Masonic Medical Research Laboratory Work At Center of Cardiac Research
Reprinted with permission of The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, NY.
By MARY CHRISTOPHER
Special to the Observer-Dispatch,Mon, Apr 19, 2004
UTICA -- As heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer in the United States, a local institution is making strides with research that links sudden cardiac death and abnormal heart rhythms.
"The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory remains committed to studying genetic defects in the heart and developing ways to cure and treat conditions before an unexpected death occurs," Executive Director and Director of Research Dr. Charles Antzelevitch said. "We have become a central hub in the United States and around the world," he said.
The lab celebrates its 46th anniversary in June and will open a molecular genetics and molecular biology wing later this month.
Antzelevitch and his staff of doctors and scientists from around the world look at the electricity of the heart, and test a gene's DNA and genetic disposition to see how it results in sudden death in infants, children and adults.
"Any sudden death should be looked at seriously and family members should be alerted so they are aware of any health issues that could be hereditary," he said.
Scientists take DNA or blood samples sent in from patients who have arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and try to regulate the heart's electrical activity. Electricity in the heart must flow properly so there are no irregularities.
"When we understand a problem at a genetic level, then we understand its root cause," Antzelevitch said.
Other research includes the neurophysiology of nerve cells and how blood pressure is affected by the electrophysiology, which both impair the heart.
The lab was founded in 1958 under the vision of Raymond Ellis. Gordon K. Moe, Antzelevitch's mentor, became director of research in 1959.
Moe died just before turning 100 and was a "progressive thinker and always looked for change even at age 97," Antzelevitch said.
Antzelevitch was born in Israel and grew up in New York City. He became lab director in 1984 and has seen the focus of research change since his arrival.
Programs in cancer, vision, hypertension and blood substitutes were in the forefront when he started, but the face of research changed.
Today, the modern facility is 29,600 square-feet and includes a new wing with doctors, scientists and students from around the world working in state-of-the-art labs. It employs 45 people, Antzelevitch said.
"We are a small institution, but our productivity is phenomenal," he said.
As some of the scientists perform DNA sequencing, others are studying the molecular aspects of a disease.
Dr. Ramon Brugada, born in Spain, is a molecular cardiologist who was recruited to the lab two years ago. He and his two brothers discovered the Brugada Syndrome, a form of cardiac death that afflicts young adults.
He and his staff work with families from around the world on gene analysis.
"Many people don't realize that many diseases are transmitted from generation to generation," he said.
Aside from breakthrough research, the lab is known for being a training facility for post-doctorate fellows.
Dr. Ihor Gussak, a New Jersey cardiologist and vice president of Global Medical Affairs for eResearch Technology Inc., has worked with the lab since 1993 and considers the facility the best of its kind.
"By ethical and educational standards, it's tops, you will not find anything better," Gussak said. "They would be good candidates for the Nobel Prize."
Dr. Ted Max agrees. "It is the best kept secret in Central New York," said Max, a retired vascular surgeon who lives in Holland Patent. "It's probably some of the most important research done in the world."
Many local residents often mistake the lab for being a part of the Masonic Care Community, but it has nothing to do with the residential facility other than being under the Mason umbrella, Antzelevitch said.
Now with a new wing and a well-respected reputation in tow, Antzelevitch and his staff are prepared to take on medicine's most puzzling challenges. They would like to continue focusing on the issues at hand and be able to understand all problems at a genetic level.
"Once gene therapy is implemented the face of medicine will change," Antzelevitch said. He added: "We are well-positioned for what we need to do."
