behind the test, published in the journal Nature Genetics last week, indicates that two ‘spelling mistakes’ in the genetic code significantly increased the risk of AF.
'With the discovery of these variants, and the availability of a test to detect them, doctors may now be able to focus monitoring on those most likely to have transient AF’, said Kari Stephansson, neuroscientist and Chief Executive of deCODE.
With a few exceptions, humans carry two copies of every gene, one from each parent. The researchers estimate that those who inherit a single copy of one of the gene variants from either parent have a 70% or 40% chance of being affected by AF, depending on which variant they carry. However those who inherit a copy from both parents may have double those risks.
The researchers carried out a genome-wide search on a group 5,000 Icelanders with AF to see which ‘spelling mistakes’ might be linked with the condition. After discovering the two variants in this population, they then looked for them in 18,000 people from other affected populations to reveal that the gene variants were a significant indicator of AF across a total of four different populations.
“Transient AF is difficult to detect in many patients,” says Stephansson. The new test, he hopes, will target treatment and intensive monitoring to those who are at greatest risk.
Sources:
A gene test that predicts the risk of a stroke,
Variants conferring risk of atrial fibrillation on chromosome 4q25