Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute created compounds that dramatically alter the biological clock, resulting in weight loss and improved metabolic markers in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests potential effectiveness in treating obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep disorders.
A study published in the American Chemical Society found that capsaicinoids, a compound in chili peppers, can lower cholesterol levels and increase blood flow to the heart. The compounds may also reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels.
A meta-analysis found that non-HDL-C levels are strongly associated with the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients taking statins, more so than LDL-C. Non-HDL-C was also shown to explain a larger proportion of the atheroprotective effect of statin therapy.
Helen Hobbs, UT Southwestern researcher, receives prestigious award for identifying genetic factors that contribute to variations in cholesterol levels. Her work has led to a 28% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels and an 88% reduction in risk of coronary heart disease.
A novel monoclonal antibody, SAR236553/REGN727, has been shown to dramatically lower circulating LDL cholesterol by 40-72% in patients, providing a potential new treatment option for those resistant to statins. The study's results demonstrate a dose-response effect, with higher doses resulting in greater reductions in LDL cholesterol.
A study of 1018 adults found that those who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who ate it less often. The researchers also found a positive association between chocolate consumption and improved metabolic health, including lower blood pressure and insulin sensitivity.
New research shows that lowering LDL cholesterol beginning early in life can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. The study found that a consistent 50-60% reduction in CHD risk was associated with each 1 mmol/L lower lifetime exposure to LDL cholesterol.
A study found that participants who met six or more cardiovascular health metrics had a significantly lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and ischemic heart disease mortality. Meeting a greater number of these metrics was associated with a graded lower risk of total and CVD mortality.
A study published in European Journal of Nutrition found that serum taurine intake was associated with significantly lower coronary heart disease risk among women with high total cholesterol levels. Higher taurine intake was linked to a 60% lower risk of developing or dying from CHD.
Researchers are taking a new approach to developing medications that boost levels of good cholesterol, removing it from the body. Three new versions of CETP blockers show promise as viable new heart drugs, but final judgment may be years away.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found structural images of CETP interacting with HDLs and LDLs, revealing a tunnel mechanism that facilitates cholesterol transfer. This discovery supports the design of next generation CETP inhibitors to prevent heart disease.
Higher amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with lower waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, and higher HDL cholesterol levels. Increasing daily MVPA by 20 minutes can improve cardiometabolic health in children.
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch have identified a receptor for cholesterol that plays a key role in forebrain development. The study found that defective binding sites can lead to severe anomalies, highlighting the crucial importance of cholesterol metabolism in embryonic development.
Patients with low levels of anti-PC in connection with acute coronary syndromes are at a greater risk of complications and premature death. Inhibiting inflammation and cell death may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in Stroke journal found that high triglyceride levels are a stronger predictor of stroke risk in postmenopausal women than previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 women and discovered that those with the highest triglyceride levels were nearly twice as likely to suffer an ischemic stroke.
Researchers found high triglyceride levels strongly predict ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women, exceeding the risk associated with cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from over 900 women who experienced strokes, revealing a nearly two-fold increased risk for those in the highest triglyceride quartile.
A Northwestern University study reveals that individuals with low short-term risk may face very high lifetime risk of heart disease if they have just one or two risk factors, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure. The study found significant variations in risk by age, sex and race.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine have identified a molecule embedded in liver cells that enables hepatitis C virus entry. Ezetimibe, an FDA-approved cholesterol drug, has been shown to inhibit HCV infection and may provide a new treatment option for patients.
A large-scale study found that lifestyle counseling significantly reduces time to reach treatment goals for people with diabetes, with those receiving regular counseling achieving lower blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The study suggests that incorporating counseling into routine care can be an effective strategy ...
Researchers found that minuscule amounts of ethanol double the life span of a tiny worm, while higher concentrations are harmful. The discovery raises intriguing possibilities for human health benefits, but more research is needed to understand the mechanism behind this effect.
Researchers discovered that statin therapy can reduce blood clotting by targeting the expression of inducible tissue factor, a molecule that triggers abnormal clotting. Elevated levels of oxidized LDL induce tissue factor, which contributes to the formation of an occlusive thrombus after plaque rupture.
A new study from Penn State suggests that lean beef can be part of a heart-healthy diet when saturated fat levels are controlled. The DASH diet, which emphasizes plant protein foods and fish, was compared to two other diets: Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) and BOLD plus additional protein.
A new study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that diets including lean beef every day are as effective in lowering total and LDL 'bad' cholesterol as the 'gold standard' of heart-healthy diets. Participants experienced a 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol from consuming 4.0 oz/day of lean beef daily.
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.