Articles tagged with Cholesterol
A new study from The Lundquist Institute found no association between plaque progression and LDL-C levels, suggesting that high cholesterol is not a marker of cardiovascular risk. Metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet with elevated LDL-C levels have a unique metabolic profile that requires personalized risk assessment.
Researchers discovered that mammalian membranes have drastically different phospholipid abundances between their two leaflets, contradicting a major assumption of cell biology. The asymmetry is enabled by cholesterol's unique properties, which act as a buffer to redistribute between the leaflets and maintain robust barriers.
A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.
A novel AI-powered imaging technique, AngioFFR, has been shown to be comparable to conventional FFR assessment in evaluating patients for PCI. The study found that patients treated with AngioFFR-guided PCI had similar clinical outcomes as those treated with IVUS-guided PCI.
Researchers found that brain regions with higher cholesterol demands, like the Locus Coeruleus, are more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets for early treatment of the disease.
Combining PCSK9 inhibitors with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment may improve antitumor effects. PCSK9 inhibition enhances antigen presentation, promoting T cell recognition and killing of tumor cells.
Researchers discovered that PCSK9 and APOA4 are key regulators of TMAO-induced cholesterol metabolism, leading to gallstone formation. Targeting these genes may be a promising approach for preventing and treating cholelithiasis.
A large study suggests that patients at high risk of heart attacks and strokes should be treated immediately with a combination of a statin and ezetimibe, rather than statins alone. This combination therapy significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause and major adverse cardiovascular events.
A new study by Uppsala University found that coffee machines in workplaces frequently produce coffee with high levels of cholesterol-elevating substances, which can affect LDL cholesterol levels and future cardiovascular disease risk. Regular drip-filter coffee makers filter out most of these substances.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that consuming pecans instead of usual snacks improved cholesterol levels and enhanced overall diet quality. Participants who ate pecans demonstrated reductions in cholesterol measurements linked to poorer heart health and higher adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
A new study suggests that statins can reduce chest muscle loss in smokers, while aspirin may contribute to increased muscle loss. The study examined data from 4,191 participants and found that statins protected pectoralis muscle area and density, whereas aspirin led to decreased muscle mass.
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
The study highlights the significant protective role of Asah1 in preventing NAFLD progression by regulating hepatic lipid homeostasis and cellular maintenance processes. The findings suggest that targeting Asah1 expression or activity may inform new therapeutic strategies for improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis in developing brains, potentially affecting neural development and function. The study highlights the need for reevaluating medication safety during pregnancy and early childhood.
Researchers have discovered a critical link between a cholesterol byproduct and Parkinson's disease development in mice. The study highlights the role of 24-OHC in forming Lewy bodies and killing dopamine neurons, with potential therapeutic targets emerging as drugs that prevent its production.
Researchers found that olpasiran significantly lowers lipoprotein(a) levels by over 95% and reduces oxidized phospholipids, which promote atherosclerosis. The study also showed no significant effects on inflammatory markers.
The American Heart Association and NFL Alumni Association collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles through Life's Essential 8, which includes four indicators of cardiovascular health and four behavioral/lifestyle factors. By following these steps, adults can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers identified a link between Alzheimer's disease, cell function, and cholesterol in the brain. Lowering oxysterol levels freed trapped ABCA1, restoring its healthy state, and showed potential as a new treatment approach.
Researchers discovered that people with hereditary high cholesterol (FH) in Denmark are now living as long as the general population, with average life expectancies increasing from 50 to 78 years. However, they are still diagnosed with cardiovascular disease seven years earlier than those without FH.
A large observational study found that high levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol are associated with a heightened risk of glaucoma, particularly among those older than 55. In contrast, higher levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides are linked to a lower risk of the condition.
ApoB100 protein structure revealed for the first time, allowing for more precise testing and treatment of high cholesterol and heart disease. The discovery may lead to new drugs targeting LDL particles, reducing side effects of statin drugs.
Researchers identified a potential mechanism linking sugary beverage consumption to diabetes risk through alterations in the gut microbiome and blood metabolites. High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with changes in bacterial species that produce short-chain fatty acids, negatively impacting glucose metabolism.
A team of scientists discovered polar bear sebum's anti-icing properties, making it harder for ice to stick. The study sheds light on polar bear ecology and may lead to sustainable anti-ice surface coatings.
A study found that changing cholesterol levels over time is associated with a higher risk of dementia in older adults. The study suggests that fluctuating cholesterol may be a new biomarker for identifying people at risk of dementia.
Researchers analyzed data from 13,205 adults aged 65 and over, finding that those who had experienced parental divorce before age 18 had 1.61 times higher odds of having a stroke. This association remained even after controlling for known risk factors such as diabetes and depression.
A new study demonstrates how fluorescent cholesterol probes can visualize cholesterol in live cells, revealing its role in amyloid plaque formation and cellular signaling. The novel probes have the potential to enhance our understanding of how cholesterol imbalances contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers discovered that the protein PIN1 drives bladder cancer by triggering cholesterol synthesis, which fuels out-of-control cell growth. A combination of statins and a PIN1 inhibitor effectively blocks tumor growth in mice, offering a promising therapeutic approach for this deadly disease.
A recent study reveals that gut bacteria modify bile acids to control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. The body counters this influence by producing compounds that act as FXR antagonists, ensuring a finely tuned system.
Additional research is required to explore the relationship between COPD and metabolic syndrome, focusing on outcomes, intervention trials, and health services research. This will help shift from a COPD-focused approach to an integrated care approach considering all comorbidities.
A groundbreaking study finds that beneficial gut microbes produce molecules that regulate bile acid production, fine-tuning fat metabolism and cholesterol levels in the human body. Boosting these molecules may help reduce fat accumulation and high cholesterol, while dietary fiber intake also supports their production.
The DASH Diet has been ranked as the best heart-healthy diet and second-best overall in US News & World Report's 2025 rankings. Developed by Pennington Biomedical Research Center scientists, the diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing saturated fat and added sugars.
A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.
Consuming 20-30% of daily energy at breakfast is associated with lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, significantly lower triglyceride levels, and higher HDL cholesterol. A high-quality breakfast with proper balance of proteins, fats, fiber, and nutrients also contributes to reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers discovered a potential mechanism behind statin therapy's heart-related benefits in people with HIV. Statin treatment increases the levels of an enzyme called procollagen C-endopeptidases enhancer 1, which helps stabilize vulnerable plaques and prevent their rupture.
The study provides detailed structural information about LDL's main driver of cardiovascular disease. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to visualize how LDL binds to its receptor, which could lead to new targeted therapies for high cholesterol and heart disease.
A new study finds that a blood test using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can detect liver disease caused by excessive drinking, offering a more reliable alternative to self-reported measures. The test has shown strong correlation with Fibrosis 4, an indicator of liver risk, and could be included in routine blood tests.
Population-level improvements in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels slowed, while adverse trends in glucose levels accelerated in more recent US birth cohorts. Public health initiatives targeting antecedent health behaviors are needed to improve cardiometabolic health across generations.
A recent study found that excessive sitting significantly harms young adults, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Reducing sitting time improves health outcomes, while doubling recommended exercise hours is more effective at lowering health risks.
A new framework developed by UCLA researchers suggests that genetic data from large libraries of sequenced human genomes can improve the predictive power of genetics in determining how well a patient will respond to commonly prescribed medications and the severity of any side effects. The study, which analyzed data from over 342,000 pe...
A new study proves a suspected link between poor sleep and MASLD, a liver disorder that affects 30% of adults. Patients with MASLD experience significant sleep fragmentation, waking up 55% more often at night.
Long-term hormone therapy in transgender individuals leads to significant changes in body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Transgender men experience increased muscle volume and abdominal fat, while women's muscle mass decreases, according to a new study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Knowing family health history is crucial for reducing heart attack and stroke risk. Experts recommend following Life's Essential 8 - five health behaviors and three health factors to lower genetic risks.
Researchers from Salk Institute found that specific dietary fats are incorporated into sphingolipids to drive the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The team discovered that trans fats are preferentially metabolized by an enzyme, leading to increased lipoprotein secretion and plaque formation.
Dr. Seth Baum, a renowned expert in preventive cardiology and lipidology, has been appointed Chairman of the Family Heart Foundation's Board of Directors. He will work to advance the organization's mission-driven initiatives, including increasing awareness for inherited lipid disorders and improving healthcare processes.
According to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, primary care clinicians can help patients reduce their risk of heart disease by addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and treatment. Despite challenges, research shows that primary care professionals with a higher ratio have lower total costs of ca...
A new study found that significant year-to-year fluctuations in cholesterol levels without medication changes could indicate an increased risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline. Researchers suggest that reducing cholesterol variability could potentially be a promising therapeutic target for dementia prevention.
A study analyzed health checkup data and found that individuals with mild dyslipidemia were less likely to seek medical follow-up compared to those with severe abnormalities. Nearly 80% of respondents did not follow up with a physician, highlighting the need for improved follow-up attendance at medical consultations.
A new clinical guideline from the American Stroke Association outlines strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout a person's lifespan. The guideline recommends regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and medications to reduce the risk of a first stroke.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that bile production is affected by blood flow in the portal vein, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and fatty liver disease. This breakthrough provides an opportunity for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that HDL particle quality declines over time in women after menopause, increasing risk of episodic memory loss. Women with smaller, more functional HDL particles are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
Researchers have identified liver X receptor beta as a promising target for treating depression and anxiety, with key findings including LXRβ's role in regulating neurotransmission and neurogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression and personalized medicine approaches in psychiatry.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to have claims for free preventive care denied by insurance plans, leading to unexpected bills or lack of access. Healthcare providers also charge disadvantaged groups a higher amount for preventive services.
A clinical trial found time-restricted eating improved blood sugar regulation and reduced markers of metabolic dysfunction in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants who followed a customized eight-to-ten-hour eating window saw significant improvements compared to standard treatments.
A study published in JACC demonstrates that subclinical atherosclerosis burden and progression independently predict death from any cause. Asymptomatic individuals with high carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification are at increased risk of mortality.
Researchers at Rice University have uncovered new information about the structure of cholesterol molecules in cell membranes using Raman spectroscopy. The study sheds light on previously unknown structural variations and provides a simplified framework for analyzing membrane cholesterol chain structures.
Researchers developed a compact 'gene scissor' tool, TnpB, which shows a 4.4-fold increase in efficiency of modifying DNA, making it more effective as a gene editing tool. The tool can be used to treat patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, reducing cholesterol levels by nearly 80%.
A new study by University of Oklahoma researchers identifies key measurements of brain blood flow and ability to compensate as better predictors of mild cognitive impairment than traditional risk factors. The findings provide hope for preventing or treating memory problems early before they progress to dementia.
The new European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend regular screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) to prevent complications. The guidelines also emphasize personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle changes, medication, and efficient blockage treatments.
The new diagnostic test system combines a field-effect transistor with a paper-based analytical cartridge, achieving over 97% accuracy in measuring cholesterol levels. This innovation has the potential to transform at-home testing and diagnostics with its high sensitivity, low cost, and machine learning capabilities.
Research found that maintaining good cardiovascular health during the first trimester of pregnancy can partially mitigate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study's results suggest that preconception and early pregnancy cardiovascular health counseling is crucial for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.