4.6 Implications
In the past, steroids, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and angiotensin II
receptor blockers (ARB) have been recognized as “upstream therapies”
for AF treatment. However, these drugs have many limitations, including
adverse effects and limited efficacy (Nattel et al., 2021; Sarrias &
Bayes-Genis, 2018) Thus, preventive therapy for AF has not been
completely established. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the
discovery of effective compounds or substances with fewer side effects.
Recently, flavonoids have been shown to reduce the development of AF in
high-risk patients. Further detailed clinical trials and animal
experiments may be accelerated in the future. To the best of our
knowledge, this is the first time that a natural flavonoid has been
shown to play an important role in inhibiting the development of AF by
modulating both structural and electrical remodeling of the atria.
Given
the current skepticism regarding existing preventive drugs and the great
interest in the development of novel substances, this discovery could
have important therapeutic implications. Furthermore, the results of
this study should facilitate and accelerate investigations of the
therapeutic effects of other natural compounds on
AF.