Articles tagged with Cholesterol
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 33-year study by Danish researchers found that higher non-fasting triglycerides are associated with greater stroke risk in both men and women. The study suggests that levels of non-fasting triglycerides should be included in stroke prevention guidelines, currently focused on total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
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.
Recent studies on PCSK enzymes have shed light on novel functions in diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, and cancer. The research has revealed that these enzymes may play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol levels and bone formation, offering potential new treatments for dyslipidemia and osteoporosis.
A new perspective paper challenges long-held beliefs about saturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the complexity of diet's effects on CVD risk. Experts conclude that blood lipid ratios and food matrices, including nutrients like protein and calcium, play a more significant role than just fatty acid content.
Scientists have discovered how chocolate boosts the body's production of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), also known as 'good' cholesterol. By enhancing the activity of proteins that attach to genetic material, polyphenols in cocoa increase ApoA1 levels and decrease ApoB levels, leading to improved heart health.
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that lifestyle factors such as not smoking, moderate coffee consumption, and good socio-economic status have a significant impact on life expectancy. The study, which followed men born in 1913, showed that these factors can increase the chances of reaching age 90 by up ...
The prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled globally, with women more likely to be obese than men. Meanwhile, high-income countries have shown impressive reductions in mean blood pressure and cholesterol levels, with some countries performing better than others.
The study reveals that global obesity rates have nearly doubled since 1980, with women more likely to be obese than men. Average levels of total blood cholesterol fell in Western countries, but increased in East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. High-income countries achieved large reductions in uncontrolled hypertension.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Lipidology shows that soy protein significantly lowers total and non-HDL cholesterol levels compared to milk protein. The results suggest a novel mechanism for soy protein's cholesterol-lowering effects, which do not involve increased bile acid excretion.
Scientists have determined the structure and mechanism of a key enzyme in Staphylococcus aureus that produces cholesterol and a virulence factor. This breakthrough could lead to new cholesterol-lowering drugs and antibiotics against staph infections, as well as treatments for parasitic diseases.
A new study finds that a measure of HDL function, called cholesterol efflux capacity, is more closely associated with protection against heart disease than HDL cholesterol levels. Increasing efflux capacity was linked to decreased likelihood of coronary artery disease and improved cardiovascular health.
Researchers at UCLA found that the Nrf2 protein, thought to protect against oxidative stress, actually promotes atherosclerosis by raising plasma cholesterol levels and increasing plaque formation in arteries. The study suggests that antioxidant therapies targeting this protein may not be as effective due to these additional mechanisms.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that mice fed a Western-style diet with high fat and cholesterol developed larger, faster-growing tumors and metastasized more easily. The researchers suggest that measuring blood cholesterol levels may be an effective method of screening cancer development.
A compound found in birch bark, betulin, has been shown to lower cholesterol and prevent diet-induced obesity in mice. It works by targeting SREBPs, transcription factors involved in lipid synthesis, and also improves insulin sensitivity.
A recent study tracked almost 1,900 people over 29 years to uncover the link between larger high-density lipoprotein particles and reduced risk of heart disease. The research found that an increase in HDL2 particles significantly lowered heart disease risk.
A study found that adopting healthy habits in youth is associated with more favorable cholesterol levels in adulthood. Participants who did not improve their lifestyle factors between youth and adulthood had a higher risk of developing high-risk cholesterol levels.
A study of 1,130 older adults found that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) were associated with a decreased risk of both probable and possible Alzheimer's disease. Higher plasma HDL cholesterol was also linked to lower risks despite other factors.
A new study reveals how diabetes disrupts brain cholesterol synthesis, leading to neurologic complications such as depression and increased Alzheimer's disease risk. Insulin therapy restores normal cholesterol production in the brain.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that diabetes can reduce brain cholesterol synthesis, which could impact brain function and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This finding has broad implications for people with diabetes and may also play a role in diabetic neuropathy.
Joslin researchers found that brain cholesterol synthesis decreases in mouse models of diabetes, affecting nerve function and potentially leading to increased appetite and weight gain. The study suggests a link between diabetes and altered brain function, including changes in Alzheimer's disease risk and diabetic neuropathy.
Research found that a high-fat cholesterol diet in rats caused memory impairment, inflammation, and brain damage similar to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a possible link between chronic high cholesterol levels and the pathology of this disease.
The proportion of adult smokers dropped dramatically from 32.8% to 12.2% over the past three decades, with greater decreases among adults with higher income and education levels. Current smokers were smoking less, with a decrease in average daily cigarette consumption.
A new study suggests that mid-life cholesterol levels may not be linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, but large decreases in cholesterol in old age could be a better predictor. After 32 years, women with the greatest decline in cholesterol were more than twice as likely to develop dementia.
A new study published in Neurology found that middle age women whose cholesterol levels decline are at a 2.5 times greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia than those whose cholesterol stayed the same or increased over time.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test to diagnose Niemann-Pick type C disease, which can help patients begin treatment earlier. The test targets oxidized forms of cholesterol that are present in higher levels in NPC patients, distinguishing them from other conditions.
A study found that adding monounsaturated fats to a low-cholesterol diet increased HDL by 12.5% and lowered LDL levels by 35%. The Mediterranean diet is an effective approach to cholesterol control. Increasing dietary monounsaturated fat may enhance the cardioprotective effect of cholesterol-lowering diets.
A review published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology finds that consuming egg yolks can significantly increase cardiovascular risk for patients at risk of vascular disease. The researchers advise limiting dietary cholesterol to less than 200mg per day and recommend alternative protein sources like egg whites.
A study found significant variability in monacolin levels among commercial red yeast rice supplements, ranging from 0.31 to 11.15 milligrams per capsule. The presence of citrinin, a potentially toxic compound, was detected in one-third of the products.
Scientists have identified microRNA miR-33 as a key to controlling HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels. Increasing miR-33 levels resulted in lower HDL cholesterol levels, while turning it off raised HDL levels.
A study found that malnutrition and inflammation status are key to understanding the effects of high cholesterol on kidney disease patients. Patients with malnutrition and/or inflammation had an inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events, unlike those without these conditions.
Researchers identified a defective ABCB4 gene that impairs cholesterol excretion, leading to high levels of bad cholesterol. The study used laboratory opossums and found that the gene plays a role in controlling blood cholesterol levels in response to dietary cholesterol.
Researchers identified a gene network tied to high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B levels, which predict downstream cardiovascular disease. The study exposes potential targets for the treatment of heart disease and highlights the importance of understanding biological networks in disease prevention.
A study found that a widely used simplified heart-risk guideline may over- or underestimate risk for millions of Americans, with 5.7 million people misclassified into different risk groups using the point-based model versus the original Framingham model.
A study found that children and teens exposed to nonstick cookware compounds PFOA and PFOS have higher total and LDL cholesterol levels. The compounds were associated with increased total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, but not triglycerides.
A global team of researchers has identified 95 regions of the human genome where genetic variants are associated with blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a major indicator of heart disease risk. The study found that many common variants discovered by the team also influence lipid traits across different racial and ethnic groups.
A global team of researchers identified 95 genetic loci associated with blood lipid levels, including a non-coding gene variant that contributes to lower 'bad' cholesterol and reduced risk of heart attack. The study provides insights into the biological connections between lipid metabolism and coronary heart disease.
A genome scan has identified a gene, Sort1, that regulates LDL-C levels and is associated with heart disease. The study found that increasing liver sortilin protein reduced plasma cholesterol and may provide a new target for treating cardiovascular disease.
A 20-year study found that young adults with even modestly elevated cholesterol levels are more likely to develop coronary artery calcium and atherosclerosis. Cholesterol levels found in the majority of young adults in their 20s and 30s are associated with damage to coronary arteries, which can accumulate over time.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that flushing phenomenon triggered by nicotinic acid is caused by activation of Langerhans cells and keratinocytes, leading to inflammation and skin redness. Development of novel 'flush inhibitors' could improve treatment outcomes for cardiovascular diseases.
A recent study analyzing the JUPITER trial found that HDL cholesterol levels are not predictive of residual vascular risk among patients treated with potent statin therapy. This suggests that caution should be displayed when interpreting the results and more data is needed to determine whether raising HDL levels is beneficial.
Researchers found that women with low HDL cholesterol are at higher risk for vascular disease and depression, while men with low LDL cholesterol are at increased mental health risk. The study suggests that regulating cholesterol levels may help prevent depression in the elderly.
Studies based on the JUPITER trial found that high-dose statin treatment significantly reduces myocardial infarction and stroke risk. In contrast, good cholesterol levels no longer predict cardiovascular risk in patients with very low bad cholesterol levels.
Researchers have discovered a new route for delivering cholesterol into the feces, revising understanding of cholesterol loss. This finding suggests that an alternative pathway may deliver cholesterol directly to the intestine through the bloodstream, potentially reducing side effects associated with bile-based cholesterol delivery.
Researchers found that SIRT1 enzyme helps turn off body's generation of fats and cholesterol under fasting conditions. The study suggests that targeting SIRT1 could lead to new treatments for conditions involving elevated cholesterol and lipid levels.
Long-term use of statin medication can impair serotonin receptor function, potentially leading to anxiety and depression. The study found that adding cholesterol restored normal receptor function.
Early-stage age-related macular degeneration is associated with modifiable risk factors like smoking and low HDL cholesterol. The study found that the condition becomes more common with age, especially in those over 65, while lower HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that ghrelin, a hunger-signaling hormone, regulates cholesterol levels in the brain. Increased ghrelin levels caused mice to develop higher blood-circulating cholesterol, suggesting a potential 'remote control' mechanism.
A new study reveals that high levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol may not be beneficial for all patients and can even increase the risk of recurrent coronary events. Researchers identified a subgroup of patients with elevated HDL cholesterol and CRP who are at high risk, suggesting that genetics and environmental factors influence the pro...
A comprehensive health promotion program developed by CSX Transportation reduced cardiovascular disease-related medical claims from 56.6% to 48.3% and hospital claims from 6% to 4.3%. The program, launched in 2004, included interventions such as biometric screenings, nutrition and exercise coaching, and on-site fitness centers.
Researchers found that eating pistachios increases blood serum levels of lutein, beta-carotene, and gamma-tocopherol. These antioxidants may help lower oxidized LDL concentrations, which can contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup inside blood vessels.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that cholesterol crystals form in the arterial wall and activate a biomarker called NLRP3, inducing inflammation. This early cause of inflammation could lead to new treatments targeting cholesterol crystal deposits and inflammatory biomarkers.
Researchers identified microRNA-33 as a crucial regulator of cholesterol pathways, suppressing the production of HDL and clearing cholesterol from peripheral tissues. The study suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have discovered a micro-RNA, miR-33, that regulates key genes involved in cellular cholesterol transport. Inhibiting miR-33 may enhance cholesterol removal from tissues and raise HDL levels.
A study found that a 35 percent decrease in CHD mortality was largely attributed to reductions in traditional risk factors. The decline in deaths was associated with significant declines in the use of treatments for conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure.
A pooled analysis of 25 trials found that consuming an average of 67 grams of nuts per day resulted in a 5.1% reduction in total cholesterol, 7.4% decrease in LDL-cholesterol, and 8.3% change in HDL-cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that high cholesterol levels affect bone marrow microenvironment, leading to increased exit of cells into peripheral blood. This study has implications for transplantation and understanding bone marrow malignancies.
A study of 17,000 children and adolescents found that fasting levels did not significantly impact total cholesterol, HDL, or LDL levels. The findings suggest it may be acceptable to test children immediately during their clinical visit, potentially reducing the burden of screening.
A study of 79,036 participants found that Lp-PLA2 enzyme levels were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and early death. The magnitude of this risk was comparable to that due to high blood pressure or bad cholesterol.