Scientists have identified an insect protein which may have therapeutic potentials against heart ailments. such as enlargement of the heart and heart arrhythmias, which may progress to heart failure or sudden cardiac death if left untreated.

Cardiologist and cell biologist Nipavan Chiamvimonvat and entomology professor Bruce Hammock led a 16-member team that identified epoxide hydrolase inhibitors as novel and powerful chemical compounds that block an immune system protein known to play a role in cardiac cell overgrowth and arrhythmias.

Preliminary studies on mice yielded promising results, and authors say may this could lead to the development of new medications for treating abnormal cardiac rhythms.

[Source: UC Davis, Image: heart arrhythmias">UHCC]