Is atrial fibrillation sometimes a genetic disease?

Article Abstract:

Some forms of atrial fibrillation may be caused by a gene defect that alters the electrical activity of the heart. Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia in the upper portion, or atria, of the heart. A 1997 study found that many of the members of three families with atrial fibrillation did not have any known cause of the condition. However, gene analysis revealed that their condition might be traced to a gene mutation on chromosome 10. This is the same area that contains the genes for the alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, which play a role in heart rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation

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The Y chromosome and spermatogenesis

Article Abstract:

Research has shown that small deletions in the Y chromosome may be linked to male infertility, but the exact mechanism is unknown. About 30% to 40% of infertile men have no known abnormality to account for the condition. Increasingly sophisticated genetic tests have revealed that 10% to 15% of infertile men have a small deletion in the Y chromosome. A 1997 study found that 2% of the fertile men studied also had deletions in the Y chromosome. Most deletions have been mapped to an area that has two gene families thought to be involved in fertility.

Abnormalities, Infertility, Male, Male infertility, Y chromosome

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The familial Mediterranean fever gene - cloned at last

Article Abstract:

A gene mutation thought to cause familial Mediterranean fever has been identified. The inherited disease is common in some Mediterranean countries and causes periodic inflammation of the lungs, abdomen and joints. Researchers believe these patients are missing an enzyme that deactivates inflammatory chemicals. Minor tissue damage during routine activities releases small amounts of these chemicals that, unchecked, create progressive inflammation. Discovery of the gene mutation will make it easier to diagnose cases of this disease.

Familial Mediterranean fever, Periodic disease

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