Articles tagged with Atherosclerosis
Duke University Medical Center researchers discovered a link between the level of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and coronary artery disease severity. Patients with multi-vessel disease had significantly lower EPC counts, indicating that these cells play an important role in protecting blood vessels from damage.
The REVERSAL study found that intensive statin therapy resulted in greater reductions in LDL-cholesterol and C-reactive protein, as well as less progression of coronary atherosclerosis compared to moderate treatment. Patients who received intensive therapy showed significant positive changes in plaque buildup volume.
Researchers found that mice genetically prone to atherosclerosis produced human C-reactive protein and developed larger lesions with fatty plaque buildup. This discovery supports the use of C-reactive protein as a heart disease risk marker and identifies its role in atherosclerosis development.
A study published in NEJM finds a link between a specific gene variant and increased risk of atherosclerosis. Researchers discovered that individuals carrying the ALOX5 gene variant are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease when consuming n-6 polyunsaturated fats, but can reduce their risk by eating n-3 fatty acids.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a non-cholesterol related gene linked to the development of heart disease in mice. The A20 gene regulates the NFkB pathway, which was previously thought to contribute to heart disease, but may actually play an anti-atherosclerotic role.
Researchers successfully used gene-modified dendritic cells to induce apoptosis in collagen-specific T cells, reducing arthritis incidence and severity. Additionally, stem cell factor was found to drive hepatocyte proliferation after liver resection, while VLA-1 expression is crucial for T cell memory of previously encountered antigens.
Researchers discover PPAR-delta pathway that curbs atherosclerosis development and reduces heart disease by half. The pathway could be used to develop drugs to treat heart disease, currently the number one killer of Americans.
NF-kappaB plays a complex role in atherosclerosis, both promoting and inhibiting inflammation. In mice deficient in LDL receptors and NF-kappaB activation, lesions were larger and more advanced, containing more necrosis and macrophages.
The STELLAR and MERCURY I studies show CRESTOR significantly improves key apolipoprotein and lipid ratios, including Apo B, Apo A-I, and the Apo B:Apo A-I ratio, in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. These findings support CRESTOR's benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers are evaluating the effects of CRESTOR on atherosclerosis using cutting-edge imaging technologies like IVUS and MRI. The goal is to slow or even reverse the progression of this silent killer disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
A new study has identified specific molecules whose genetic regulation is altered during aging, contributing to vascular remodeling. The study found that inflammatory-associated adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 had significantly increased expression at older ages.
A recent study published in NEJM found that hormone replacement therapy does not effectively slow down the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women who already have cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that estrogen and progestin may not be effective in treating established coronary artery disease.
A study found that job stress may be a missing link between workplace exercise and heart risk. Leisure-time exercise benefits were substantial, with moderate exercisers having slower atherosclerosis progression than sedentary individuals.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have triggered a protective immune response in mice, significantly reducing atherosclerosis by 60% through immunization. The study aims to develop a vaccine to interrupt the inflammatory process and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered that age-related stem cell loss prevents artery repair and leads to atherosclerosis. The researchers found that bone marrow-derived vascular progenitor cells play a critical role in determining the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have demonstrated that pneumococcal vaccination can reduce the extent of atherosclerosis by 21 percent in laboratory mice. This breakthrough provides insight into the biological role of immune responses and offers potential therapeutic interventions for this complex disease.
Researchers found that individuals with at least one copy of the klotho gene variant KL-VS are almost twice as likely to have undetected atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes can modify this risk, suggesting genetic testing may be considered.
A UT Southwestern research team found that inactivating LRP1 in vascular smooth muscle cells causes abnormal PDGF receptor signaling, leading to vessel wall susceptibility to cholesterol buildup. The researchers discovered that Gleevec significantly reduces atherosclerosis development by 50% in mouse models.
Researchers found that HIV protease inhibitors directly promote atherosclerosis in mice by inducing changes in macrophages. A commentary article proposes a mechanism and suggests ways to disrupt this process. The study has significant implications for the long-term use of these drugs in managing chronic HIV infection.
ACAT2 is crucial for atherosclerosis development in mice, with nearly twice the cholesterol levels found in control mice. The study suggests that inhibiting ACAT2 may be a potential therapy for treating hardening of the arteries.
Research suggests that taking dietary supplements of L-arginine and antioxidants like vitamins C and E may lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. The treatment reduced inflammation and increased production of eNOS, a molecule that prevents blood clots.
Researchers found activated platelets can deposit pro-inflammatory factors on monocytes and vessel walls, contributing to atherosclerotic lesions. The study suggests that targeting platelet P-selectin may be an effective way to limit the formation of these lesions.
Scientists have created a new blood test for coronary artery disease using Metabonomics, which measures magnetic properties of molecules in blood. The test is minimally invasive and could be widely available within two years.
Researchers found that bone marrow cells can repair damaged vessels to reduce atherosclerosis in mice. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating coronary artery disease and could lead to the development of stem cell-based therapies.
Researchers found a significant association between cocaine use and coronary calcium in a study of 139 adults. The study suggests that cocaine may play a role in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of strategies to reduce drug abuse and prevent cardiovascular disease.
A study found that vitamin E supplements did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in healthy individuals, despite reducing oxidized LDL cholesterol levels. The research suggests that antioxidant therapy may be beneficial for specific groups, such as younger individuals or those with high-risk profiles.
A genetic variant of an immune system receptor appears to simultaneously dampen the body's immune response to bacteria and other microbial toxins and provide protection against atherosclerosis. The researchers believe this discovery suggests a possible new approach to anti-atherosclerosis drugs.
A study using PET/CT scans found that 58.8% of patients had at least one positive focus of FDG uptake in the thoracic aortic wall, which may indicate 'vulnerable' plaque. This could lead to future cardiovascular events if left untreated.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone (Avandia) has a significant anti-inflammatory effect in Type 2 diabetes patients. The drug decreased levels of oxygen free radicals and inflammatory markers, reducing the risk of heart disease.
A recent study, TRAFFIC, found that intra-arterial infusions of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 (rFGF-2) improved exercise capacity in patients with moderate-to-severe intermittent claudication. Peak walking time increased by 1.77 minutes with single-dose rFGF-2 and 1.54 minutes with double-dose rFGF-2.
A randomized controlled trial found that unopposed estrogen therapy reduced atherosclerosis progression by .0017 millimeters per year in postmenopausal women. The study also showed that cholesterol-lowering drugs had a similar effect when combined with estrogen, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health in women at risk.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that a combination of Vitamin E and aspirin can significantly delay the development of atherosclerosis in mice with high cholesterol levels. The study found that the production of plaque in blood vessels was lowered by over 80%.
Researchers have found that atherosclerosis is driven by chronic inflammation of vessel walls, which is central to CD44's role. Drugs targeting CD44 may contribute to treating atherosclerosis, especially when combined with existing therapies.
Research suggests that telomere shortening is associated with atherosclerosis, potentially linking it to premature ageing. Patients with severe coronary artery disease showed shorter telomeres compared to healthy controls, indicating accelerated cellular ageing.
A USC study found that teenagers and young adults with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in their arteries. The study suggests that physicians should monitor lipid levels in these patients, even at an early age, to prevent cardiovascular problems.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at high risk of developing premature atherosclerosis by middle age. The researchers found that PCOS patients had higher levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including insulin and LDL cholesterol.
Researchers found that certain genes in blood vessels produce a protective protein called HO-1, which inhibits atherosclerosis. This discovery provides new leads for treating and preventing heart disease by targeting these genetic pathways.
Researchers created a transgenic rat model with human CETP to study atherosclerosis. The study showed that elevated CETP contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, supporting the use of an antibody-based vaccine to raise HDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that the anti-hypertensive drug Losartan inhibited atherosclerosis development in monkeys by 50% compared to untreated controls. This suggests treating hypertension with Angiotensin II-blockers may slow or prevent atherosclerosis progression.
A new study found that heart disease begins to develop in childhood, with well-developed plaque deposits present in one in six teenagers. The study used ultrasound to examine the arteries of recently-transplanted hearts from people who were free of known heart disease.
Researchers found that microbial pathogens induce atheroma plaque formation in mice lacking anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The study suggests that exposure to air-borne pathogens multiplies plaque formation by a factor of 10 in IL-10-deficient mice, making the plaque more likely to rupture.
Scientists have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can help prevent vascular inflammation, a key component in the development of atherosclerosis. The NIEHS-cloned gene produces an enzyme that makes these fatty acids, which can suppress inflammation and protect against heart disease.
A study of 5,888 senior citizens found that only those with high levels of atherosclerosis or diabetes and the ApoE4 gene are at high risk for cognitive decline. The majority of elderly people showed no significant decline in cognitive function over 10 years.
A study found that thickening of the aorta at its attachment to the heart increases the risk of stroke and death. Researchers identified moderate and severe atherosclerosis as major risk factors, with higher mortality rates among patients with more advanced disease.
A large clinical trial found that amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, did not prevent the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis but slowed it in the carotid arteries. Amlodipine significantly reduced angina pectoris and related procedures like bypass surgery.
Researchers found that regular multi-vitamin use and long-term hormone replacement therapy can lower homocysteine levels in the blood, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study tracked 353 men and women with varying levels of homocysteine, revealing significant differences in levels among participants.
Participation in an atherosclerosis treatment program reduced plasma total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations. The LDL content of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene was also increased, leading to a decrease in LDL oxidation.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that vitamin E confers potent protection from atherosclerosis in genetically modified mice. The study demonstrates that free radicals play a central role in heart disease, and the antioxidant action of vitamin E significantly reduces atherosclerotic damage.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits, eliminating some fat already present. The Wistar Institute, established in 1892, is making history through its development of vaccines and discovery of molecules helping the immune system fight diseases.
Researchers found a correlation between multiple cardiovascular risk factors and the severity of atherosclerosis in children and young adults. Selective screening for high-risk individuals is recommended. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, are crucial to preventing coronary heart disease.
Researchers have created mouse models with induced mutant lipoproteins to study atherosclerosis, providing insights into the genes responsible for human diseases. The study reveals that breeding prone traits onto different strains has helped identify differences in susceptibility and resistance genes.
Elevated homocysteine levels in blood are associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Vitamin supplementation, particularly folic acid, may lower homocysteine levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
A major study found that smoking speeds up the hardening of arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risk. Quitting smoking can slow this process, but may not reverse existing damage.
A comprehensive study of middle-age Americans found that ex-smokers experienced faster progression of atherosclerosis compared to nonsmokers, despite having quit years before. The study suggests that the cumulative effect of smoking on arteries may be irreversible.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduced cholesterol accumulation in the liver and arteries, despite increasing LDL cholesterol and decreasing HDL cholesterol. The findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may exert protection from atherosclerosis through alterations in tissue cholesterol metabolism.
Researchers developed a method to detect early abnormal endothelial cells that lead to atherosclerosis using microbubbles and contrast echocardiography. The technique showed a 40-fold increase in adherence of specific microbubbles to activated endothelial cells, enabling earlier intervention.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may help trigger an inflammatory reaction in the blood vessels and accelerate atherosclerosis under some circumstances. Researchers suggest that anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin could be useful in preventing or controlling atherosclerosis.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) biologists have found direct evidence for the function of a key protein involved in cells' uptake of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The discovery could lead to new treatments for atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death in Western industrialized countries.
A study by Cornell University Medical College researchers suggests that atherosclerosis and some forms of cancer may be linked to a single-cell mutation in the Type II TGF-beta receptor gene. This finding could provide new avenues for understanding cardiovascular disease progression and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Research reveals that insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis in white and Hispanic populations, affecting up to 90% of diabetics and 10-20% of non-diabetics. In contrast, African Americans are not found to have the same association, despite being four times more likely to suffer from strokes.