Articles tagged with Atherosclerosis
A team of medical researchers has identified a specific microRNA, miR-342-5p, that plays a key role in promoting inflammation in atherosclerosis. Inhibiting this microRNA has been shown to retard the progression of the disease in animal models.
A study of 137 mummies from around the world reveals that preindustrial hunter-gatherers suffered from clogged arteries, challenging the assumption that modern lifestyles are the primary cause. The researchers found artery plaque in every single population studied, indicating a more basic connection to inflammation and aging.
A study of ancient mummies from diverse cultures reveals that hardening of the arteries was a widespread problem globally, contradicting previous assumptions about its occurrence in ancient Egypt and diet-related factors. The research found that nearly half of the examined mummies showed signs of probable or definite atherosclerosis.
Researchers identify critical role of CCR1 and CCR5 receptors in monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic lesions. The findings suggest that inhibiting these receptors may provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis.
An autopsy-based study among US service members (2001-2011) reveals high prevalence of atherosclerosis, associated with older age, lower education level, and higher BMI. The study's findings highlight the need for continued efforts to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine identified a genetic factor KLF4 that prevents blockages from forming in blood vessels. The study found that a shortage of KLF4 makes the lining more prone to plaque buildup and clot formation, while sufficient levels protect against toxins and disease.
Daniel J. Rader, MD, has been awarded the American Heart Association's (AHA) Clinical Research Prize for developing new methods to identify factors regulating fat particle metabolism and testing their impact on atherosclerosis. His research focuses on genetic and pharmacologic regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a key role in maintaining arterial softness. The protein is associated with the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, which contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers found that high-saturated fat diets increase endothelial lipase levels, associated with atherosclerosis, while omega-3 polyunsaturated fats lower these levels. This discovery may help explain why certain diabetes drugs raise heart risks and provides a new link between diet and cardiovascular disease.
Research reveals that activated macrophages accumulate triglycerides to support their function, leading to increased pathogen destruction. This finding provides new insights into the development of atherosclerosis and potential approaches to slowing its progression.
Researchers will analyze data from a unique NIH-funded repository to identify genetic variants associated with premature cardiovascular disease. The goal is to create new screening strategies and therapeutic targets to reduce the human and financial costs of cardiovascular disease.
Tests for silent neck artery narrowing result in many unnecessary and costly surgical procedures, ultimately saving very few lives. In a high-risk group of 60+ European men, screening may prevent only one stroke at a significant cost.
Regular egg yolk consumption accelerates atherosclerosis in a manner similar to smoking cigarettes, according to a new study published in the journal Atherosclerosis. The research found that those eating three or more yolks per week had significantly more plaque area than those who ate two or fewer yolks per week.
A naturally occurring molecule, Akt3, regulates lipid entry into macrophages and prevents cholesterol storage, potentially leading to new plaque-fighting drugs. The discovery could also aid doctors in developing screening tests for patient risk levels of atherosclerosis.
Researchers from A*STAR have identified a novel signalling pathway controlling both obesity and atherosclerosis in mice. The study found that Wip1-deficient mice were resistant to weight gain and atherosclerosis through increased autophagy, highlighting a potential new approach for treating these conditions. Further investigation into ...
Researchers at Northwestern University have created an animal model that spontaneously develops rheumatoid arthritis and is predisposed to atherosclerosis. The model allows scientists to examine the systemic influence of inflammatory arthritis on the development of heart disease, with promising results from treatment with Enbrel.
A team of researchers has developed a 'time bomb' nanocontainer that releases vasodilator content exclusively to diseased areas, increasing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This technology exploits the physical phenomenon of shear stress in stenosed arteries to deliver targeted therapy.
Researchers found that hunter-gatherers like the Tsimane people in Bolivia have lower age-related increases in blood pressure and less risks of atherosclerosis. The Tsimane diet is high in fruits, vegetables, and potassium, and low in calories, salt, and alcohol. This study challenges traditional views on modernization's impact on health.
A new study found that nearly all COPD patients have two or more comorbidities, with most having four or more. The presence of these comorbidities can complicate treatment and affect patient outcomes. Future guidelines should address the management of comorbidities in COPD patients.
Two studies found that severe fibrosis increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis at an earlier period. Fatty liver disease also increases risk, with GGT levels serving as a potential biomarker for early atherosclerosis.
Researchers are developing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to combat atherosclerosis, targeting the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. Phase 2a trials for these treatments are underway, with promising results showing reduced inflammation and plaque severity.
A new Joslin study contradicts long-held assumptions about the relationship between hyperinsulinemia and atherosclerosis. Hyperinsulinemia is associated with atherosclerosis in humans due to insulin resistance, but research suggests that excess insulin alone does not cause atherosclerosis.
Helen Hobbs, UT Southwestern researcher, receives prestigious award for identifying genetic factors that contribute to variations in cholesterol levels. Her work has led to a 28% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels and an 88% reduction in risk of coronary heart disease.
Researchers identified 56 genes associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism to detect atherosclerosis. The biomarker test uses a blood sample and can predict the risk of silent atherosclerosis in clinical practice.
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers identified netrin-1 as a molecule that blocks the normal migration of macrophages out of arteries, causing them to accumulate and promote atherosclerosis. Genetically deleting netrin-1 can minimize atherosclerosis, reduce macrophage levels in plaque, and promote macrophage migration.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified the A2b adenosine receptor as a potential new target for preventing early stages of atherosclerosis. The study found that the receptor plays a key role in regulating liver lipid profiles and reducing atherosclerosis in mice on high-fat diets.
Cornell University researchers found that altering endothelial cell behavior in hardened vessels can reduce the effects of aging on vessel health. By tricking cells into thinking vessels are not stiff, inflammation is reduced, potentially preventing atherosclerosis.
INT-777 prevents atherosclerosis by exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulating insulin secretion and reducing plaque formation in arteries. The compound activates TGR5 receptor in gut cells, enhancing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, providing a promising treatment for metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions.
Hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron levels, may be targeted to treat atherosclerosis. Suppressing hepcidin reduces iron levels in white blood cells, promoting reverse cholesterol transport and interfering with atherosclerosis progression.
Researchers found that patients with epilepsy on long-term antiepileptic drugs, especially phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid, are at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis. The study suggests that newer AEDs like lamotrigine may minimize metabolic disturbances and reduce this risk.
Researchers have identified a type of immune cell, dendritic cells, that plays a protective role in atherosclerosis. The study found that classical dendritic cells help prevent the disease from progressing.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that statin therapy did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, patients with more severe SLE may benefit from preventative statin therapy. The study also showed that atorvastatin was safe and well-tolerated.
A new study reveals that young adults with normal weight and BMI can still have atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of measuring visceral fat. Waist circumference is a simple predictor of increased visceral adiposity and premature atherosclerosis.
A study by Uppsala University researchers found a clear connection between increasing levels of environmental toxicants and atherosclerosis. The findings also showed a link to fat accumulation in vessel walls, highlighting the potential role of these compounds in cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have found that treating mice with oculocutaneous albinism caused by mutations in the Tyr gene resulted in improved eye and hair pigmentation when treated with nitisinone. This suggests a potential new treatment for a subset of patients with OCA1B, a form of albinism associated with vision loss.
A new study found that daily moderate drinking decreases atherosclerosis in mice, while binge drinking increases its development. Moderate drinking also lowered LDL cholesterol and reduced plaque volume, whereas binge drinking led to increased inflammation and weight gain.
A recent study found that cigarette smoking has a greater impact on arterial health in women compared to men, with increased risk of atherosclerosis and carotid artery thickening. This association holds true even after adjusting for other factors such as age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
A study published in Radiology found that pericardial fat is more strongly related to coronary artery plaque than body mass index or waist circumference. This association suggests that fat around the heart may be an early indicator of coronary disease, particularly in overweight individuals.
Researchers used gene transfer to deliver a therapeutic gene that produces protein apoA-1, which removes harmful cholesterol from atherosclerotic lesions. This approach protected against atherosclerosis in rabbit studies, with minimal and stable disease measurements over 48 weeks after a single dose of gene therapy.
A study found that dendritic cells release CCL17, which drives atherosclerosis by restraining regulatory T-cell homeostasis. The researchers used transgenic mice to demonstrate the role of CCL17 in promoting atherosclerosis.
A large Swedish study found that surgical removal of the appendix and tonsils before age 20 increased the risk of premature heart attack. The study's findings suggest a potential link between immune system alterations and cardiovascular disease.
A study on ancient Egyptian mummies reveals that Princess Ahmose-Meryet-Amon had atherosclerosis in two of her three main coronary arteries, which would have required by-pass surgery. The findings contradict the common perception that atherosclerosis is a disease of modern lifestyle.
A study found that cosmic radiation accelerates atherosclerosis development in mice, worsening existing lesions. This discovery could inform treatment and prevention strategies for long-duration space missions.
Researchers discovered that the flavonoid Nobiletin in tangerines prevents obesity and protects against metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Nobiletin stimulated genes involved in burning excess fat and inhibited those responsible for manufacturing fat, leading to improved insulin sensitivity.
A large-scale international study has identified 13 new gene regions that predispose people to heart attacks, doubling the number of known genetic factors. The study's findings suggest that genetic profiling may become a routine part of clinical care in the near future.
Researchers have developed a cell therapy that selectively dampens vascular inflammation induced by LDL, showing substantial protective effects against atherosclerosis. The treatment has been shown to reduce the disease process by up to 70 percent in mouse studies.
A new venue for imaging tests has been inaugurated for the PESA study, aiming to improve early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The research aims to identify risk factors and daily habits influencing atherosclerosis development.
Researchers found that IFN-a priming promotes lipid uptake and foam cell formation in lupus patients, increasing the risk of premature plaque build-up. This activation of the IFN signaling pathway may be linked to the increased cardiovascular risk in SLE patients.
Scientists have discovered that anaphylatoxin C5a contributes to the development of atherosclerotic disease by causing plaques to break free and block blood vessels. Inhibiting C5a may provide a new therapeutic tool for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
A new study suggests that multidetector computed tomography (CT) can pinpoint the causes of ischemic strokes, potentially reducing treatment delays. The technique detected cardiac sources in 18 of 25 cases and facilitated stroke classification in 83% of patients.
A recent study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture found that blueberries can help prevent the growth of atherosclerotic lesions in arteries. The research involved feeding 30 young laboratory mice diets spiked with freeze-dried blueberry powder for 20 weeks, resulting in a significant reduction in lesion size.
Researchers found that inhibiting fatty acid synthase in macrophages significantly reduces atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study identifies key factors that can prevent plaque buildup and may lead to the development of new drugs.
Researchers found that antibody-producing B cells contribute to atherosclerosis in mice, while eliminating them could prevent the disease through increased production of immune protein interleukin-17. This discovery suggests that B cell-depleting drugs may also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Researchers have developed an animal model that demonstrates the initial stages of atherosclerosis can be predicted by disturbed blood flow. The study identifies genes turned on or off in response to disrupted flow, providing new insights into how exercise may protect against the disease.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that ghrelin, a hunger-signaling hormone, regulates cholesterol levels in the brain. Increased ghrelin levels caused mice to develop higher blood-circulating cholesterol, suggesting a potential 'remote control' mechanism.
Researchers found that the subaleurone layer of brown rice inhibits angiotensin II, a protein linked to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. This discovery suggests that consuming half-milled or brown rice may offer cardiovascular protection.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the Framingham risk assessment tool has limited sensitivity in detecting coronary artery disease. In fact, simple observation of coronary calcium presence using CT scans was more effective in identifying patients with substantial atherosclerosis.
Scientists from EVMS have identified STAT4 as a key factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. Eliminating STAT4 in rodent models reduced atherosclerosis, and a high-fat diet study showed that excess STAT4 leads to inflamed fat production.
Over 3,000 employees from Banco Santander will participate in the PESA CNIC-Santander trial, exploring the progression of early subclinical atherosclerosis and daily habits that influence its development. The project aims to improve current prevention strategies and identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
A study identifies HuR as a critical regulator of an inflammatory response in cells experiencing mechanical and chemical stresses, promoting the expression of genes that support atherosclerosis. Reducing HuR levels inhibits the inflammatory response and may lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases associated with inflammation.