Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
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.
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.