 |
|
High cholesterol diets modify gene expression in atherosclerosis
June 13, 2007cientists from the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 1 of the University of Granada (Universidad de Granada) have proven that a high cholesterol diet causes changes in gene expression of chicken aortic smooth muscle cells at the early stages of an experimental atherosclerosis. This study associates cholesterol intake with the expression of genes codifying certain proteins, even before the disease is detected on blood vessel walls.
Andalucía Investiga Experts carried out research on atherosclerosis from its earliest stages to discover the origin of atheromatous plaques - fatty deposits gradually and irregularly formed in the main arteries, causing the narrowing of the blood vessel. Although there are many causes for this disease, UGR scientists focused on smooth muscle cells (SMCs) transformation into dedifferentiated and proliferative cells, able to carry lipids in culture. In this sense, cells from animals fed with control diet represent a difference. Experts carried out an early cell atherosclerosis experimental model with chickens, as these birds develop atherosclerosis very rapidly: a 20-day high cholesterol diet is enough to detect atheromatous plaques in their arteries.
Experts obtained SMCs from arteries before the formation of the plaques. Ten days after the start of the high cholesterol diet - when atheromatous plaques are not still visible using an electron microscopic - aortic SMCs are extracted and in-vitro cultured. Experts cultured SMC-Cs (obtained from animals without a cholesterol dietary supplement) and SMC-Chs (extracted from animals with cholesterol dietary supplement) under the same conditions. After genetic analysis, scientists confirmed that regarding the samples (without cholesterol) modifications took place in birds fed with a high cholesterol diet. Differences show that cholesterol causes changes in messenger RNA synthesis in proteins related to lipid metabolism control, proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death) and, therefore, that diet has an influence on gene expression.
Through other studies, these experts discovered that, whilst cholesterol causes changes in gene expression, fish oil reverts such changes. In this case, scientists fed the animals with a high cholesterol diet for ten days, then substituted cholesterol for fish oil (rich in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) for another ten days.
University of Granada
Through other studies, these experts discovered that, whilst cholesterol causes changes in gene expression, fish oil reverts such changes. In this case, scientists fed the animals with a high cholesterol diet for ten days, then substituted cholesterol for fish oil (rich in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) for another ten days.
University of Granada
Atherosclerosis Current Events and Atherosclerosis News RSSLIAI launches new division to look at novel approaches to heart disease and inflammation
While cholesterol-lowering drugs and new technologies have significantly advanced the nation's battle against heart disease, it continues to rank as the No. 1 killer of U.S. men and women. But if researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology (LIAI) have their way, the body's immune system will become an important player in reducing heart disease.
Surgery unnecessary for 95 percent of those with asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Research led by Dr. David Spence of Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario shows that with more intensive medical therapy, the risk of stroke has become so low that at least 95 per cent of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) would be better off with medical therapy than with surgery or stenting.
Penn Researchers Show that Inhibiting Cholesterol-Associated Protein Reduces High-Risk Blockages in Arteries
Using the drug darapladib, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and colleagues have inhibited a cholesterol-and immune system-associated protein, thereby reducing the development of heart-disease plaques that may cause death, heart attacks, and strokes in a pig model of atherosclerosis and diabetes.
Aspirin and atherosclerosis
Aspirin has become one of the most widely used medications in the world, owing to its ability to reduce pain, fevers, inflammation, and blood clotting.
3-D MRI technique helps radiologists detect high-risk carotid disease
Canadian researchers have used three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3-D MRI) to accurately detect bleeding within the walls of diseased carotid arteries, a condition that may lead to a stroke.
Key protein molecule linked to diverse human chronic inflammatory diseases
Liwu Li, associate professor of biological sciences at Virginia Tech, has revealed a common connection between the cellular innate immunity network and human chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, Type 2 Diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Brush your teeth to reduce the risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, many people with cardiovascular disease have none of the common risk factors such as smoking, obesity and high cholesterol.
'Healthy' individuals may be at risk for heart disease
In the face of a growing obesity epidemic in the United States, researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have new study results that indicate that how much fat a person has is not as important as where that fat is located when assessing risk for cardiovascular events and metabolic disease.
Arteries from distinct regions of the body have unique immune functions
Human arteries play distinct roles in the immune system depending on their anatomical location, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered.
Study shows heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis
A study in the Sept. 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that objectively measured heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for early carotid atherosclerosis, which may progress to be associated with stroke.
More Atherosclerosis Current Events and Atherosclerosis News Articles
 | Atlas of Atherosclerosis Progression and Regression, Second Edition (The Encyclopedia of Visual Medicine Series) by Herbert C. Stary Completely revised and updated, the Second Edition of the Atlas of Atherosclerosis Progression and Regression contains new material and new illustrations from Dr. Stary's groundbreaking work in the field of atherosclerosis diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Over 100 photographs show arterial and lesion structure and individual components in unprecedented detail. These images allow you to... |
 | Biochemistry of Atherosclerosis (Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease) At its present rate of growth, atherosclerosis will be the major cause of death from disease by the year 2020. Atherosclerosis is an extremely complex, biochemical, multifactorial process. This book will cover many aspects of atherogenesis, with particular emphasis on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. We will cover all aspects of the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and the importance of... |
 | Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease Exploring the entire range of recent advances, Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease covers all aspects of atherosclerotic disease, including chronic manifestations, bypass surgery, stroke prevention and methods to lower blood pressure. Prof. Tonkin brings together a team of internationally-recognized experts to discuss sound clinical practices, based on scientific research and publications. They... |
 | The Nutritional Bypass : Reverse Atherosclerosis Without Surgery by David W. Rowland Did you know that there is a time tested, safe, non-surgical method of removing arterial blockages-without side effects? Severe arterial blockages do not have to lead to coronary bypass surgery or heart attacks. Inside this book is a complete program for successfully reversing and preventing hardening of the arteries. You may be surprised to know that cholesterol is not the cause of heart... |
 | Unclog Your Arteries : How I Beat Atherosclerosis by Gene McDougall Heart attack or bypass surgery? - or even if not- if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, high blood sugar, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, or a family history of any, read this and then keep it for... |
 | The Role of Aging in Atherosclerosis: The Sequestration Hypothesis by R.E. Tracy This book is the first in many decades to address aging as a risk factor, and claims a broad range of success, giving previously unsuspected explanations. Most of the material here is outside of the usual range pursued in this active field during recent decades, and serves to open new avenues of inquiry into neglected topics. The mathematical treatment of the subject matter is daunting but rarely... |
 | Atlas of Atherosclerosis This edition is an integral source of information covering topics such as newer coronary risk factors, high-density lipoprotein metabolism, lipid-lowering drugs, endothelium in atherothrombosis, and contributing risk factors. With over 500 exceptional photographs, diagrams, and charts, each chapter illustrates an important facet of diagnosing and treating this common and often fatal... |
| Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease This definitive two-volume work provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage available of current approaches to diagnosing and managing atherosclerosis and its coronary and noncoronary complications. Additionally, the book includes fundamental basic science issues, and emphasizes the pathogenetic and pathophysiologic processes affecting atherosclerosis, its risk factors, and... | |
 | Atlas of Atherosclerosis : Risk Factors and Treatment by Scott M. Grundy (Editor) This new edition is an intergral source of information covering topics such as newer coronary risk factors, high- density lipoprotein metabolism, lipid-lowering drugs, endothelium and thrombosis in atherogenesis, and contributing risk factors. With over 500 exceptional photographs, diagrams, and charts, each chapter illustrates an improtant facet of diagnosing and treating this common and often... |
 | Non-Invasive Imaging of Atherosclerosis (Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine) Non-Invasive Imaging of Atherosclerosis is a primer, reference and review of some of the key features of current activities in the field of atherosclerosis. The Editors' goal is to provide material and stimulating ideas to basic scientists and clinical researchers in order to extend the application of vascular imaging and to further develop methods suitable for investigation of the arterial ... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |