Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
Researchers found stroke rates declining in people 55 and older, but doubling in those between 35 and 39. The study also revealed that younger people are more likely to experience debilitating strokes, which can lead to long-term physical disabilities.
A Yale-led research team identified a protein called ALK1 that binds to LDL cholesterol, facilitating its transport into cells. This finding could lead to a new therapeutic approach for reducing atherosclerosis and slowing heart disease.
A recent study suggests that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may not always protect against heart disease as previously thought. HDL can actually enhance the inflammatory response of immune cells called macrophages, which counteracts its established anti-inflammatory effect in other cell types.
Researchers at FAU discovered that cholesterol strongly influences CXCR4 dimerization and signal transmission in human cells. Their computer simulations revealed that cholesterol is required for the correct formation of GPCR pairs, which affects their function.
Researchers tested an injectable biologic drug therapy that inhibits Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) to lower triglyceride levels. The study showed a profound drop in triglyceride levels, with reductions of up to 73%, and dose-dependent reductions in cholesterol levels.
Using statin drugs provided wide-ranging prevention benefits, reducing risk of death, heart attacks, and strokes. Statins were effective in people at highest risk for heart attacks and strokes, as well as those at lower risk, with no significant harmful effects found.
A study of 80,000 healthy adults found that moderate drinking was associated with slower declines in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels over time. Moderate drinkers had the slowest decline in HDL levels, with heavy drinking nearly eliminating this benefit.
Researchers found that patients with high cholesterol who take statins have a 20% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, those in the fit and highly fit categories had significantly lower diabetes risk, with reductions of 22% and 42%, respectively.
A new study reveals that cholesterol selectively binds to specific regions of GPCR proteins, enabling them to form paired structures and sense external signals. This discovery could open up new avenues for drug discovery and understanding cancer metastasis and AIDS.
Researchers found that consuming high oleic canola oil enriched with Omega-3 significantly reduced triglyceride levels and PCSK9 protein concentration in plasma, suggesting a potential role for dietary fat in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
A systematic review of studies suggests a 12% lower risk of stroke associated with moderate egg consumption, likely due to the high-quality protein and antioxidants present. Eggs are an affordable source of essential nutrients, supporting heart health and overall well-being.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that low and very high levels of 'good cholesterol' are associated with an increased risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. Raising HDL levels does not appear to reduce a person's risk of heart disease.
Two studies published in American Heart Association journals found that regular leisure and commuter biking reduces heart attack risk by 11-18% over 20 years. Habitual biking as little as half an hour per week provides some protection against coronary artery disease.
A new genetic testing method, LipidSeq, has been developed to identify a genetic basis for high-cholesterol in almost 70% of targeted patient populations. The method uses next-generation sequencing technology to pinpoint specific areas of a person's DNA and provides a more cost-effective way to diagnose genetic forms of high-cholesterol.
Research suggests that high cholesterol levels trigger mitochondrial oxidative stress on cartilage cells, causing them to die and ultimately leading to the development of osteoarthritis. Mitochondria targeting antioxidants have shown promise as a viable treatment strategy.
Researchers found that depriving brain tumor cells of cholesterol specifically kills them and causes tumor regression. This alternative method targets glioblastomas, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, which are difficult to treat due to their biochemical composition and blood-brain barrier.
A study by Ludwig Cancer Research identified a metabolic vulnerability in glioblastoma cells that can be exploited for therapy. GBM cells are extremely dependent on imported cholesterol and shutting down their import controls leads to dramatic cancer cell death and tumor shrinkage.
Nearly one in three Myanmar citizens have hypertension, while half have high cholesterol. Experts warn that poor lifestyle choices are contributing to a surge in heart disease.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has published new guidelines for managing dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend shared decision-making between physician and patient, with a focus on patient involvement in lipid target setting.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that oat fibre can reduce LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, providing an accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk. The study suggests increasing oat consumption, particularly oat bran, as a healthy dietary option.
Researchers found that mice can maintain learning and memory when virtually all ApoE is removed from the brain, as long as it remains present in the liver to filter cholesterol. This study supports the belief that reducing ApoE in the brain could be a viable therapeutic option for treating Alzheimer's.
Patients with high levels of cholesterol absorption derive significant benefit from intensive treatment, while those without show no improvement. A new direction for personalized cholesterol treatment strategies is suggested.
The OPTICARE trial found that patients who stuck with a year-long enhanced cardiac rehabilitation program were happier, healthier, and more active than those in the regular program. Motivated patients showed significant improvements in smoking cessation and total cholesterol levels, as well as higher health-related quality of life.
A new study demonstrates that lowering LDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure can have independent, multiplicative, and cumulative causal effects on cardiovascular disease risk. By reducing both by modest amounts, individuals may see a significant reduction in their lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.
The new guidelines recommend individual LDL cholesterol targets based on risk, aiming for at least 50% reduction. Lifestyle and nutrition are emphasized, with goals for body mass index and food preferences.
A Johns Hopkins study of over 13,000 participants found that severe obesity is a standalone high-risk factor for heart failure, but not other types of heart disease. Morbidly obese individuals were nearly fourfold more likely to develop heart failure even after controlling for risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
A large-scale study found that both high and low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of premature death. Intermediate levels, however, may increase longevity. The research used data from over 1.7 million male veterans and showed a U-shaped curve relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and mortality.
A large study found that maintaining intermediate levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may help people live longer. The study, which included 1.7 million US male veterans, discovered a U-shaped relationship between HDL-C and mortality risk, with low and high levels being associated with higher risks.
Increased LDL-C levels increase CAD risk, while increased HDL-C and TG levels lower diabetes risk. This study uses genetics to investigate lipid associations, providing insights for drug development and potential effects on dysglycemia.
Researchers in Jerusalem found that small and medium-sized HDL particles were more closely associated with protection against coronary atherosclerosis. The study, led by Dr. Chobufo Ditah, suggests that these particles may be better markers of coronary heart disease risk than traditional HDL-C.
Researchers found that adding anti-PCSK9 antibodies to existing treatments can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels in patients. The studies demonstrated a reduction in LDL cholesterol and achieved high response rates for both alirocumab and evolocumab.
New research suggests that greater fluctuations in 'bad' cholesterol levels may be associated with lower cognitive performance in elderly adults. The study found that participants with the highest LDL cholesterol variability took longer to complete a cognitive test, indicating poorer brain health.
Researchers found that inhibiting Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) decreases triglyceride levels in blood by targeting similar pathways as LDL cholesterol. Treating mice with an ApoC-III inhibitor lowered triglycerides, but the effect was blocked in mice lacking key components of the LDL signaling pathway.
Researchers estimate that heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia affects up to 1.5 million people in the US. Patients with this condition are at five times higher risk for coronary heart disease over the long term compared to those with average LDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers propose using small amounts of efavirenz to increase CYP46A1 enzyme activity, leading to improved memory and reduced plaque development. Studies suggest a 40% increase in cholesterol breakdown in mouse models, with potential benefits for human Alzheimer's patients.
A systematic review of over 68,000 elderly people found no association between 'bad cholesterol' and cardiovascular deaths. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were often linked to longer life, contradicting the long-held cholesterol hypothesis.
A review of clinical trials found that barley lowers levels of both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), two types of 'bad cholesterol'. The study suggests that barley has similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, making it a valuable alternative for those looking to reduce cardiovascular risk.
A new study found that one-third of children with a strong family history of CVD and/or type 2 diabetes have higher total cholesterol and unfavorable cardiometabolic markers. This group is at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes in adulthood.
Researchers from the University Freiburg have developed a new model of T cell activation, demonstrating that cholesterol prevents an immune response even when no antigen is present. The study reveals a specific interaction between cholesterol and inactive T cell receptors, regulating their conformation and activity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have determined the 3D atomic structure of a human sterol transporter that helps maintain cholesterol balance. This knowledge could lead to finding highly targeted therapies to treat or prevent diseases related to sterol imbalance.
A new study found that air pollution exposure can worsen blood sugar levels, cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. Participants with diabetes experienced higher changes in blood glucose and cholesterol levels when exposed to higher levels of particulate matter.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified a rare genetic mutation that protects against chronic coronary artery diseases. Individuals with this deletion (0.8%) have lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of arteriosclerosis, a key factor in heart disease.
Researchers found that HDL is not uniformly predictive of cardiovascular risk, with triglycerides and LDL modifying the incidence of CVD in both low- and high-level HDL. High levels of LDL or TG can increase cardiovascular risk by 30-60% compared to isolated low HDL.
Preliminary research finds that weight loss surgery increases HDL 'good' cholesterol and improves its heart-protecting actions in severely obese teens. The study shows improved metabolic health measured by HDL function after surgery, despite remaining obesity.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a link between cholesterol metabolism and pancreatic cancer spread, pointing to potential new treatment using drugs for atherosclerosis. Controlling cholesterol metabolism reduces tumor growth and metastasis in mice.
A study of over 300,000 individuals suggests that cholesterol levels are similar whether patients fast or not. This new guideline eliminates the need for fasting before cholesterol testing, benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.
A large case-control study suggests that high cholesterol levels, rather than statin use, may influence the risk of colorectal cancer. The study found an inverse relationship between blood cholesterol levels and colorectal cancer risk, with higher cholesterol levels associated with lower risk.
A large case-control study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, but the difference in risk between statin users and non-users was not significant. Increased serum cholesterol levels were also independently linked to decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
Researchers found that sleep loss reduces gene expression involved in cholesterol transport, leading to lower levels of good cholesterol. The study also discovered that sleep-deprived individuals have fewer high-density HDL lipoproteins, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from Sanford Research successfully modeled Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome using induced pluripotent stem cells, highlighting the role of Wnt/β-catenin defects in cholesterol synthesis. The study provides new insights into the underlying cellular mechanisms of this rare developmental disorder.
A study at Oregon State University has identified a specific intake level of xanthohumol that significantly improves metabolic syndrome markers and reduces weight gain in laboratory animals. The findings suggest a possible new approach to addressing obesity, high cholesterol and elevated glucose.
Researchers analyzed previously unpublished data from a large controlled trial and found that using vegetable oils high in linoleic acid may not decrease the risk of heart disease. In contrast, using butter did lower cholesterol levels without affecting heart attacks or deaths.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that replacing saturated fats with vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid does not curb heart disease risk or help people live longer. Despite lowering cholesterol levels, participants who had greater reductions in blood cholesterol actually had higher risks of death.
Researchers have developed a highly-sensitive detection method to monitor HDL kinetics, revealing new lipid biology and potential therapeutic targets. The technique allows for the identification of HDL subfractions and their unique proteomes, which may help pharmaceutical companies design more effective drugs.
Researchers found that cancer cells can regulate the body's lipid metabolism to increase production of lipids. Minimizing liver production of LDL can deprive tumors of their constant supply and reduce growth. The study aims to test existing medications for hypercholesterolemia on patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Researchers found that cyclodextrin reduces atherosclerotic plaques by reprogramming macrophages and dissolving cholesterol crystals. The treatment prevents plaque formation and reduces existing plaques in mice and human carotid arteries, pointing to cholesterol crystals as a target for atherosclerosis treatment.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that cyclodextrin promotes the breakdown of cholesterol deposits in arteries, reducing inflammation and plaque formation. The ring-shaped sugar increases natural mechanisms for cholesterol breakdown and reduces inflammatory response, offering a potential new treatment for atherosclerosis.
Scientists have discovered a new way to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by using modified cholesterol as an energy source. This breakthrough holds promise for the development of new treatments for tuberculosis, a highly infectious lung disease that kills one person every 21 seconds.
The Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) study found that daily walnut consumption reduces LDL cholesterol levels and has no adverse effects on body weight among older adults. This research suggests walnuts may benefit the nutritional well-being of aging adults, particularly in terms of cardiovascular health.
A large clinical trial of evacetrapib, a CETP inhibitor, showed no reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, despite significant increases in HDL and decreases in LDL cholesterol levels. The study's findings challenge conventional thinking on the benefits of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.