Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Dr. DeBose-Boyd, an associate professor of molecular genetics, will receive $1.5 million in funding to support his innovative cholesterol research directions. His work focuses on regulating and controlling cholesterol production, with potential implications for preventing and treating heart disease.
Researchers estimate that around 6.5 million older adults with low cholesterol and high C-reactive protein levels might benefit from statin therapy to prevent cardiovascular events. Expanding prescribing criteria to include CRP levels could potentially prevent thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths each year.
Researchers found two widely-prescribed anticonvulsants may lead to increased cholesterol, C-reactive protein and other markers of cardiovascular disease. Switching patients to newer drugs resulted in significant declines in these markers.
A study published in JAMA found that pactimibe did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, but was associated with increased cardiovascular events. The treatment also led to significant increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
A new study identifies a human genetic link to high levels of 'good' cholesterol, highlighting the role of endothelial lipase enzyme mutations in HDL-C levels. Researchers discovered rare mutated forms of the LIPG gene that significantly increase plasma HDL-C levels.
A new study compares cholesterol treatment in HIV patients and those without HIV, finding that lipid-lowering therapies are effective but not as effective as in non-HIV patients. The study suggests using fibrates with NNRTIs to manage triglyceride levels in HIV patients.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that statin use reduced stroke severity and improved outcomes, even in patients with ideal cholesterol levels. The study suggests benefits beyond lipid lowering, including plaque stabilization and anti-inflammatory effects.
Research suggests that lowering cholesterol levels can block the growth of prostate tumors and reduce cancer incidence. Ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug, has been shown to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, promoting less aggressive tumors.
A study by ISU researcher Yeon-Kyun Shin found that statins can reduce brain function by depriving the brain of cholesterol, a vital component for efficient brain function. This affects neurotransmitter release, data-processing, and memory functions.
Continuing statin therapy is associated with a reduced risk of death over four to five years, even among those without diagnosed heart disease. Patients who took statins for at least 90% of the follow-up period showed a 45% lower risk of death compared to those who did not adhere to treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a compound that liberates cholesterol trapped in cells, shedding light on its transport and suggesting a possible therapeutic target for NP-C disease. The findings show improved liver function and decreased neurodegeneration in mice treated with the compound.
A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training suggests that college football players are not immune to the health risks associated with metabolic syndrome. The research found nearly half of the athletes studied had at least three risk factors, including excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol levels.
A new national study shows that nearly 75 percent of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels within recommended targets, but still at high risk. The study suggests that lowering guideline targets for LDL cholesterol and developing better treatments to raise HDL cholesterol may help reduce the number of patients ...
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully designed synthetic HDL, a nanoparticle version capable of irreversibly binding cholesterol. The study shows that the synthetic HDL mimics natural HDL's surface composition and could one day help fill the gap in useful therapeutics for raising good cholesterol.
Researchers identified 11 new gene sites associated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels, bringing the total to 30 lipid-associated genes. Common variations in these genes can significantly influence blood lipid levels, potentially identifying individuals at higher risk for heart disease.
Researchers discovered 30 genetic variants associated with cholesterol levels, including 11 new ones, which could lead to more effective therapies. The study also found links between melatonin, sleep patterns, and small increases in glucose levels, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how a lowly fungus regulates its version of cholesterol, gaining new insight into the target and action of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In humans, Insig limits cholesterol production by inactivating the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase through phosphorylation.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal suggests that the quality of HDL cholesterol, not just its type, matters for good health. Researchers found that high levels of poor-quality 'good' HDL can increase heart disease risk.
A Swedish study suggests that a fast food diet rich in fat and cholesterol may be a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that mice fed such a diet developed preliminary stages of the disease, which may indicate a contributory role of dietary factors in its development.
A study by Dr. Nabil G. Seidah's team reveals that annexin A2 can inhibit PCSK9's degradation of the LDLR receptor, leading to lower bad cholesterol levels. This discovery paves the way for a new drug to target cardiovascular diseases.
A study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that bad cholesterol inhibits the breakdown of peripheral fat in cells. The discovery opens up new theories for the association between blood lipids and metabolic syndrome.
Cholesterol crystals released during cardiac attacks can cause further damage to artery linings much farther away from the initial attack site. This discovery has important clinical implications, suggesting that patients may need additional testing to prevent further damage during a cardiac event.
Research reveals that obese children's neck artery plaque thickness is comparable to that of 45-year-olds, indicating a high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that children with obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides had advanced vascular ages.
Elevated nonfasting triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, according to a large population-based study. The study found that men and women with higher triglyceride levels had significantly increased risks of stroke, with the risk doubling or tripling for certain ranges of triglyceride levels.
New study finds direct link between obesity and increased leptin levels, leading to damage similar to hypertension and diabetes. Leptin stimulates greater production of superoxide, creating toxic molecules that harm endothelial cells.
Brandeis University has partnered with Smart Balance to advance heart-healthy research, with a $1 million sponsored research agreement. The partnership aims to develop new fat technologies to support healthier living.
A study of 320 participants with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) found that they consumed a diet higher in unhealthy fats, protein, and cholesterol compared to those with less severe OSA. Women were more affected by these dietary habits, which may contribute to greater cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Researchers created a new model of behavior for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, showing that cholesterol is essential for its structure and function. The findings have broad implications for pharmacology and may shed light on recent data indicating low cholesterol's harmful effects on brain cells.
Researchers found that pistachio diets can beneficially affect cardiovascular disease risk factors in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that pistachios may decrease CVD risk profile through effects on Stearoyl CoA Desaturase (SCD) and other bioactive substances.
A UK study found that 2.8 million men and 900,000 women are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease but remain undiagnosed. The research highlights the need for a national CVD risk assessment programme to detect those who haven't already been identified.
Research highlights the importance of diet, statins, and genetic factors in cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that low HDL-C levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of CAD, and genetic mutations can affect HDL-C production.
A new study led by the University of Leicester found that men's sex hormones, particularly estradiol and estrone, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors such as high total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. This suggests that natural endogenous estrogens may play a role in increasing heart disease risk in men.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that elevated cholesterol levels drop naturally in four out of 10 children with uncontrollable epilepsy treated with the high-fat ketogenic diet. Nearly half of these children returned to normal or near-normal cholesterol levels without modifications to their diet.
A prospective cohort study of 6107 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes found a V-shaped risk relation between LDL cholesterol and cancer. Patients with low LDL cholesterol (below 2.80 mmol/L) or high levels (above 3.90 mmol/L) had significantly elevated risks of various cancers.
Researchers have discovered a single dose of small interfering RNA (siRNA) can significantly reduce cholesterol levels in rodents, with effects lasting for weeks. The siRNA works by blocking the production of PCSK9, a protein that raises LDL cholesterol, and has shown promise in nonhuman primates as well.
A cholesterol-lowering drug, lovastatin, has been shown to improve bone healing in an animal model of NF1. The study found marked improvements in bone healing compared to control animals.
Researchers found that the apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) ratio was almost twice as powerful a predictor of heart attack risk as traditional cholesterol ratios. This discovery could lead to improved cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment strategies.
A two-year study found that low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets were as effective as low-fat diets in achieving weight loss. The Mediterranean diet showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels and fasting glucose, while the low-carb diet improved HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
A study found that plant sterols can accumulate in aortic valves, increasing the risk of stenosis. High levels of plant sterols were linked to higher blood concentrations, suggesting a potential health risk.
Researchers found that mitochondrial cholesterol increases resistance to chemotherapy in liver cancer. Statins could potentially sensitise cancer cells against chemotherapy by reducing mitochondrial cholesterol levels.