Articles tagged with Cholesterol
Researchers have identified the molecular trigger for inflammation in large blood vessels, finding that cholesterol crystals activate an inflammasome complex within immune cells. This leads to a catastrophic chain reaction of inflammatory mediators and immune cell invasion, potentially destabilizing vessel walls.
A study of US adults found a significant association between high dietary added sugar intake and unfavorable lipid profiles, including lower HDL-C levels and higher triglyceride levels. The findings suggest that reducing added sugar consumption could help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers at OHSU have developed a blood test that can identify individuals at risk of heart attacks, including those with normal cholesterol levels. The test measures gamma-prime fibrinogen and has been shown to be effective in predicting coronary artery disease.
Researchers have discovered three new genes associated with age-related macular degeneration, including two involved in the cholesterol pathway. The study increases understanding of DNA variations that predict individual risks of AMD and provides clues for developing effective therapies.
A new study from Iowa State University found that consuming at least 150 milligrams of flaxseed lignans per day can decrease cholesterol in men by just under 10 percent over three months. However, the effect was not significant for women.
Mipomersen significantly lowers LDL cholesterol levels by 24.7%, providing a new therapeutic strategy for inherited high cholesterol. The treatment also improves HDL cholesterol and reduces cardiovascular risk factors, making it a valuable addition to existing treatments.
A new experimental thyroid drug, Eprotirome, lowers cholesterol levels without causing the classic thyroid risks to the heart and bone. It also reduced lipoprotein A levels by 33%.
A small study shows eprotirome decreases LDL cholesterol as much as doubling statin dose without harmful side effects. The researchers found that eprotirome lowered blood lipids such as triglycerides and Lp(a), which are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
A study of 25,250 patients in Germany found that only half received correct cholesterol targets, with women being more likely to be incorrectly targeted. The researchers estimate that following guidelines could prevent 50-80 fewer heart attacks and deaths per 1000 patients over 10 years
A clinical trial conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that eprotirome, a thyroid-hormone-like substance, effectively reduces blood cholesterol levels in patients who have already received statins. The trial showed significant reductions in harmful blood fats, up to 30% lower than those of patients receiving a placebo.
A new study from Tel Aviv University has found that statins significantly reduce the risk of cataracts in men and women under 75. The study covered over 180,000 patients and showed a 38% lower risk for men aged 45-54 and an 18% lower risk for women of similar age.
Scientists at the University of Missouri have created a low-cost, soy-based chicken substitute that simulates chicken's fibrous qualities. The new product has health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and maintaining healthy bones.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, finding that it's not just one factor at play but rather a complex interplay of immune cells and proteins. The study highlights the importance of restoring the balance of this network to prevent vascular disease.
A new study analyzed 109,000 Medicaid patients taking second-generation antipsychotic drugs, which can raise the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite an FDA warning in 2003, most doctors did not change their baseline screening for blood sugar and cholesterol.
David W. Russell has received the 2010 Avanti Award in Lipids for his groundbreaking work on cholesterol metabolism and oxysterol function. His laboratory has elucidated the enzymatic pathways responsible for cholesterol breakdown and identified genes involved in related diseases.
Recent studies in fruit flies have identified a nuclear receptor that plays a critical role in regulating cholesterol levels, similar to humans. The findings suggest that fruit flies can teach humans about their own regulatory mechanisms for maintaining proper balances of cholesterol and stored fat.
Researchers discovered that Srebp2 regulates cholesterol biosynthesis in prion-infected neuronal cells, leading to increased cholesterol levels and potential disease promotion. This finding may lead to new therapy approaches for prion-dependent diseases.
The prevalence of high LDL cholesterol levels in the US decreased from 31.5% to 21.2% between 1999-2000 and 2005-2006. However, high-risk individuals still face barriers to screening and treatment, with only 35.5% of those with high LDL-C levels being unscreened in 2005-2006.
Researchers halted a key study on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin with statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing. The study showed that prescribed niacin worked better in combination with a statin than another double-cholesterol-lowering drug combo, reducing carotid arterial wall thickness.
A new study from the University of Warwick found that high levels of selenium are associated with increased cholesterol levels. The research team discovered a 10% increase in non-HDL cholesterol levels and an 8% total cholesterol level increase, which can lead to heart disease. The study highlights the importance of moderate selenium i...
The analysis found that hazard ratios for vascular disease were nearly identical with non-HDL-C and HDL-C measurements as those seen with apo B and apo AI. Moreover, triglyceride concentration was not independently related to CHD risk after controlling for HDL-C and total cholesterol levels.
A large observational study found that long-term statin use is associated with a decreased risk of developing gallstones requiring surgery. Patients taking statins for 1-4 prescriptions had a lower risk compared to non-users, with an increased risk reduction after 5 prescriptions.
A new study found that dentists using the computerized system HeartScore can identify patients at risk of fatal cardiovascular events and refer them to physicians. The study followed 200 patients in Sweden and found that dentists were able to accurately assess their risk for serious complications.
Researchers found that men with lower cholesterol levels had a 59% lower risk of developing high-grade prostate cancers, which tend to grow and spread rapidly. The study suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism may be one route to treating and preventing the disease.
A study found that adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin significantly boosts attainment of lipid targets in elderly patients, producing superior results than increasing the dose of atorvastatin alone. The combination improved LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced cholesterol absorption from the gut.
Middle-aged women have experienced an increase in heart attack prevalence over the past two decades. However, their chances of survival following a heart event have also improved, with women under 55 experiencing the largest reduction in mortality rates compared to men.
A large study found that obese patients with established cardiovascular disease are less likely to reach recommended targets for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Obesity was also associated with poorer control of HDL levels, but not LDL-cholesterol targets.
A new Harvard study reveals that uninsured adults with diabetes or high cholesterol are more likely to be misdiagnosed and undertreated. The researchers found significant gaps in care for these conditions, with the uninsured being more likely to experience poor blood pressure control and inadequate treatment.
The new study aims to identify more accurate HDL biomarkers that can predict cardiovascular disease risk. The research team will examine blood samples from individuals to uncover the key role of 'good cholesterol' (HDL) in preventing heart disease.
Researchers found that statins have a double impact on lipid levels, with the wealthy experiencing a greater decline in cholesterol levels compared to the poor. This has contributed to expanding social disparities in cardiovascular disease treatment.
Researchers found that kudzu root's isoflavones, particularly puerarin, improve regulation of metabolic syndrome contributors. The substance regulates glucose in the blood by steering it to beneficial places like muscles, away from fat cells and blood vessels.
Researchers identify a link between high cholesterol and osteoporosis, with the immune system playing a key role in bone loss. The study found that oxidized LDL triggers an immune response, leading to excessive bone damage.
A new UCLA study reveals the immune system plays a crucial role in bone loss, with high cholesterol levels contributing to the disease. The research identifies a new approach for treating osteoporosis using immune-based therapies.
A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that mice on low-carb diets developed significantly more atherosclerosis and had impaired ability to form new blood vessels compared to those on Western or standard diets. Standard markers of cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol, were not affected.
A study found that diabetics with low vitamin D levels can't process cholesterol normally, leading to increased blood vessel buildup and heart attack risk. Increasing vitamin D levels may slow or reverse atherosclerosis development, researchers suggest.
A UBC research team has found that too much cholesterol can disrupt the flow of electrical currents in the heart, leading to abnormal heartbeats. By reducing cholesterol levels, they discovered a way to normalize the structures underlying these electrical activities, promoting a regular and healthy heartbeat.
Researchers discovered that oxycholesterol significantly raises blood cholesterol levels and promotes atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants can counteract these effects by blocking the oxidation process that forms oxycholesterol.
A four-decade study of 9,844 participants found that high cholesterol levels in midlife significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia later in life. Borderline elevated cholesterol levels also raise risk for late-life vascular dementia.
A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.
A long-term study found that increased exercise in middle-aged adults led to decreased triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol levels, with stronger effects in women. African-American women experienced the greatest benefits, especially post-menopause, while racial differences may be attributed to genetic variations.
A study published in Cell Metabolism identifies 20 genes that regulate cellular cholesterol levels, potentially pointing to new risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These findings may also pave the way for new cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Researchers have identified 20 genes involved in cholesterol regulation, including 12 previously unknown genes. This discovery may lead to new treatments for cholesterol-related diseases and help fight heart disease.
A study found that diets high in protein and cholesterol increase the risk of hospitalization or death due to cirrhosis or liver cancer, while those high in carbohydrates reduce the risk. The study also identified associations between dietary nutrient composition and liver disease progression.
The percentage of patients lowering 'bad' cholesterol to within target levels has nearly doubled over the last decade, with significant improvements in low-risk and high-risk groups. Researchers found that 75% of patients were taking statin drugs, and only 30% of very high-risk patients achieved their LDL target.
Researchers investigated calcium supplementation's effect on obese patients' weight loss, found no benefits. Red yeast rice capsules improved LDL cholesterol levels in statin-intolerant patients without muscle pain side effects. Colonoscopy-related adverse events were low but increased with age and specific comorbid conditions.
A recent study found that adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans slows the progression of atherosclerosis in women. The study's results highlight the importance of whole-grain, total fat, and cholesterol intake in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers identified an enzyme called Idol that destroys the LDL receptor, allowing more 'bad' cholesterol to circulate in the blood. By blocking Idol's activity, cells produce more receptors and absorb more cholesterol from the body.
Overweight individuals following a plant-based, low-carbohydrate diet experienced significant weight loss and improvements in blood cholesterol levels. This diet was more effective than a high-carbohydrate, low-fat vegetarian diet in reducing LDL-C levels and improving cardiovascular risk factors.
A study comparing NFL players' health to that of other healthy young men found lower incidence of impaired fasting glucose and similar prevalence of abnormal cholesterol levels. However, NFL players had a significantly higher prevalence of high blood pressure and prehypertension compared to the general population.
Researchers have isolated a new species of bacteria that can break down cholesterol, a contaminant found in urban sewage residues. The novel organism, Gordonia cholesterolivorans, has the potential to clean up cholesterol-related contamination and could be used for industrial applications.
Researchers found that optimal levels of LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and blood pressure significantly reduce the risk of another stroke. People who reached optimal levels in all four risk factors were 65% less likely to have another stroke.
A new study suggests that patients with high cholesterol receive better care when physicians use a variety of tools, including PDAs, to learn and apply clinical practice guidelines for treating the condition. This multifaceted strategy improved guideline adherence by reducing over-treatment and increasing appropriate treatment decisions.
Researchers at GUMC found that high levels of cholesterol in breast cancer cells may promote tamoxifen resistance. Inhibiting cholesterol production with statin drugs or new agents may restore sensitivity to the drug. The study suggests a potential new direction for treating ER+ invasive lobular breast cancer.
Researchers found that mirthful laughter reduced stress hormones and increased HDL cholesterol in diabetic patients, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that adding laughter therapy to standard care may improve health outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that PCSK9, a protein responsible for regulating 'bad' cholesterol, works almost exclusively outside cells. This discovery provides opportunities to develop therapies to block the protein's disruptive actions and reduce plasma cholesterol levels.
The study found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in stroke risk, with each 1 mmol/L decrease in LDL cholesterol resulting in a relative risk reduction of 21%. Statins also have additional benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
Researchers discover that beta-arrestin1 mediates the flushing response but not the antilipolytic effect of nicotinic acid in mice. A drug design approach is proposed to retain therapeutic benefits without causing skin flushing.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have identified the molecular pathways triggered by niacin, which could lead to a revival of niacin-based treatments for cholesterol. The discovery suggests that a 'biased ligand' could be developed to target the beneficial effects of niacin while minimizing its flushing side effect.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements can significantly reduce triglyceride levels in laboratory rats, lowering them by up to 60 percent. This natural compound may offer a new way to lower blood triglycerides and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Researchers found that reducing high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and LDL cholesterol significantly reduces vascular events. Achieving both targets resulted in the largest reduction in cardiovascular risk, highlighting the importance of addressing inflammation in statin therapy.