Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
Scientists at Osaka University identified RELCH as a crucial protein facilitating non-vesicular transport of cholesterol within cells. This discovery may lead to better understanding and treatment of cholesterol-related disorders.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology develop a peptide vaccine that induces protective T cells and decreases plaque size in atherosclerotic mice. The vaccine targets the 'bad cholesterol' protein and expands a class of protective T cells, curbing inflammation.
Research from the University of Copenhagen found a U-shaped relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and risk of infectious diseases. Individuals with both very low and very high HDL cholesterol had high risks of hospitalization and death from infectious diseases, including gastroenteritis and pneumonia.
A new study highlights the benefits of weekly nutrition classes for improving weight, blood sugars, and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Two diets, low-fat vegan and portion-controlled eating, proved effective in reducing meat consumption and fat intake.
A single high-fat milkshake can quickly transform healthy red blood cells into small, spiky cells that wreak havoc inside blood vessels. This study found that such a meal can lead to impaired ability of blood vessels to relax and an immune response similar to one provoked by an infection.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of heart disease events in severely obese teens. The study predicts a 4% risk of heart disease events after one year of surgery, compared to an 8% risk prior to surgery.
Researchers compared seven manageable cardiovascular risks between LGB and heterosexual adults, finding that LGB adults were 36% less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health. Key areas of concern included smoking habits and blood glucose management among the LGB population.
A high-fat, high-cholesterol Western diet reprograms protective immune cells called regulatory T cells into follicular helper T cells that promote inflammation and atherosclerosis. HDL 'good cholesterol' helps shield these protective cells from this transformation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that omega-3 levels were better predictors of death risk than serum cholesterol. The study showed a 33% reduction in mortality risk among participants with highest omega-3 blood levels, indicating a potential marker for overall health.
The study found that alirocumab reduced rates of major adverse cardiovascular events by 15% compared to placebo, with a greater effect in patients with highest LDL cholesterol levels. The drug also showed significant safety and tolerability profiles.
A recent study found that 49% of patients on cholesterol medications did not receive the recommended annual HDL-C test, while 19% received more tests than needed. The study estimates that this leads to a yearly expenditure of A$4.3 million due to overutilisation and A$11.3 million in cost savings from underutilisation.
A CRISPR-like gene editing technique has been shown to reduce blood triglyceride levels by up to 56 percent and cholesterol by up to 51 percent in a mouse model. This could potentially lead to new treatments for heart disease.
A newly discovered gene called MeXis has been found to act within clogged arteries to remove excess cholesterol from blood vessels. This study suggests that long non-coding RNAs play a crucial role in the development of heart disease and may lead to new insights into treating cardiovascular disease.
Recent studies investigate the role of cholesterol and other lipids in blood circulation, discovering a correlation between bad cholesterol levels and muscle damage in muscular dystrophy patients. Another study reveals a synergistic effect of hepatitis B and alcohol on cholesterol metabolism, increasing biosynthesis and impairing uptake.
A new UCLA study found that a high-cholesterol diet can accelerate the formation of tumors in the colon by speeding up intestinal stem cell division. The research identified a molecular pathway that could serve as a new target for colon cancer treatment.
Researchers found that combining medication to lower blood pressure with medication to lower cholesterol reduced first-time strokes by 44 percent. The study involved over 12,700 participants from 21 countries and showed that this combination is effective in reducing stroke risk for those at moderate risk for heart disease.
Obese adults with type 2 diabetes who underwent gastric bypass surgery showed improved blood sugar control, cholesterol management, and reduced blood pressure after five years. However, the improvement in achieving these targets diminished over time, suggesting that longer follow-up is needed to understand the persistent benefits of we...
Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center discovered that mevalonate, a byproduct of cholesterol production, trains the immune system. A Western diet rich in cholesterol can also induce trained immune cells, leading to long-lasting inflammation. Statins may inhibit this training, while boosting it could help weakened immune systems
A new study in mice reveals that excess cholesterol may be hindering the repair of fatty protective sheaths around neurons. Researchers found that phagocytes, which ingest debris, had internal organs called lysosomes overwhelmed with cholesterol crystals, reducing their ability to repair myelin.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Mikael Simons from the Technical University of Munich discovered that cholesterol crystals can prevent regeneration in multiple sclerosis patients. The team also identified a novel oligodendroglial cell type involved in myelin formation, which may help develop new therapies for MS.
A new cholesterol calculation method has been shown to be more accurate than the standard method in nonfasting individuals. The method, developed by Johns Hopkins researchers, uses a chart with 180 different factors to calculate LDL cholesterol levels and individualize assessments.
A new study suggests that replacing one to two animal proteins with plant proteins daily can reduce three main cholesterol markers for heart disease prevention by about 5%. Combining this with other cholesterol-lowering foods like viscous fibers and sterols may yield even greater health benefits.
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.
Researchers discovered that an enzyme called squalene monooxygenase (SM) responds to increased cholesterol levels by being destroyed, reducing cholesterol production. This finding could lead to new treatments targeting SM, potentially decreasing cholesterol levels.
Researchers at MIT found that two cholesterol molecules bind to a flu protein called M2, creating a wedge shape in the cell membrane that severs the viral buds. This discovery sheds light on how many other proteins interact with membrane cholesterol.
Research findings emphasize the importance of measuring and maintaining aerobic fitness to reduce CHD risk. Moderate to high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness provide significant protection against CHD death, regardless of blood TG:HDL ratio.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered Nrf1 protein's role in maintaining cholesterol balance within cells. The protein senses and responds to excess cholesterol, promoting protective countermeasures and potentially treating diseases where cholesterol metabolism is disrupted.
A research team from the University of Cincinnati has developed a consensus model of human apolipoprotein A-I, a key component of HDL, which could lead to new strategies for increasing good cholesterol. This breakthrough was achieved through collaborative effort and innovative use of indirect experimental techniques.
A study of over 60,000 patients with known heart disease found that follow-up LDL cholesterol tests significantly reduce the risk of reoccurring heart attacks and strokes. Patients who didn't receive these tests were more likely to experience major adverse outcomes.
A large observational study of nearly 49,000 Malaysian heart attack patients found a significant 10-year decline in blood cholesterol levels. This trend is opposite to the national average and suggests that statins may be responsible for the decrease in cholesterol levels among ACS patients.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a new pathway in cholesterol elimination, revealing that it is eliminated from the body in just two minutes, challenging the current 40-year model. This finding has significant implications for developing new drugs to lower cholesterol and improving cardiovascular health.
Researchers discovered that high levels of cholesterol metabolism's byproduct 27HC facilitates breast cancer metastasis by hijacking specific immune cells. The study identifies 27HC as a potential drug target to inhibit its creation or actions, offering hope for effective therapies against this aggressive form of cancer.
A team of researchers, led by Tony Kim, has developed an innovative lab chip called the human-coronary-artery-on-a-chip to explore new treatments for atherosclerosis. The study aims to improve understanding of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) interactions with proinflammatory proteins and vascular tissues.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that only 30.9% of patients prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors ever received therapy, largely due to copay costs and prior authorization processes. Patients with governmental insurance and those filled at specialty pharmacies were more likely to be approved.
Researchers found that drinking alcohol induces changes to a cholesterol-regulating gene, PCSK9, leading to differences in how cholesterol is processed. Higher methylation and gene expression of PCSK9 were associated with chronic heavy alcohol use, which can lead to lower PCSK9 protein levels due to liver damage.
Researchers developed a quality control method to evaluate pharmacological activity and effectiveness of different MβCD preparations. The new method identified differences in average molecular weight and side chain methylation among MβCD samples from different vendors and batches.
Researchers at Aarhus University have uncovered how PCSK9 breaks down LDL receptors, leading to higher LDL cholesterol and increased risk of blood clots. The new knowledge enables the development of more efficient and cheaper PCSK9-inhibiting medicine.
A new study suggests that metabolically healthy obese adults consuming a diet high in unsaturated fats may be able to decrease their total cholesterol by 10 points. However, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats does not aid in weight loss.
The REVEAL trial found that anacetrapib significantly reduces the incidence of major coronary events and improves HDL cholesterol levels, while also reducing LDL cholesterol by at least 20%
A large study found that high carbohydrate intake is linked to increased total mortality and non-cardiovascular mortality outcomes, while high fat intake is associated with lower risk. The study suggests that limiting total fat consumption may not improve health in populations.
A meta-analysis of over 68,000 patients found that PCSK9 inhibitors did not increase the short-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, exploratory analyses suggested a trend towards increased risk in patients with intense LDL cholesterol reduction and long-term treatment.
A Japanese study questioned the benefit of treat-to-target intensive statin therapy in patients with diabetic retinopathy, finding no significant reduction in cardiovascular events. However, subanalysis showed that reaching an LDL cholesterol target of less than 70 mg/dL significantly reduced primary endpoint incidence.
Researchers found that ultra-low LDL cholesterol levels (below 10 mg/dL) significantly reduced cardiovascular event risk by over 40%. No adverse effects on cognition or safety endpoints were reported. The study suggests achieving low LDL cholesterol levels beyond current treatment targets may further reduce cardiovascular risk.
The ORION 1 trial shows inclisiran lowers LDL cholesterol by -31.6% and -46.8% at one year with single and two dose regimens, respectively. The two dose regimen produced the greatest reductions in LDL cholesterol without side effects.
A recent study found that the clinical benefit of LDL cholesterol lowering therapies depends on how it is lowered, with apoB particles playing a key role. The study used genetically randomized participants and found that reducing apoB levels had a greater impact on cardiovascular risk than reducing LDL cholesterol.
A 14-year study found that statins reduce breast cancer risk by 45% and mortality risk by 40%. Women with high cholesterol had significantly lower breast cancer rates and improved survival rates compared to those without high cholesterol.
Researchers used gene therapy with LeXis, a 'junk DNA' suppressor of cholesterol, to reduce plaque in mice with familial hypercholesterolemia. The treatment lowered cholesterol and blockages in arteries, and appeared to reduce fat build-up in liver cells.
Research suggests PCSK9 plays a role in platelet activation and aggregation, with higher levels linked to increased platelet reactivity. PCSK9 inhibitors may also reduce thrombosis by interfering with platelet function.
A recent study found that women at high risk of cardiovascular events are more likely to receive lower doses and less potent statin treatments, which can increase the risk of preventable events. According to the DYSIS study, women were 32% less likely to reach the recommended LDL cholesterol target compared to men.
Researchers found that extremely high HDL levels are associated with a higher mortality rate than normal levels. Men with extremely high levels had a 106% higher mortality rate, while women had a 68% higher mortality rate. The study suggests that the focus on HDL as an important health indicator may need to be revised.
A new meta-analysis finds that plant-based vegetarian diets are linked to lower total cholesterol and reduced risk of heart disease. The study highlights the benefits of a well-planned vegan diet, which can lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved cardiovascular health.
Duke scientists discovered a gene variant linked to susceptibility to typhoid fever and found that cholesterol-lowering drug ezetimibe protected zebrafish against Salmonella Typhi. The study provides insight into human susceptibility to infectious disease and potential avenues for protection.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that liver inflammation leads to increased cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, promoting vascular diseases. This mechanism is crucial as it explains why some individuals with well-controlled blood sugar levels still experience long-term complications.
A recent study found that consuming almonds regularly can improve HDL cholesterol levels and function in people with elevated LDL cholesterol. The almond diet resulted in a 19% increase in large HDL particles and improved HDL function by 6.4%, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.
Researchers found that healthy LDL particles become more flexible under pressure, while disease-prone particles lose flexibility. This difference in behavior may be attributed to varying lipid compositions.
Researchers found that stopping statin drugs after a first ischemic stroke increases the risk of having another stroke within a year and death. The study suggests that statins should be a lifelong therapy for ischemic stroke patients if needed to lower cholesterol levels.
The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) brings together a diverse set of papers on various cardiovascular topics. The journal features original articles, reviews, commentaries, and case reports on topics such as telemedicine, heart failure, and cholesterol crystals.
Scientists at UAlberta and McGill University have discovered a direct link between calcium and cholesterol, finding that a lack of calcium can hide cholesterol from the cell's machinery. This discovery could pave the way for new treatments for high blood cholesterol and heart disease.
Researchers at Oregon State University found nearly half of dogs with osteosarcoma had elevated total serum cholesterol levels, leading to longer survival times. Dogs with high cholesterol had a median survival time of 455 days, compared to 345 days for those with normal cholesterol.
Scientists have discovered how a compound activates an enzyme to reduce cholesterol and other accumulated fats in the brains and livers of Niemann-Pick type C1 patients. The study may lead to new treatments for NPC1 and other neurodegenerative diseases.