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.