Articles tagged with Cholesterol
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A new study found that when one spouse improves their health behavior, the other is also more likely to do so, particularly in behaviors like smoking and drinking. This phenomenon suggests that interventions targeting spouses can be an effective way to promote healthy habits.
Research reveals that very low maternal cholesterol levels may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with no such link observed in African American women. Full-term babies born to mothers with low cholesterol also weighed less on average.
Researchers analyzed relationships between apolipoprotein E genotypes and lipid levels, as well as coronary risk. They found that E2/E2 genotype was associated with lower LDL-C values and reduced coronary risk compared to other genotypes.
Researchers found that cholesterol limits the activity of a key protective protein called transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), allowing atherosclerosis to develop. Statins, which lower cholesterol levels, enhance TGF-beta's protective qualities.
A study by Penn State found that individuals with higher eating competence have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that training people in becoming eating competent may be an effective way to encourage healthy eating behaviors.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have elucidated a mechanism for the uptake of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in mammals, which involves conjugation with fatty acids and binding to lipophilic proteins like HDL and LDL. The discovery has significant implications for siRNA therapies and gene regulation.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that a byproduct of cholesterol metabolism, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), interferes with the protective effects of estrogen on the cardiovascular system. When 27HC levels are high relative to estrogen, it blocks estrogen's function and leads to a loss of protection against heart disease.
Researchers have discovered that 'good' cholesterol can undergo detrimental changes in protein composition, making it 'bad' for the heart. The study identifies previously unrecognized proteins that play an important role in maintaining heart health.
A recent study found that stress management is positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in older white men. Conversely, hostility and social isolation were not associated with HDL levels. The research suggests a potential protective role of coping mechanisms in maintaining healthy lipid profiles.
Researchers cast doubt on ABCA1's role in producing good cholesterol by studying cells from Tangier disease patients and knock-out mice. The findings suggest that ABCA1 does not code for the scramblase enzyme involved in phospholipid transport.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that apolipoprotein B:apo A-I ratio is not a better predictor of coronary heart disease risk than traditional lipid ratios. The study evaluated 3,322 middle-aged participants and found that the differences between the two measures were small and statistically nonsignificant.
A new review suggests that only modest evidence supports the use of most medications to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which is often referred to as 'good' cholesterol. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and moderate alcohol consumption are recommended as safe and effective strategies to increase HDL levels.
Current and past smokers are at increased risk of developing late-age related macular degeneration, with current smokers four times more likely than non-smokers. Smoking's link to AMD is thought to share other risk factors with cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol levels and hypertension.
A new target for controlling high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has been discovered by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. The enzyme PCSK5A was found to increase HDL-C levels in mice, promoting reverse cholesterol transport and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers identified a new player in the control of good cholesterol that circulates in the bloodstream and reduces heart attack risk. By manipulating levels of an enzyme called proprotein convertases, they were able to boost or reduce HDL-C levels, offering potential for therapies against heart disease.
A study published in JCI found that bacteria residing in the gut boost immune response to tumors after total body irradiation, a common treatment for cancer. The researchers discovered that a specific population of bacteria plays a crucial role in augmenting the function of tumor-specific T cells and resulting in tumor regression.
A new UCLA study finds that combining diesel exhaust particles with cholesterol fats leads to a dangerous synergy that causes blood vessel inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The researchers discovered that the interaction activates genes promoting cellular inflammation, accelerating the narrowing and blockage of blood vessels.
A study by Richard E. Morton and Lahoucine Izem found that the protein cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a crucial role in fat cell storage and regulation, potentially leading to improved understanding of obesity and diabetes.
A survey of 750 doctors from 10 countries found that only 47% of their patients reached cholesterol goals, but 61% deemed this acceptable. Doctors preferred prescribing statins and lifestyle changes over other approaches. Key findings showed significant variation in treatment recommendations across countries.
A recent study discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, with affected individuals being two to three times more likely to develop the condition. The relevant gene contains instructions for building a molecular pump that transports cholesterol into bile ducts.
A recent study suggests that people with high cholesterol levels may be more susceptible to severe cases of tick-borne disease. The study found that bacteria levels were 10 times greater in mice with high cholesterol, indicating a potential link between cholesterol and disease severity.
A study found that older patients with stable cardiovascular disease can benefit from high-dose statins, which lowered LDL cholesterol levels and reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events. The study suggests that aggressive use of high-dose statin therapy can be beneficial for these patients.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that more women than men experience a mid-life stroke between the ages of 45-54. The researchers identified increased waist size and coronary artery disease as predictors of stroke among women in this age group, with no sex differences observed in other age groups.