Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
A high-fat diet causes thickening of arteries at the cellular level, according to researchers. The study found that even small amounts of oxidized LDL can dramatically change the structure of the cell membrane, leading to increased tension and stiffness.
A new study published in Neurology has found that medications commonly used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol do not slow down cognitive decline in older adults. The study, which involved over 1,600 participants, suggests that longer studies are needed to determine the effects of these medications on brain health.
A recent study found that resistance training improves health in over 65-year-olds, with benefits even when training as little as once per week. The benefits include improved blood values, muscle strength, and mental well-being.
A study of over 30,000 Americans reveals significant differences in managing heart disease risk between women and men. Women have better control of high blood pressure, while both sexes struggle with obesity and cholesterol management.
A Chinese national screening project found that only 0.6% and 2.4% of individuals with high cardiovascular risk were using statins and aspirin, respectively. The study highlights the need for increased risk mitigation in China's population.
Researchers discovered a rare tumor type that can't synthesize cholesterol, leading to its dependence on external nutrients. This vulnerability can be exploited with therapies blocking cholesterol uptake, offering a potential treatment for drug-resistant ALCL cells.
A recent study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that the protein makeup of HDL particles plays a crucial role in their ability to predict heart health. The research, led by Nathalie Pamir, identified genetic variants linked to cholesterol efflux capacity and proteins associated with HDL's activity.
A large study of genetic data suggests that statins could prevent the onset of motor neurone disease, as higher levels of LDL cholesterol were causally linked with a greater risk. The condition affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK and is projected to nearly double by 2040 due to ageing of the global population.
A randomized-controlled clinical trial found that Montmorency tart cherry juice helped lower systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in older adults by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. The participants also showed increased DNA repair activity, suggesting potential health benefits for heart health.
Researchers found that high triglyceride levels were linked to lower risk of cognitive decline, frailty, and death in older adults. Current guidelines for lowering cholesterol may not be beneficial for this age group.
A meta-analysis of 28 randomised controlled trials found that statin therapy reduces the risk of major vascular events in older people by about a fifth per 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol. The study showed no adverse effects of statin therapy on non-vascular mortality or cancer across all age groups.
The University of Warwick has identified the enzyme DGAT1, which controls how much fat is added to particles released by the liver. Inhibiting this enzyme allowed scientists to 'slim down' particles and load them with less fat, reducing the amount of 'bad' cholesterol in the blood.
A team of researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology has developed a novel microfluidic device for measuring cholesterol secreted from human hepatocytes in real-time. The device uses bead-based enzymatic assay for cholesterol measurement, which can quantify cholesterol secreted by human hepatocytes in real-time on-chip.
Several studies have shown that reducing LDL-C to levels lower than 50 mg/dl can provide cardiovascular benefits. However, data on the impact of lowering LDL-C below 25 mg/dl is limited, with some evidence suggesting no increased risk of cancer or hemorrhagic stroke.
A new study of 25,000 Danes reveals that cholesterol levels are 20% higher after the Christmas break, increasing the risk of high cholesterol by six times. The research suggests that festive food may contribute to elevated cholesterol readings, highlighting the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels during the holiday season.
Research identifies GM3S and GM3 ganglioside as crucial for intestinal cholesterol uptake, offering a new therapeutic target for reducing high blood cholesterol. A high-cholesterol diet-fed mouse model with deficient GM3S shows lower susceptibility to high blood cholesterol.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that a fatty diet can trigger changes in the immune system leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study identified a novel type of reparative macrophage that counteracts inflammation, offering potential pathways for future therapies.
A study by Imperial College London and University of Leicester found that patients taking high-intensity statins and adhering to treatment regimens can avoid 12,000 cardiovascular events. High adherence achieves better long-term cholesterol reductions and outcomes for patients.
Researchers at Boston University have made significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying HDL formation. They discovered a crucial interaction between apolipoprotein A-I and ABCA1 proteins, which enables the formation of nascent HDL particles.
Researchers have determined the structure of an enzyme that helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. A small molecule stimulates LCAT enzyme action, showing promise for treating heart and kidney disease. The study paves the way for potential new therapeutics.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute developed novel synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, which significantly reduced cholesterol levels in preclinical studies. This approach may provide a less frequent and cost-effective alternative to statins for treating high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Studies in mice with psoriasis-like conditions found that stiff blood vessel walls trapped cholesterol, promoting plaques and increasing cardiovascular risk. Neutralizing a specific immune cell type reduced collagen density and cholesterol deposits, suggesting a preventable link between autoimmune diseases and heart disease.
A large international clinical trial found that alirocumab, a PCSK9 antibody, reduced the chance of additional heart problems or stroke in heart attack survivors. LDL cholesterol levels decreased by 50% with alirocumab treatment, leading to a 15% reduction in risk of death from coronary heart disease, another heart attack, or stroke.
Researchers found that higher lead and mercury levels in the blood were associated with increased levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol. The study suggests a potential link between heavy metal exposure and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that a high-fat diet enriched with cottonseed oil improved cholesterol profiles in young adult men. Participants showed significant reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides on the cottonseed oil diet, compared to minimal changes on an olive oil-enriched diet.
Researchers discovered that modified LDL particles trigger an immune response in macrophages, leading to chronic inflammation. The study found 27 transcription factors involved in the process, highlighting the importance of inflammation in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols, especially (−)-epicatechin, improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. Flavanol-only groups experienced all benefits, while procyanidin-enriched extracts showed reduced cholesterol without improvements in vascular effects.
The NIH has awarded a $3.3-million grant to Carnegie Institution scientist Steven Farber to identify new pharmaceuticals for combatting cardiovascular disease. Using genetically engineered zebrafish with glowing lipoproteins, the team aims to find compounds that lower ApoB levels and reduce disease risk.
University of Houston biologist Michihisa Umetani has discovered a protein partnership that protects blood vessels from danger. His work aims to target the Liver X Receptor (LXR) for new medicines to prevent atherosclerosis, offering a potential solution to severe side effects associated with current treatments.
Researchers used statistical tools to analyze data from 55 studies on dietary oils and found seed oils, such as sunflower oil and flaxseed oil, perform best in improving cholesterol. However, there are caveats, including the study only measured blood lipids and may not be applicable to clinical outcomes.
A case report presents a patient with progressive drusen accumulation, which was halted by a resveratrol-based nutraceutical (Longevinex). The patient's vision improved after adopting the nutraceutical regimen, whereas statin drugs showed only modest success. A dietary approach to retinal health is proposed as primary consideration.
A recent study identified three genetic mutations that improve cholesterol profiles and reduce the risk of heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, or diabetes. The PDE3B mutation has shown significant benefits, with a lower risk of heart disease and improved triglyceride levels.
Research suggests that high variability in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar readings is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Fluctuations in these measures are linked to an increased risk of 127% mortality, 43% heart attack, and 41% stroke.
A study of 1,826 adolescents found that higher current total activity was associated with lower VLDL and triglycerides, while longer-term activity showed similar results. The findings suggest that it's never too late to benefit from physical activity, but maintaining regular engagement is key.
Researchers used a computer model to study the effect of increased cholesterol on a specific ion channel involved in regulating potassium levels in the heart. They found that increasing cholesterol levels made interactions with the channel more numerous, overwhelming it and interfering with its ability to open and close normally.
A long-term study found that blood pressure lowering treatment with a calcium channel blocker plus statin reduces cardiovascular deaths by 29% compared to older therapy. Statins also show significant benefits, with 15% lower cardiovascular death rates in patients with average cholesterol levels.
Research suggests that very high HDL cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart attack and death, contrary to traditional views. The study found a U-shaped curve in the relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, with both low and extremely high levels increasing the risk.
A meta-analysis of 99 studies found that levothyroxine, a common medication for hypothyroidism, is inadequate in controlling high cholesterol levels. The study's findings suggest that patients may require additional therapies or adjustments to their treatment plans.
Researchers found that young, healthy individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol are still vulnerable to cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, even with a low 10-year risk. Lifestyle interventions and cholesterol-lowering medication may be necessary for these individuals to achieve healthy LDL levels.
Researchers found that statins can improve conditions in people with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare syndrome affecting 1 in 150,000 people worldwide. The study also identified two new tests to help diagnose the condition and showed promise for oral statin therapy as a potential new approach.
Research by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that frequent binge drinkers had higher blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at a younger age. Young men who binge drink have higher systolic blood pressure, while young women have higher blood sugar levels compared to non-binge drinkers.
Researchers found the portfolio diet reduces LDL cholesterol by 30%, as well as blood pressure, triglycerides, and inflammation, with a combined effect of 13% lower risk for coronary heart disease. The diet's four main components include nuts, plant protein, viscous soluble fibre, and plant sterols.
A new study from Louisiana State University found that video games, combined with fitness coaching and a step tracker, helped overweight children reduce their body mass index, cholesterol levels, and increase physical activity. Children who played video games also showed increased self-efficacy towards physical activity.
A study of 1,138 postmenopausal women found that higher HDL cholesterol did not lower cardiovascular disease risk, but rather masked a significant heart disease risk. Small HDL particles were beneficial for these women, while large particles increased risk.
An observational study published in the BMJ Open journal found a strong association between an unhealthy blood fat profile before pregnancy and lower fertility rates. Women with high cholesterol, triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol were more likely to have only one or no children.
A systematic review analyzing the effects of walnut consumption on cardiovascular risk factors reveals significantly greater reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B compared to control diets. Walnut-enriched diets resulted in no adverse effects on body weight or blood pressure.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine successfully reduced cholesterol levels in rhesus macaques using genome editing, offering a new approach to treating heart disease patients who don't tolerate PCSK9 inhibitors. The study demonstrates the potential of this therapy for large-scale clinical trials and future treatment options.
Researchers have identified a new cellular pathway that may help explain how arterial inflammation develops into atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and stroke. The findings suggest that blocking interleukin-1 beta production could enhance niacin therapy and improve therapies for atherosclerosis.
Dr. Daniel J. Rader, a renowned expert in heart disease prevention and treatment, has received the 2018 Gotto Prize for his pioneering work on lipoprotein metabolism. His research has significantly impacted current strategies to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.
A 12-week randomized controlled trial found that Montmorency tart cherry juice reduced systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in older adults, potentially helping to maintain heart health. The study suggests that the unique nutrient content of Montmorency tart cherries may contribute to these benefits.
A new meta-analysis finds that following the Portfolio Diet reduces LDL-cholesterol by 17% and lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 13%. The diet emphasizes a portfolio of four proven cholesterol-lowering foods: nuts, plant protein, viscous soluble fiber, and plant sterols.
Researchers at the University of Münster developed a new substance similar to cholesterol, allowing visualization in living cells. The study enables imaging of membrane dynamics without damaging the membrane.
Daniel J. Rader, chair of the department of Genetics at Penn Medicine, has made significant contributions to understanding lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. His research efforts have led to breakthroughs in developing new medications for serious heart-related conditions.
A new study by University of Sydney researchers found that eating up to 12 eggs per week does not increase cardiovascular risk factors in people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The study also showed no impact on weight loss or cholesterol levels in participants.
Researchers found that brain cholesterol triggers amyloid-beta protein clusters, a key player in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests targeting cholesterol regulation as a potential treatment approach.
Researchers at UTA are investigating the biochemical mechanism of ovarian hormones regulating cholesterol balance in the blood, aiming to open up new therapeutic avenues for treating cardiovascular disease. The study may lead to preventive treatments and customized therapies.
A Finnish study of 1,628 people found that frequent sauna bathing may be associated with a lower risk of stroke. Those who took a sauna four to seven times a week were 60% less likely to have a stroke than those who took only one per week.
Researchers at Duke University successfully delivered CRISPR/Cas9 repressors to silence the Pcsk9 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels, in adult mice. The treatment resulted in reduced blood cholesterol levels and sustained gene repression for six months after a single treatment.
A study of 800 participants who consumed milkshakes found new uncommon gene variants affecting patients' responses to a cholesterol drug. The variants were associated with changes in triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels after consuming high-fat meals and taking the medication.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that statins can save thousands of additional lives when used in people with higher levels of LDL cholesterol. The analysis of 34 previous studies involving over 270,000 participants showed that statins were more likely to reduce death risk at LDL levels of 100 mg/dl or greater.