Articles tagged with Atherosclerosis
Researchers are using computed tomography to study the effects of fat stored around the heart and its potential contribution to atherosclerosis. The study aims to investigate whether fat deposits in the arteries increase the risk of fatty deposits and inflammation, leading to heart attacks.
A new clinical trial, CHICAGO, demonstrated that pioglitazone (ACTOS) reduced the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a surrogate marker for heart attack and stroke, by 0.013 mm. The study also showed improved glycemic control, decreased triglycerides, and increased HDL-C levels with ACTOS treatment.
A study at The Wistar Institute found that blocking certain enzymes may inhibit chronic inflammation in blood vessel walls, but also promotes leukemia in mice. The researchers identified a strain of mice lacking the gene for a specific lipoxygenase enzyme, which closely mimics human CML and offers a new model for studying the disease.
Research suggests that ACE inhibitors can reduce the risk of serious circulatory problems, including heart attack and stroke, in patients with hardening of the arteries. The benefits of ACE inhibitors for these patients are comparable to those seen in patients with existing heart failure.
Researchers detected subtle changes in left ventricle walls using MRI tagging, showing an association between atherosclerosis and reduced heart pumping function. The study found early signs of atherosclerosis in carotid arteries related to fine changes in heart contraction.
A study found that offspring of type 2 diabetic parents exhibit endothelial dysfunction and increased risk of atherosclerosis, even without diabetes. The research suggests that early treatment may prevent progression of the disease, highlighting the importance of identifying high-risk groups.
A study suggests that a diet high in vegetables can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty plaques build up in blood vessel walls. Researchers found that mice fed a vegetable-rich diet had smaller plaque buildup and improved cholesterol levels compared to those on a vegetable-free diet.
The CHICAGO trial will examine ACTOS' effect on blood vessel health and atherosclerosis, beyond glycemic control. The 18-month study aims to gather further information about the management of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to detect atherosclerosis by measuring coronary blood flow, allowing for early detection and treatment of high-risk patients. The study found that elevated levels of interleukin-6 are a major determinant of coronary endothelial dysfunction in individuals with hypertension.
A study found that HDL from CETP-deficient individuals promotes enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages through an apoE- and ABCG1-dependent pathway. This finding raises hope for using a CETP inhibitor to elevate HDL levels and reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis.
A study showed that very high-intensity statin therapy can induce regression of coronary atherosclerosis, measured by percent atheroma volume. Rosuvastatin treatment led to significant decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Researchers have identified a mutant protein as a key culprit molecule in causing heart disease, including atherosclerosis, which is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. The study also sheds light on the progression of progeria, a rare genetic condition that accelerates aging in children.
Researchers found that exposure to fine particle air pollution and a high-fat diet together contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in laboratory mice. The study suggests that even low concentrations of air pollution may accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis, particularly among those with risk factors.
A recent study found that African-Americans are more likely to develop arterial leg disease, a condition that can lead to amputation if left untreated. Cigarette smoking is the single most important risk factor for the disease, which is also associated with hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
A study found a significant association between high EL concentrations, low HDL-C levels, and early stages of atherosclerosis. This suggests that EL concentrations may be useful in predicting an individual's risk for atherosclerosis.
A recent study found that traditional risk-factor scoring misses one-third of women vulnerable to coronary heart disease, highlighting the need for additional screening methods. Cardiac CT scans are recommended for certain groups of women based on their Framingham Risk Estimate and calcium scores.
A recent study found that nitric oxide, normally considered protective against atherosclerosis, can be converted into peroxynitrite, causing cell dysfunction and death. This reaction activates the ER stress response pathway, leading to devastating cytotoxic effects and accelerating atherosclerosis.
A new blood test has been developed to identify individuals at high risk for ischemic stroke in middle-aged adults. The PLAC test measures Lp-PLA2 and CRP levels, finding an 11-fold increased risk of stroke associated with elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-Reactive Protein.
Researchers have found that women with lupus are at high risk of heart disease due to the presence of pro-inflammatory HDL in their blood. The discovery may lead to an effective test to identify patients at increased risk and prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Researchers found that Trichostatin A (TSA) reduced lupus symptoms, including kidney inflammation and enlarged spleens, and effectively treated atherosclerosis in mice. The drug works by preventing genes from expressing proteins involved in both diseases, offering hope for simultaneous treatment.
Researchers identify clusters of genes expressed at distinct phases of disease progression, linking chronic disease to body's repair machinery. The findings suggest stimulating or maintaining successful repair processes in heart patients could prevent atherosclerosis development.
Research reveals that erectile dysfunction is associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein and abnormal blood vessel responses. Men with ED are at increased risk for coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers found that CA4P selectively targets endothelial cells, inducing regression of unstable vessels by disrupting VE-cadherin signaling. This discovery may lead to new avenues for targeting tumor neo-vessels and increasing the therapeutic window of anti-angiogenic agents.
Research shows that liver production of CRP is associated with atherosclerotic lesions, contradicting previous suggestions that CRP was merely a risk factor. Liver-derived CRP levels positively correlate with plaque size in rabbit models of atherosclerosis.
Increased physical activity reduces coronary heart disease and cardiac mortality rates by 30-40% compared to inactive individuals. Exercise training also improves endothelial function, reducing atherosclerosis and plaque formation, and can even extend life expectancy in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Researchers have identified the Dido gene as a potential tumor suppressor in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases. Additionally, SOCS-7 has been found to regulate insulin signaling and enhance insulin action. Furthermore, aldose reductase expression has been linked to accelerated diabetic atherosclerosis in transgenic mice.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center will investigate how to manipulate intracellular signaling pathways to reduce inflammation in blood vessels, a key factor in heart disease. The team aims to develop new treatments by targeting proteins involved in the inflammatory response.
Researchers investigate Akt1's impact on cardiac function, finding it can enhance cardiac function after heart failure but also contribute to maladaptive effects. A new gene therapy approach successfully treats severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in mice, offering promising implications for its treatment.
A new study called MESA Air aims to better define air pollution standards by tracking the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in 8,700 participants. The researchers will measure the effect of repeated exposure to six major air pollutants over a 10-year period.
Researchers found teen-age boys with Type 1 diabetes have significantly higher intima-media thickness than those without the disease, indicating greater atherosclerosis progression. Smoking and poor glucose control are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease in this population.
A study published in Nature suggests that mitochondrial problems in blood vessel walls contribute to atherosclerosis. Researchers found that mice overproducing uncoupling protein-1 developed high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, despite having normal cholesterol levels.
A new study reveals that mice with an excess of liver X receptor (LXRa) are protected from high-fat diet-induced cholesterol and blood vessel plaques. The findings suggest that natural variation in LXRa levels can influence susceptibility to heart disease, depending on diet.
Researchers found that cranberry juice powder relaxes and opens blood vessels in genetically susceptible pigs, improving vascular function. The next step is to identify the specific components of cranberries responsible for this effect and develop a palatable way to consume them.
Researchers found that cranberry juice powder improved vascular function in subjects with high blood cholesterol and atherosclerosis after six months. The study suggests that consuming whole foods rich in polyphenols, such as cranberries, may help protect against heart disease.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism discovered a novel link between a molecule called apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) and the development of atherosclerosis. AIM, which typically protects infection-fighting cells, was found to promote plaque buildup inside arteries when its function is suppressed.
Researchers used reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) to assess coronary endothelial dysfunction in patients. The study found a strong correlation between fingertip test results and coronary endothelial dysfunction, suggesting the fingertip test could be an effective screening tool for early heart disease.
Studies with mice found that activating PPAR-gamma and PPAR-alpha can prevent cholesterol accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions by up to 70 percent. The researchers identified distinct molecular pathways for the two types of proteins, which could lead to new anti-atherosclerotic medications.
A new drug, GW7647, demonstrates profound protective effects against atherosclerosis by reducing lipid accumulation in macrophages. The study highlights the potential of targeting multiple PPARs, particularly PPARalpha and PPARgamma, to limit lipid accumulation and reverse atherosclerosis.
Researchers discovered that IRAK1 activates the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which may play a role in preventing excessive inflammation and contributing to plaque stability. This finding provides a new therapeutic target for treating atherosclerosis.
A study using combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography may help detect early abnormalities in the arterial wall, potentially useful for early disease detection, prevention, and prognosis. Nuclear medicine could provide valuable information on plaque composition.
Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels are associated with a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke, even after accounting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The enzyme's potential as an independent diagnostic measure is being evaluated.
A new study found that long-term air pollution exposure contributes to cardiovascular problems at an early stage of the disease, enhancing atherosclerosis. The strongest association was seen in women over 60, with a 15.7% increase in CIMT for every 10 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5.
A study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that the experimental drug Trichostatin A (TSA) significantly reduced atherosclerosis in mice. TSA treatment decreased aortic arch deposits and macrophage gathering, leading to increased plaque stability.
A new study suggests that low-dose estrogen therapy may be as effective as traditional doses in reducing atherosclerosis and improving cardiovascular health. Monkeys treated with low-dose estrogen had 55% less atherosclerosis than those not receiving the therapy.
Researchers found that prostacyclin (PGI) protects against atherosclerosis, while thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes its development. TP antagonists and molecules with PG-like activity may aid in atherosclerosis prevention, aligning with previous work on low-dose aspirin therapy.
Researchers develop methodology to efficiently pinpoint mutations in mitochondrial respiratory chain, identifying new cause of lethal neonatal disease. The technique uses cell-fusion experiments and bioinformatics analyses to categorize mutation types, revealing complex genetic backgrounds.
A recent study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that red wine has a greater effect in lowering levels of anti-inflammatory substances in the blood compared to gin. The study's results suggest that moderate consumption of red wine may offer some protection against heart disease and stroke.
A new screening test for heart disease has been developed by cardiologists that measures blood volume in the leg to gauge artery stiffness. The study found that this non-invasive test was strongly predictive of aortic atherosclerosis, a key indicator of coronary heart disease.
A study of 100 patients found that 16-MDCT and electron beam CT were almost equivalent in detecting coronary artery calcifications. The new technology offers thinner slice images, overlapping image reconstruction, and reduced breath-holding time, while still being comparable to the gold standard in terms of calcium scoring.
A study found that long-term calorie restriction significantly reduces risk of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Participants on low-calorie diets had lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting glucose levels compared to those on typical Western diets.
Researchers found that patients with autoimmune disease have higher levels of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which cause heart disease. Additionally, atherosclerosis worsens autoimmune symptoms, implying that low-fat diets may benefit patients with autoimmune disease.
Research links severe atherosclerosis to increased prevalence of depressive disorders in older adults. Patients with coronary and aortic calcifications are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms.
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.