Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
Research highlights the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of predicted baseline risk equations. Additionally, studies investigate the use of bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention and implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring for heart ...
Researchers have discovered a key enzyme involved in O-glycosylation of LDLR, a receptor protein responsible for absorbing bad cholesterol. The study provides new insights into the functional impact of glycosylation on cholesterol levels.
A Mayo Clinic task force challenges recommendations in the updated ACC/AHA cholesterol treatment guideline, suggesting an individualized treatment approach with emphasis on lifestyle changes before prescribing statins. The task force also recommends considering additional tests to refine cardiovascular risk estimates.
Exposure to pesticide DDT before birth is linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome in female mice, characterized by obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The study also found sex differences, with females more susceptible to these conditions.
A new study suggests that niacin should no longer be prescribed for most patients due to potential increased risk of death and dangerous side effects. The therapy was found to have no benefit in reducing heart attacks and strokes, despite raising HDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers discovered cholesterol's activation of a signaling pathway linked to cancer growth and division. Elevated cholesterol levels may selectively promote cancerous pathways, providing a new mechanism for cancer risk.
A study of over 1 million patients in the UK found an association between high blood cholesterol and increased breast cancer risk. The researchers suggest that lowering cholesterol with statins may help prevent or treat breast cancer, warranting further investigation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that midlife sex hormone changes are associated with lower quality cholesterol carriers, which predict higher risk of heart disease. The study suggests that advanced testing methods may be needed to evaluate menopause-related dynamic changes in women.
A new MIT study provides direct evidence of plants in the Neanderthal diet, suggesting a more varied diet than previously thought. The researchers analyzed fecal remains from El Salt, Spain, finding metabolized versions of animal-derived cholesterol and phytosterol, a compound found in plants.
Research shows women with Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol have poorer adherence to statin medication, leading to lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to men. The study highlights the need for gender-based evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients.
A multicenter study found that liraglutide, a diabetes drug, reduced weight and improved cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The results showed significant improvements in weight loss and lipid profiles, suggesting a potential lower risk of heart disease.
A Canadian study found that women with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol have poorer LDL cholesterol levels than men, despite equal access to cholesterol-lowering medication. The researchers suggest a need for gender-based evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients to prevent heart disease and stroke.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a new driver of atherosclerosis, a molecule called 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), which exacerbates the condition and may be a promising therapeutic target. Blocking 27HC or inhibiting its actions could provide a complementary approach to preventing vascular disease.
Researchers found that people with a specific gene variation have lower blood lipids and a reduced risk of arteriosclerosis. The study, based on two large population studies, suggests that inhibiting apolipoprotein C3 could be an effective target for new drugs to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a potential cholesterol-lowering drug that can also halt the progression of breast cancer and kill cancerous cells. The compound targets the production of cholesterol in cancer cells, leading to cell death.
Researchers found that periodic fasting can convert bad cholesterol in fat cells to energy, reducing the risk of diabetes and metabolic problems. After 10-12 hours of fasting, the body starts scavenging for other sources of energy, pulling LDL cholesterol from fat cells and using it as energy.
The new ACC/AHA guidelines recommend statin therapy for people with type 2 diabetes, but experts debate its appropriateness. Robert H. Eckel supports the guidelines, while Henry Ginsberg argues they are too narrow and ignore evidence of lower LDL-C levels.
New research links low blood cholesterol to more advanced tumor stages and reduced cancer survival rates in kidney cancer patients. High cholesterol levels are associated with a lower risk of death from the disease, suggesting a potential new prognostic tool for monitoring patient outcomes.
New studies have found that daily intake of monounsaturated fatty acids is an independent predictor of remission in patients with RA, while excessive cholesterol levels increase cartilage damage in OA. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce inflammatory activity and improve function in RA patients.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a genome-editing approach that permanently reduces cholesterol levels in mice through a single injection. This approach could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks in humans, translating to a potential 90% reduction in heart attack risk. The technique targets the PCSK9 gene and ...
Researchers found that Siberian hamsters require dietary cholesterol to enter daily torpor during winter. The minimum amount of cholesterol necessary for winter daily torpor is around 0.3%, similar to the amount found in insect larvae.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society found that couples with high cholesterol levels took longer to conceive a child. The study examined the rate of pregnancies among 501 heterosexual couples trying to conceive and found that those with high cholesterol levels had significantly lower fecundity rates.
A recent NIH study found that high cholesterol levels may impair fertility in couples trying to achieve a pregnancy. Couples with the highest cholesterol levels took longer to get pregnant, while those with acceptable cholesterol levels had faster conception rates.
Researchers found high prevalence of hypertension and elevated cholesterol among HIV patients, with low rates of control. The study recommends greater emphasis on cardiology in HIV treatment and research to optimize heart disease risk factor management.
A phase 3 study found that evolocumab, a human monoclonal antibody, added to moderate- or high-intensity statin therapy further lowers LDL-C levels by up to 24 percent. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed similar results across different statin types and doses.
A new Cornell study reveals that tofu lovers perceive it as a convenient and filling source of light protein. However, non-users had misconceptions about its cost and cooking difficulties. Correcting these misconceptions through price information, simple recipes, and 'cooks like chicken' messaging increased the likelihood of purchase.
Abnormal lipid values occur in 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents, associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Testing rates increased only slightly from 2.5% in 1995 to 3.4% in 2010, highlighting a low rate of cholesterol testing among children and adolescents.
A recent study found that statin therapy lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in patients with chronic kidney disease, but has no effect on kidney function or progression. The Study of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP) included 6,245 patients who received a placebo or cholesterol-lowering treatment w...
Scientists have identified low cholesterol levels in immune cells as a key factor in slowing HIV progression in some individuals. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for preventing HIV disease progression.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a way to block abnormal cholesterol production, transport and breakdown, preventing the development of atherosclerosis in mice and rabbits. The treatment, using an existing compound called D-PDMP, successfully prevented the formation of fatty plaque and calcium deposits inside blood vessels.
Researchers found that activating a receptor, Gpr109a, can inhibit inflammation in the retina and prevent vision damage in diabetes. The new grant will enable long-term studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach.
Researchers found that pharmacist-led interventions show a significant improvement in blood pressure and cholesterol levels compared to current standard of care. Nurse-led care saw a 30% improvement, while pharmacist-led care achieved a 43% improvement in improving patient outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found that pharmacists significantly improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels in stroke patients, with a 43% absolute improvement compared to the control group. Pharmacists' active medication adjustment contributed to this effect, despite already taking antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications.
A daily serving of pulses can significantly lower LDL 'bad' cholesterol by five per cent, translating to a five to six per cent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. North Americans would need to more than double their current pulse intake to achieve this benefit.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that eating just 1 serving of legumes daily can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol by 5%. This reduction may lead to a 5% lower risk of major vascular events. The authors suggest that increasing pulse intake is a reasonable and beneficial dietary change.
Researchers found high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and remnant lipoprotein (RLP) cholesterol levels are linked to CHD risk. HDL3 subfractions, not traditional HDL cholesterol, were more predictive in assessing and reducing CHD risk.
In a phase III study, evolocumab was shown to effectively lower LDL-C levels, with fewer side effects compared to ezetimibe. The results suggest that evolocumab may be a promising alternative for patients who cannot tolerate statins due to intolerable side effects.
The LAPLACE-2 study shows evolocumab produces highly significant reductions in LDL cholesterol when added to statins, with 93% of patients achieving an LDL level below 70mg/dL. Evolocumab also reduces non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) levels without liver damage or muscle problems.
The study found that aleglitazar did not decrease the time to cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack, or nonfatal stroke among patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug was associated with increased risks of kidney abnormalities, bone fractures, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hypoglycemia.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records to identify individuals at risk of familial hypercholesterolaemia. Only 4.3% of those identified were diagnosed, highlighting the need for improved provider recognition and treatment.
A study comparing US and European cholesterol guidelines found substantial differences in statin use recommendations for men and women. The application of these guidelines to a European population resulted in varying proportions of individuals eligible for statins.
A study of 12,712 children found that 30% had borderline or elevated total cholesterol, underscoring the importance of universal pediatric cholesterol screening. The findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle choices and regular screening can potentially stall vascular changes and reduce future disease risk.
A large-scale study found that cholesterol levels tend to be worse in the colder months compared to warmer months, with significant variations in lipid profiles. The researchers speculate that behaviors such as reduced sun exposure and lower vitamin D levels during winter may contribute to these seasonal fluctuations.
Scientists have solved the high-resolution structure of the molecular transporter TSPO, which introduces cholesterol into mitochondria. The detailed knowledge of its three-dimensional shape and function opens up new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.
A rare metabolic disease causing liver failure and autistic behavior showed significant improvements after a liver transplant, suggesting an unexpected link between metabolic conditions and some forms of autism. The patient's normalization of cholesterol levels after transplantation halted the progression of neurological damage.
A new study from the Women's Health Initiative found that calcium and vitamin D supplements can lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D levels also played a significant role, with higher levels associated with improved cholesterol profiles.
A recent study at the University of Eastern Finland found that increasing fatty fish intake can increase large HDL particles in the blood, which protect against cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of fish, especially fatty fish like salmon and rainbow trout, may help improve lipid metabolism and reduce cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that early but not advanced forms of atherosclerotic plaques in mice regress when 'bad' cholesterol is lowered. The study suggests that preventative cholesterol-lowering treatment could prevent more advanced plaque development and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.
A Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology study found that consuming strawberries reduced total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides in healthy volunteers. The antioxidant properties of strawberries were also linked to improved cardiovascular health parameters.
A study by Penn microbiologists found that statins can lower cholesterol levels and make cells less susceptible to hantavirus infection. This could lead to potential treatments for the deadly virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and respiratory distress syndrome.
Researchers suggest lower-intensity statin combination therapy as an alternative to high-intensity monotherapy for certain patients. Meanwhile, a medical author argues that personal genome services lack evidence to support their claims and may overwhelm the healthcare system.
A new study published in Nutrition Reviews found that certain probiotics can significantly reduce LDL-cholesterol and improve other coronary heart disease risk factors. L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 (Cardioviva) was found to be the most effective, with results similar to those of existing therapeutic lifestyle change dietary options.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new way to treat high cholesterol by targeting the sortilin receptor system, which regulates PCSK9 protein levels. This breakthrough may lead to an alternative to statins for patients who cannot tolerate or benefit from them.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease among a group of young, working US adults. The study showed that promoting Mediterranean dietary habits could have significant health benefits for young populations.
A GW researcher has found a connection between the pathogenesis of prion disease and HIV, discovering that impairment of cellular cholesterol metabolism is key to their development. The study suggests that stimulation of ABCA1, a cellular cholesterol transporter, could inhibit conversion of prions into a pathogenic form.
Researchers discovered that kinesin KIF13B concentrates at the cell membrane where LDL is taken up, and promotes endocytosis of LRP1 through caveolae. This unexpected role for a motor protein reveals a new mechanism for regulating blood cholesterol levels.
Scientists Jürgen Rehm and David Nutt propose a simple 10-point plan to reduce personal and public costs of alcohol. The plan includes monitoring individual intake, limiting consumption, taking breaks from drinking, and implementing government interventions such as minimum pricing, labeling, and treatment.
Research from UC Davis Health found that high HDL and low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with lower brain amyloid plaque deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This study provides evidence for the importance of cholesterol management in preventing cognitive decline.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism found that algal extracts from Health Enhancement Products, Inc. improved plasma cholesterol profile despite a hypercholesterolemic state induced by a high fat diet. The extracts increased 'good' cholesterol levels and decreased 'bad' cholesterol concentrations.
A new smartphone device employing advanced camera technology can now accurately read a user's cholesterol level in under a minute. The Smartphone Cholesterol Application for Rapid Diagnostics, or smartCARD, uses color analysis to discern results from a drop of blood, sweat or saliva.