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Opening a new door to immunity

Researchers uncover clue to disease process development by identifying novel way to control innate immune response, which may translate to treatments for conditions such as atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and heart failure. Animal studies support finding, showing mice with mutated sNASP proteins are more susceptible to septic infection.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2018

New actors identified in atherosclerosis

Researchers have identified three distinct macrophage populations that play different roles in the development of atherosclerosis. These findings provide new insights into the disease and may lead to improved treatments. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze immune cell populations in affected vessels.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 5, 2018

LDL cholesterol, the main modifiable predictor of atherosclerosis in individuals with no risk factor

A new study by CNIC researchers found that LDL-C is the main predictor of atherosclerotic plaques in individuals with no risk factors, such as hypertension or smoking. The study suggests that reducing LDL-C levels can help prevent the appearance of atherosclerosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2017

Naturally occurring molecule may help prevent and treat atherosclerosis and gum disease

Researchers found that topical application of Resolvin E1 on gum tissues prevented and treated gum disease, while also reducing the likelihood of advanced arterial plaque rupture. The study suggests effective preventive and therapeutic treatments for heart disease and gum disease without unwanted side effects.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Atherosclerosis Reports·DateNov 16, 2017

Vaccine that lowers cholesterol offers hope of immunizing against cardiovascular disease

A study published in the European Heart Journal shows a vaccine that lowers cholesterol may be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. The AT04A vaccine, administered to genetically modified mice, reduced cholesterol levels by 53% and induced long-lasting antibodies against PCSK9, an enzyme contributing to high cholesterol.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 19, 2017

Unveiling nasty act of trans-fatty acids in blood

Trans-fatty acids directly activate ASK1 kinase by enhancing extracellular ATP, promoting cell death in a more direct manner than previously thought. The study identifies several trans-fatty acid types that stimulate cell death, but not their corresponding cis-fatty acids, which have health benefits.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2017

Ring-shaped sugar helps in cases of atherosclerosis

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that cyclodextrin promotes the breakdown of cholesterol deposits in arteries, reducing inflammation and plaque formation. The ring-shaped sugar increases natural mechanisms for cholesterol breakdown and reduces inflammatory response, offering a potential new treatment for atherosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

Heart arrhythmia drug may fight plaque buildup in blood vessels

Researchers found that digoxin decreased levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides by 41% and 54%, respectively, in mice treated with high-dose digoxin. Digoxin also lowered LDL-cholesterol levels by 20%. The study suggests a potential link between the drug and reduced plaque buildup.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateFeb 16, 2016