Articles tagged with Cholesterol
Researchers discovered how statins promote the breakdown of plaque by activating a cell surface receptor, forcing macrophages out of plaque. The study supports clinical findings that high-dose statins reduce cholesterol levels and plaque amount in arteries.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and UCLA have made a major breakthrough in developing targeted drugs to lower 'bad' cholesterol levels. By targeting the enzyme IDOL, scientists aim to increase LDL receptor production, thereby lowering circulating cholesterol levels in humans.
A phase II multi-institutional study of women at increased risk for breast cancer evaluated the safety and efficacy of exemestane over two years, showing steady decreases in 'good' cholesterol levels. While this effect may prove significant for women at high risk for heart disease, its clinical significance remains unknown.
A study found that individuals carrying a mutant gene associated with high HDL cholesterol can more efficiently clear triglycerides from their system. This discovery provides new insights into the role of glycosylation in lipid metabolism and has implications for the treatment of heart disease.
Researchers found that psoriasis patients have a higher number of smaller LDL particles and reduced HDL efflux capacity compared to controls, suggesting an underlying mechanism by which the inflammatory skin disease impacts cardiovascular health.
Evacetrapib, a new CETP inhibitor drug, shows striking increases in HDL (good) cholesterol and significant reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol. The study found that evacetrapib increased HDL levels by 53.6-128.8 percent and lowered LDL by 13.6-35.9 percent.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high-dose niacin did not further reduce cardiovascular events in patients with stable cardiovascular disease and low HDL levels. The trial, AIM-HIGH, involved 1,718 patients who received extended-release niacin or a placebo for two years.
A new study found that evacetrapib, a CETP inhibitor, significantly increased HDL-C levels and decreased LDL-C levels in patients with sub-optimal lipid profiles. The medication was effective when used alone or in combination with statin medications, producing dose-dependent increases in HDL-C.
In a preliminary human trial, an injection targeting PCSK9, a cholesterol regulator, lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol by 64% in healthy volunteers. The study found that increasing doses of the monoclonal antibody AMG145 improved cholesterol levels and reduced side effects.
A study by Michigan State University found that a diet rich in fiber, but not necessarily low in saturated fat or cholesterol, is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes in teenagers. The research emphasizes the importance of including fiber-rich, nutrient-dense plant-based foods in teens' diets.
Researchers have for the first time obtained an image of the structure and arrangement of apoA-I molecules using x-ray crystallography. This breakthrough may lead to the development of new drugs to treat diseases such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that a defect in the TERE1 gene, associated with Schnyder's corneal dystrophy, also contributes to invasive bladder cancer progression. The study showed that TERE1 inhibits bladder cancer cell growth and regulates cholesterol levels in cells.
Researchers have discovered a new therapy that increases good cholesterol and lowers triglycerides, showing promise in combating cardiovascular disease. The treatment, which targets microRNA-33, has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels in non-human primates.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified microRNA-33a/b as a novel therapeutic target to suppress triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The study shows that inhibition of miR-33a/b markedly suppresses triglycerides and causes a sustained increase in HDL-C.
A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that soy protein supplementation can help lower blood lipids and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The study found that soy protein significantly increased HDL cholesterol and lowered LDL cholesterol, providing a potential cardiovascular benefit.
A new study suggests that MRI scans can precisely measure cholesterol within artery-clogging plaque, allowing for better assessment of cholesterol medication effectiveness. After three years, patients showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and plaque volume.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes among patients with diabetes. Patients whose HDL levels decreased had more heart attacks and strokes, with a 11% increase in risk compared to those with stable HDL levels.
Researchers found that patients who saw their doctors every two weeks had lower hemoglobin A1C levels, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol within a shorter timeframe compared to those who visited less frequently. This suggests that more frequent doctor-patient encounters can aid in achieving ideal treatment goals for diabetes.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital discovered a potential link between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and cardiovascular complications in animal models with hypercholesterolemia. The study suggests that controlling cholesterol may be crucial for heart health in patients taking NSAIDs.
Researchers found that cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly improved patients' risk profiles after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke. Patients showed improvements in cholesterol levels, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that removing cholesterol from HIV's membrane prevents the virus from damaging the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of an effective HIV vaccine by boosting the adaptive response and weakening the innate immune system's overreaction.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that blocking cholesterol uptake in brain cancer cells could provide a new strategy to battle glioblastoma. The study, published in Cancer Discovery, identified the LDL receptor as a key regulator of cancer cell growth and survival.
A recent study has found a significant link between high cholesterol levels and the presence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers tested 2,587 people aged 40-79 and found that those with high cholesterol had significantly more brain plaques than those with normal or lower cholesterol levels.
A team led by Yves Marcel has discovered a process called autophagy that mobilizes and exports cholesterol from cells. This could provide a new target to reverse atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attack and stroke.
A phase IIb study found that dalcetrapib did not harm endothelial function or increase blood pressure, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 31% without altering markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
The new guidelines aim to improve lipid management in patients with cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, should be the first step in managing lipids.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched an updated version of its HeartScore application, which provides a more accurate estimate of cardiovascular disease risk. The new tool includes features such as a 'fast track' calculator and a 'risk age' function to help clinicians quickly understand patient exposure to CVD risk.
A recent study by Dr. Kenneth E. Anderson found that there is no significant nutritional difference between eggs produced by hens in range or cage environments. Cholesterol levels in both types of eggs were significantly lower than previously believed, prompting a revision in USDA guidelines.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto found that hearing dietary advice twice is enough to lower cholesterol levels significantly. The study included 345 participants who received either routine or intensive dietary advice, resulting in similar reductions in LDL 'bad' cholesterol.
A study found that consuming cholesterol-lowering foods, such as soy protein, nuts, and plant sterols, resulted in a greater decrease in LDL-C levels compared to a low-saturated-fat diet. The dietary portfolio approach showed significant percentage decreases in LDL-C levels with minimal clinic visits.
A commentary in New England Journal of Medicine suggests fibrates do not lower heart risk in diabetic patients taking statins; doctors recommend prescription only to high-risk patients after optimal LDL control achieved
At the University of Houston, 54 undergraduates are devoting their summers to serious research under faculty mentorship. They aim to find solutions for maladies including Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, alcoholism and anxiety. Through projects like studying oxidative stress and its relation to disorders, as wel...
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has named 12 scientists as award winners, including Stuart Kornfeld, Lovell Jones, and Susan Marqusee. The awards recognize their outstanding research achievements in various fields, including lipid research, protein folding, and eukaryotic signaling.
A study found that measuring hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with diabetes can improve models for predicting cardiovascular disease risk. The level of risk varies among patients, and the test reflects average blood glucose levels over two to three months.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that patients with new statin prescriptions obtained through mail-order pharmacies showed improved cholesterol control in the first 3-15 months. This is compared to those who only used their local pharmacy, where 74.2% achieved target cholesterol levels.
A team of researchers has identified the MYLIP protein as a potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The study found that the N342S polymorphism is associated with high total cholesterol and increased LDL receptor degradation in humans.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of comprehensive lipid control, with a focus on lifestyle interventions as the first step. In high-risk patients, targeted treatments such as statins and combination therapies are recommended to achieve optimal LDL cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers have found that HDL cholesterol from patients with coronary artery disease has impaired anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessel-lining cells and fails to stimulate repair of the blood vessel lining. This study highlights the importance of considering not just abundance but also biological functions of HDL in preventing CAD.
Researchers found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in children. The study suggests that this could predispose them to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had lower HDL cholesterol levels, wh...
A lab animal study found that hamsters fed blueberry-enhanced rations had improved cholesterol health, with lower total plasma and VLDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests that liver genes involved in cholesterol production may be responsible for the effects.
Scientists have found that 'ultrabad' LDL, a form of cholesterol found in people with type 2 diabetes and the elderly, is stickier than normal LDL, making it more likely to attach to artery walls and form dangerous fatty plaques. This discovery could lead to new treatments to prevent heart disease.
The National Institutes of Health stopped a clinical trial studying the combination of high-dose niacin and statin treatment after 18 months, finding it did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. The trial involved 3,414 participants with heart disease and low HDL cholesterol, who were assigned to receive either high-dose niacin...
A study from Johns Hopkins researchers found a link between a gene variation and infertility in women, with the altered gene affecting cholesterol regulation and pregnancy hormone production. The discovery may lead to a treatment for this condition, as a cholesterol medication shown to work in mice could potentially restore fertility.
Researchers found that add-on diabetes drugs for patients with uncontrolled diabetes on metformin and sulfonylurea have no clear between-drug differences. High-seelenium yeast supplements slightly reduced cholesterol levels but increased the risk of harm, particularly in countries with adequate selenium intake. Obesity is linked to fun...
A four-year school intervention in Michigan improved middle school students' cholesterol levels and resting heart rates, reducing obesity-related health risks. The program goals included eating more fruits and vegetables, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity, and spending less time in front of screens.
A Texas A&M University study challenges the common perception of LDL cholesterol as 'bad' cholesterol. Research suggests that a certain amount of LDL is necessary for muscle growth and serves as a warning sign for potential health problems. The study's findings may have implications for conditions like sarcopenia, which affects million...
Researchers identify small molecule blocking key protein involved in cholesterol production, successfully lowering cholesterol levels in isolated nerve cells and brain slices from mice. The discovery could lead to broader applications in other neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study examining dietary cholesterol, egg intake, and heart disease risk found that saturated fat may be a greater contributor to increased blood cholesterol than previously thought. The study also suggests that egg consumption does not significantly increase blood cholesterol levels, contrary to long-held assumptions.
A new study finds that consuming an apple a day can significantly decrease LDL cholesterol levels by 23% and increase HDL cholesterol by 4%. Additionally, daily apple consumption was found to aid in weight loss of approximately 3.3 lbs over the course of one year.
The VA has seen significant improvements in healthcare quality over the last decade, with better care for seniors and patients with diabetes. However, racial disparities persist, with black veterans experiencing lower quality of care and fewer favorable outcomes compared to white veterans.
Brown and Goldstein will present their award lecture on the SREBP pathway and its application to cholesterol regulation at Experimental Biology 2011. The pair's joint discoveries have placed them at the forefront of regulatory biochemistry, a field pioneered by Earl Stadtman.
A study published in Cell Metabolism identifies a previously underappreciated cellular fat storage depot controlled by sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), which plays a crucial role in balancing cellular cholesterol levels and regulating autophagy.
A recent study published in the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific sessions reveals that routine periodic fasting can lower one's risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes. Fasting was also found to reduce other cardiac risk factors, such as triglycerides, weight, and blood sugar levels.
Researchers at NIST and University of California, Irvine, developed a way to magnify cell membranes up to 1,000 times resolution, revealing the importance of cholesterol in maintaining membrane order. The findings suggest that cholesterol may have profound consequences for gatekeeper proteins, which interact constantly with the membrane.
UC researchers determined the structure of human HDL cholesterol, revealing a cage-like protein structure that encapsulates its fatty cargo. The study suggests that proteins like apolipoprotein A-I play a dominant role in HDL's protective effects against cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that Americans experience higher rates of chronic disease and markers of disease than their English counterparts at all ages, despite the US having a higher healthcare spending. The study suggests that allocation of health care resources, lifestyle, and social conditions may play a role in the observed differences.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a direct link between cholesterol levels and the immune system's response to viral infections. By lowering cholesterol, the body can starve viruses of the nutrients they need to grow, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
Research suggests that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) are associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer. The association remains intact even after accounting for other factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxygen free radicals. HDL may alter the inflammatory process in some way, according to the study's authors.
A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme, squalene mono-oxygenase (SM), that plays a key role in cholesterol production. Inhibiting SM may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects than current medications.
A recent study found that individuals with high cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age are more likely to experience early cognitive decline and memory problems. The research, which tracked over 4,800 participants for 10 years, showed a significant association between cardiovascular risk factors and poorer cognitive test scores.