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Mechanism shown to reverse disease in arteries

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a mechanism to reverse disease in arteries by targeting an immune reaction. Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that certain immune cells can switch from promoting inflammation to healing, which can lead to reduced plaque growth and improved cardiovascular health.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 26, 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

Cholesterol -- a key player at the lung surface

Researchers at Lund University found that cholesterol impacts the molecular structure of the alveoli's surfactant film, influencing its mechanical properties and substance transport. The study provides new insights into the significance of cholesterol for lung surface properties.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

Genetic mutation studies help validate new strategy for reducing lipids, cholesterol

Researchers found that blocking ANGPTL3 activity with an injectable antibody reduced triglycerides by up to 76 percent and lowered LDL cholesterol 23 percent in human study participants. Carriers of mutations disabling ANGPTL3 had nearly 40 percent fewer incidents of coronary artery disease compared to non-carriers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Heart disease risks experienced in childhood impact cognition later in life

A new study found that childhood and adolescent cardiovascular risk factors are associated with worse midlife cognition, regardless of adulthood exposure. High blood pressure and high cholesterol in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, as well as smoking in adolescence and young adulthood, were linked to impaired cognitive perf...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2017

Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

Researchers explore a new method to study cholesterol distribution on cells

Researchers developed a new way to visualize cholesterol distribution on cells and tissues using NanoSIMS imaging. The study found that accessible cholesterol is highly enriched on microvilli, supporting the idea that they play a role in regulating cholesterol production and unload surplus cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017

National Commission on Prevention Priorities releases new preventive services rankings

The National Commission on Prevention Priorities has released updated rankings for clinical preventive services, highlighting the most effective and cost-effective options. The top three services include immunizing children, tobacco-use screening, and alcohol misuse screening, with scores of 10 out of a possible 10.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Fenofibrate may reduce heart disease risk in some patients with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that fenofibrate therapy may be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes who take statins but still have high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests a potential benefit of combining fenofibrate with statin treatment for this specific patient population.

New discovery at heart of healthy cereals

A new discovery by researchers at the University of Queensland reveals that beta glucans in oats actually reduce circulating bile, leading to lower and slower absorption of fat. This finding could lead to ways of boosting the cholesterol-fighting properties of other cereals like wheat.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 5, 2016

Saturated fat could be good for you

A Norwegian diet intervention study found similar health effects of diets high in carbohydrates or fats, with substantial improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. The study suggests that the quality of food is more important than the quantity of fat or carbohydrates, and that most healthy people can tolerate a high intake of satur...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 2, 2016