Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
Researchers found a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in patients taking fish oil and red yeast rice supplements. The study suggests a comprehensive approach to lipid lowering could be effective for patients unwilling or unable to take statins.
Researchers from the American Heart Association report a link between low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and increased risk of memory loss and dementia. Studies found that participants with low HDL cholesterol showed a higher risk of memory decline compared to those with high HDL, particularly in late midlife.
Researchers identified five genetic variations that increase metabolic syndrome risk and a sixth variant that protects against the condition. Variants in the CD36 gene were associated with abnormal HDL cholesterol levels.
A gene variation called alternative splicing may explain why some people don't respond well to cholesterol-lowering drugs. Researchers found that this variation accounted for 9% of the reduced power of statins in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered a molecule called XBP1 that regulates fat and cholesterol production in the liver. Turning off XBP1 dramatically reduced blood levels of cholesterol and triglyceride fats, with no apparent adverse effects on the liver.
Black patients with diabetes are less likely to achieve long-term control of their blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, even when treated by the same physician as white patients. Racial disparities in quality of care have been previously documented, with black patients receiving fewer recommended components of care.
A study in JAMA found that low HDL cholesterol levels due to a genetic mutation do not increase the risk of ischemic heart disease. Instead, the researchers discovered that low HDL cholesterol was associated with a lower risk of IHD in certain populations.
Ezetimibe works by blocking NPC1L1's entry into cells, reducing cholesterol uptake. Researchers found that cholesterol encourages cells to engulf and internalize NPC1L1 through endocytosis.
Researchers developed a novel, computer-based approach to study lipoprotein profiles and identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. By simulating every single lipoprotein in blood plasma, the model revealed possibly clinically-relevant abnormalities that would remain undetected by evaluating only LDL and HDL.
Researchers discovered a link between high oxidized LDL levels and increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease. Those with the highest levels of oxidized LDL were 3.5 times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome over five years.
Researchers found that patients with high LDL cholesterol and increased serum cholesterol were up to 2.5 times more likely to experience a biochemical relapse after radical prostatectomy. Poor cholesterol management may affect not only prostate cancer risk but also biomedical recurrence after surgery.
A study of 1,214 men prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs found that PSA levels decreased after starting statins and correlated with LDL cholesterol decline. The results suggest a potential role for cholesterol in prostate cancer development and progression.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that hypertension and hyperlipidemia significantly increase the risk of retinal vein occlusion. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels were associated with a nearly 50% population-attributable risk for hypertension, 20% for hyperlipidemia, and 5% for diabetes.
The American College of Physicians issues guideline for screening osteoporosis in men over 65, emphasizing regular assessments with DEXA scans. A study finds little difference in fracture prevention between osteoporosis drugs risedronate, raloxifene, and alendronate.
Researchers found that cholesterol depletion increased CEA sorting to the basolateral surface in polarized Caco-2 cells. This suggests a potential new treatment approach for inflammatory bowel disease by modifying lipid raft-dependent mechanisms.
Dr. David Mangelsdorf, chairman of pharmacology at UT Southwestern, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his contributions to understanding lipid and bile acid metabolism. His work on nuclear receptors and ligands has led to insights into cholesterol regulation.
A University of Illinois study found that eating two CocoaVia dark chocolate bars daily lowered total cholesterol by 2% and LDL cholesterol by 5.3%. The drop in cholesterol numbers is attributed to plant sterols added to the bar and flavanols found in dark chocolate.
Research found people with high cholesterol levels between 249-500mg are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with low cholesterol levels under 198mg. High mid-life cholesterol also increased the risk of vascular dementia regardless of other factors.
A recent study found that macadamia nut consumption as part of a heart-healthy diet reduced low-density cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The researchers used a controlled feeding study with participants who consumed either a standard American diet or a diet supplemented with macadamia nuts.
A three-year study found that participants with type 2 diabetes who lowered their LDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure levels below current targets experienced a partial reversal of hardening of the arteries. The results suggest that aggressively managing these risk factors can help prevent heart disease in adults with diabetes.
A new study by Penn State University found that snacking on pistachios significantly reduces inflammation in the body, a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, pistachio consumption has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure, making it a valuable addition to a heart-healthy diet.
A new study found that rats fed tart cherry powder on top of a high-fat, Western-style diet had lower body weight, fat mass, total cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 levels. These findings suggest a potential link between tart cherry consumption and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
A University of Alberta study reveals that consuming natural trans vaccenic acid (VA) can lower cholesterol levels and improve metabolic health. Results show significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, suggesting a potential benefit to using diets with enhanced VA.
A consensus statement by ADA and ACC recognizes NMR measurement of LDL particle number as a more accurate assessment of cardiometabolic risk. This method appears to be more closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk than traditional LDL and non-HDL cholesterol measures.
A new study suggests that daily consumption of CocoaVia dark chocolate bars containing cocoa flavanols and plant sterols significantly lowers total cholesterol by 2 percent and LDL cholesterol by 5.3 percent in individuals with elevated cholesterol. Regular consumption also reduces systolic blood pressure by 5 percent after 8 weeks.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital confirms that a combination of gene variants associated with cholesterol levels reflect patients' cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. The study's findings provide a foundation for personalized medicine and may lead to the development of mor...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a network of genes that lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques. The findings suggest that targeting these genes could be an effective way to combat atherosclerosis, the main cause of myocardial infarction and stroke.
A University of Illinois scientist has created a soy-based cereal that exceeds the requirements for three different FDA health claims, providing a boost of protein, fiber, and nutrients. The cereal was developed to counteract the high-carbohydrate content of typical breakfast foods.
A national study found that patients with high cholesterol who received nutrition counseling from registered dietitians were able to reach their LDL cholesterol goal in approximately eight months. The study, which included data from 377 patients, showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and weight loss among those who follow...
Middle-aged women's waistlines have widened in recent years, increasing their stroke risk. The study found that obesity and blood sugar markers are key contributors to this trend, highlighting the need for obesity-curbing efforts.
A University of Illinois study found that exercise-trained mice had fewer gallstones than sedentary mice, with improved cholesterol levels and increased bile acid solubility. The researchers identified potential mechanisms to explain this link, providing new insights into the benefits of physical activity for reducing gallstone formation.
A new study reveals that prion infection increases free cholesterol content in cell membranes, affecting phospholipase A2 activation and neuronal depletion. This finding suggests a crucial role for cholesterol regulation in prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A genome-wide association study identified a new gene locus associated with LDL cholesterol levels, potentially providing insight into biological mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets. The discovery may aid in the development of new drugs to fight cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that treatment with myriocin can significantly inhibit the progress of established atherosclerosis in mice, coinciding with decreases in sphingomyelin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. In contrast, statins may increase PCSK9 levels, which limits their benefit.
Scientists propose using chemical compounds to 'chaperone' mutant protein molecules, improving their folding and function. This approach may also be applicable to cystic fibrosis, a lung and digestive system disorder.
UT Southwestern researchers have determined the specific way in which PCSK9 disrupts LDL receptor activity, leading to increased 'bad' cholesterol levels. By designing targeted antibodies to disrupt this interaction, they aim to develop a new class of drugs to lower cholesterol.
Increasing levels of a protein called ABCA1 sharply reduced buildup of brain plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in mice. Altering the brain's use of lipids may provide a new approach to treating the condition. The study highlights a promising target for potential Alzheimer's therapies.
A genome-wide study has identified 18 DNA variants associated with blood lipid levels, including six new regions never before linked to cholesterol and triglycerides. These findings hold promise for predicting genetic risk of heart disease and identifying novel targets for cholesterol-lowering therapies.
A international study of 20,000 people identified seven new genes associated with good cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides, while confirming the role of bad cholesterol (LDL) in heart disease. The findings suggest that genetic variants influencing HDL levels are not directly linked to lower risk of coronary artery disease.
Blocking the enzyme SCD1 reduces fat accumulation, improves insulin sensitivity and weight loss in FH-mice affected by metabolic syndrome. This finding highlights SCD1 as a potential drug target for individuals with familial hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.
A meta-analysis of 18,686 individuals with diabetes and 71,370 without diabetes found a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and major vascular events with statin therapy. The study suggests that most people with diabetes should now be considered for statin therapy.
Researchers have identified a new chromosomal region strongly associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for coronary heart disease, which claims over 250,000 lives annually in the UK.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a way to reduce LDL, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol, in the blood by manipulating an enzyme. This finding could lead to new treatments for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease related to obesity.
Recent studies confirm oatmeal's ability to lower total cholesterol levels and reduce LDL 'bad' cholesterol without adverse effects. Whole-grain oats are also linked to improved blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and weight management outcomes.
Researchers found that people with high triglycerides were 2.7 times more likely to have a large artery atherosclerotic stroke than those with low levels. Non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol was also linked to an increased risk of this type of stroke.
A new drug has been found safe and effective at reducing levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol by up to 40 percent, a promising approach for treating high cholesterol and related conditions. The drug accelerates the natural process of ridding the body of LDL, offering an alternative to statins and potentially complementing their use.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that cholesterol levels in outer hair cell membranes impact hearing. Depleting cholesterol resulted in hearing loss, while adding it initially increased hearing but later led to a decline.
Two studies found that genetic variants in metabolic genes impact cholesterol metabolism, while Crohn's disease contributes to atherosclerosis. Researchers also identified a potential treatment for bile acid disorders using FXR targeted therapies.
Research found a strong association between higher total blood cholesterol and increased ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in middle and old age. However, the relationship between cholesterol and stroke mortality was not independently linked, with complex results depending on age and blood pressure levels.
A study found that individuals with low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and high homocysteine levels, as well as diabetes, are more likely to experience memory problems and greater disability after a stroke. These factors can also slow down stroke recovery, particularly in those over 57 years old.
A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.
Discussing coronary risk profiles with physicians can improve cholesterol management and treatment adherence. Patients who receive their risk profile have smaller reductions in LDL levels and are more likely to reach lipid targets.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) contributes to vascular diseases by activating VEGFR1, accelerating macrophage migration and plaque progression. The discovery could lead to a potential therapeutic target for medical applications.
A key enzyme called CEH has been identified as a potential target for reducing heart disease by increasing the removal of cholesterol from plaques. The findings suggest that increasing CEH activity may reduce existing plaques in addition to preventing their formation.
Researchers have found that mate tea can increase HDL (good) cholesterol activity by up to 10% compared to other drinks. An international agreement aims to study 84 genotypes of mate tea, including cultivated and wild varieties, to identify the most nutritionally beneficial types.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that statins reduce the annual loss of lung function in elderly individuals, including those who smoke. The researchers suggest that statins' ability to reduce inflammation and smoking-induced injury in the lungs may be responsible for this effect.
Researchers have found a link between decreased blood levels of ethanolamine plasmalogen and the severity of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential treatment target. Additionally, apolipoprotein B has been identified as a better predictor of coronary heart disease risk in Chinese populations than traditional markers.
Researchers at MIT discovered a link between gene SIRT1 and cholesterol flushing pathway, which could lead to drugs lowering risk of diseases like atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's. Potential treatments based on polyphenols may be developed to enhance SIRT1 effects.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found a molecular connection between amyloid-beta production and cholesterol levels in the brain, linking early- and late-onset Alzheimer's. This discovery suggests that abnormal brain cholesterol metabolism may play a role in the disease.
Researchers have discovered a biological link between amyloid precursor protein and a gene variant linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. This finding may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating the devastating disease.