Articles tagged with Cholesterol
A study published in BMC Health Services Research reveals ethnic disparities in preventive screening procedures are larger when estimated using Medicare claims, with the exception of PSA testing. Despite adjusting for various factors, minorities tend to report higher rates of receiving preventive procedures without a submitted claim.
Researchers developed a gene transfer method using the mutant form of apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I Milano) to treat vascular inflammation and plaque buildup. The study found that Apo A-I Milano gene transfer resulted in a 65% reduction in plaque buildup, compared to a 25% decrease with the normal HDL gene.
A large prospective cohort study found that extremely high levels of lipoprotein(a) in women are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events, particularly those with high LDL-C levels. The study included over 27,000 initially healthy women and followed them for 10 years.
Patients can self-report muscle weakness, fatigue, cognitive problems, and mood changes associated with statin use on a new web site. The site aims to gather information on side effects and provide education on minimizing health risks.
A recent study reveals that older women have as many risk factors for heart disease as men in their 60s and more by their 70s. The research, led by USC demographers, shows a shift from previous decades where older men were at greater risk.
A combination of a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and a protease inhibitor may prevent the negative cardiovascular effects of long-term protease inhibitor use, including hardening of the arteries. This could allow patients to take their medications without worrying about these side effects.
A study suggests that more aggressive treatment with statins is necessary to lower LDL cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease. The analysis found that intensive therapy with atorvastatin significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with metabolic syndrome.
A study found that cholesterol accumulation in the liver depletes a powerful antioxidant, making cells susceptible to inflammation and damage. Cholesterol-lowering therapies may offer a useful treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver disease.
A new study finds that both normal-weight and overweight individuals underestimate calorie content of larger meals. To improve weight loss estimates, consider doubling initial meal size estimates or estimating calories item-by-item. Meanwhile, virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols has been shown to increase 'good' cholesterol levels and...
Researchers found that estrens improved bone strength in mice with osteoporosis but also had adverse effects on reproductive organs and human breast cancer cells. This study suggests caution is needed for the development of estrens as a treatment for osteoporosis.
Researchers identified a connection between pregnane X receptor (PXR) and neuroprotection in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease. Activating PXR with known activators, such as dilantin and St. John's Wort, may help clear toxic cholesterol byproducts.
The NHLBI's new guide to lowering cholesterol with TLC emphasizes the importance of a three-part program of diet, physical activity, and weight management. The guide provides tips on reducing saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol, as well as strategies for increasing soluble fiber and plant stanols and sterols.
Elevated cholesterol and liver enzyme levels more common than thought among isoretinoin patients, even those with normal blood test results before therapy. Moderate to severe abnormalities are generally transient and reversible.
Researchers found that taking Lipitor reduced the risk of secondary stroke by 16% and major coronary events by 35%. The study suggests that initiating statin treatment shortly after a stroke may be beneficial for patients at high risk.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a key protein regulating fat and cholesterol production, which may lead to more comprehensive treatments for metabolic syndrome. The study found that removing this protein's binding partner disrupts SREBP activity, resulting in reduced lipid biosynthesis.
Dr. DeBose-Boyd's work may shed light on heart disease prevention and treatment through his research on HMG CoA reductase enzymes. He is one of five recipients nationwide, supporting groundbreaking research addressing fundamental mechanisms of human disease.
A new study using MRI scans has found that the drug donepezil slows brain deterioration in patients with mild cognitive impairment, a condition on the road to Alzheimer's disease. The treatment showed a positive effect on patients who carried the APOE 4 allele, which increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that Terry's brain underwent axonal re-growth, allowing for basic motor function and speech recovery. The study suggests a method to monitor brain function and track potential recovery in severely brain-damaged patients.
A study suggests that a diet high in vegetables can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty plaques build up in blood vessel walls. Researchers found that mice fed a vegetable-rich diet had smaller plaque buildup and improved cholesterol levels compared to those on a vegetable-free diet.
Researchers identified risk factors for PAD progression in large blood vessels, with smoking being a powerful predictor, while diabetes was linked to small vessel PAD. Effective preventive measures include smoking cessation, altering cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
A study conducted by Heiner K. Berthold and colleagues found that policosanol had no clinically relevant lipoprotein-lowering properties in white patients. The trial included 143 patients with hypercholesterolemia or combined hyperlipidemia, and none showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to combat clogged arteries by attacking how bad cholesterol triggers inflammation and causes plaque buildup. Their nanolipoblockers, or NLBs, compete with oxidized LDL for macrophage attention, cutting accumulation by up to 75 percent.
A study found that HDL from CETP-deficient individuals promotes enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages through an apoE- and ABCG1-dependent pathway. This finding raises hope for using a CETP inhibitor to elevate HDL levels and reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis.
Researchers identify EP1R as a key player in failed asthma treatments, revealing its interaction with beta2-adrenergic receptors. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing selective drugs to treat severe asthma in individuals who don't respond to current therapies.
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that cholesterol attachment to the developmental protein Sonic hedgehog controls finger and toe development in mice. Without cholesterol, mice developed extra digits and malformed toes.
Researchers discover a gene, dubbed fat free, that disrupts lipid absorption in zebrafish and reveals potential targets for intervention. The study provides new insights into lipid metabolism and opens the way for screening drugs to rescue defective cholesterol processing.
Researchers found a statistically significant direct relationship between high cholesterol and prostate cancer. Men with prostate cancer were around 50% more likely to have had high cholesterol levels than non-prostate cancer controls, especially those diagnosed before age 50 or over 65.
Researchers discovered that consuming cinnamon improves insulin function, lowers glucose and lipid levels. Cloves also showed similar benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. The studies suggest that these spices may be useful in preventing or mitigating cardiovascular disease and other conditions related to inflammation.
Researchers discovered a gene mutation in zebrafish that leads to impaired fat and cholesterol absorption, causing lethal effects. The study provides valuable insights into the process of lipid digestion and metabolism, potentially leading to treatment for human diseases.
The study identified a specific genetic profile linked to longevity and favorable lipoprotein profiles in centenarians. The Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) SNP was associated with healthier triglyceride and cholesterol levels, lower hypertension rates, and improved cardiovascular health.
A new study found that high good cholesterol levels (HDL) are a strong predictor of reduced heart attack risk, while low bad cholesterol levels (LDL) are not. The researchers suggest that current guidelines should focus on both HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.
A new study found that genetic variations lowering LDL cholesterol levels can significantly reduce coronary heart disease risk. People with these variations were eight times less likely to develop heart disease than those without them.
A recent study found that low levels of LDL cholesterol, even in individuals with high-risk factors, can dramatically reduce the incidence of coronary events. The analysis identified three forms of a gene known as PCSK9 associated with significant reductions in plasma levels of LDL cholesterol.
Scientists developed research mice with ABCA1 gene mutations to study good cholesterol formation in the liver and intestines. They found that the liver produces 70-80% of HDL, while the intestines produce 20-30%, shedding new light on heart disease prevention.
Researchers found that combining immune modulating drugs can greatly reduce MS disease severity, with less myelin loss and CNS inflammation. The combination therapy utilized lower doses of each drug and promoted the secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules IL-10.
Coronary heart disease deaths in Ireland decreased by 47% between 1985 and 2000, with improved treatment accounting for 44% of the drop-off. Sharp falls in smoking and cholesterol also contributed to the decline, while rising obesity rates offset some gains.
The ASTEROID trial found that intensive statin therapy resulted in significant regression of atherosclerosis, with mean LDL cholesterol dropping by 53.2% and HDL increasing by 14.7%. The study suggests that very low LDL levels accompanied by raised HDL can partially reverse plaque buildup in coronary arteries.
A U of T study found that a combination of viscous fibres, soy protein, almonds, and plant sterol margarine can significantly lower cholesterol levels. After 12 months, over 30% of participants successfully adhered to the diet and lowered their cholesterol by more than 20%.
Researchers found plant sterols significantly lowered LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in patients taking statin drugs. The study suggests that adding plant sterols to the diet may provide an effective way to lower cardiovascular risk.
A new study found that eating one grapefruit daily can lower blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia, reducing the risk of heart disease. Grapefruit's antioxidant action is believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A study analyzing five clinical trials found that low-carbohydrate diets led to greater weight loss and improved HDL levels after six months. However, increased total cholesterol and LDL levels were observed in those on low-carb diets after a year.
A midriff bulge roughly doubles a woman's chances of needing gallstone surgery, according to a comprehensive study. The study, which monitored over 42,000 women for two years, found that women with larger waist sizes were more likely to develop gallstones.
A study of middle-age and older adults found that about a third had cholesterol disorders requiring drug treatment, but only 54% received it. Cholesterol control was lowest in those at highest risk of heart vessel disease, highlighting the need for improved treatment and control.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly 10 million more adults have high LDL-C (
Cataract formation is linked to cholesterol biosynthesis defects. Epithelial cells in the lens mature abnormally, leading to opacity. The study identifies a connection between cholesterol synthesis and cataract development.
Researchers found that obese individuals had significantly higher risks of hospitalization and mortality from cardiovascular disease and diabetes in older age compared to those with normal weight. The study's findings support the importance of primary prevention of overweight and obesity to combat the worsening epidemic.
A recent study found that African-Americans are more likely to develop arterial leg disease, a condition that can lead to amputation if left untreated. Cigarette smoking is the single most important risk factor for the disease, which is also associated with hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
Sesame seed and wheat germ topped the list as effective in lowering cholesterol levels, while Brazil nuts and walnuts ranked lowest in phytosterols. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining good health, the researchers stress.
A study published in Health Psychology found that individuals who experience larger increases in cholesterol levels due to stress are more likely to have high 'bad' cholesterol later on. The researchers identified a significant association between acute lipid stress responses and fasting lipid levels three years later.
Researchers found that Trichostatin A (TSA) reduced lupus symptoms, including kidney inflammation and enlarged spleens, and effectively treated atherosclerosis in mice. The drug works by preventing genes from expressing proteins involved in both diseases, offering hope for simultaneous treatment.
A study found that decaffeinated coffee consumption increased levels of fatty acids and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in the blood after three months, potentially promoting heart disease risk. In contrast, caffeinated coffee had no significant effects on these markers.
A randomized feeding study found that diets partially replacing carbohydrates with protein or monounsaturated fat lowered blood pressure and improved serum lipid levels. These findings suggest that macronutrient substitution can further reduce cardiovascular disease risk in the general population.
Researchers found that replacing carbohydrates with protein and unsaturated fat can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. The OmniHeart study suggests that these modifications can be effective in reducing some risk factors and estimated risk for heart disease.
The IDEAL study found that intensive LDL-C lowering therapy in patients with previous myocardial infarction did not significantly reduce primary end points but showed reduced risk of secondary composite endpoints and nonfatal acute MI. No differences were observed in cardiovascular or all-cause mortality.
Researchers found African-American men had significantly lower calcified plaque in coronary and carotid arteries. The study, which included 1,000 white participants and 180 black participants, used high-speed CT scans to measure plaque levels.
Researchers found that baby's genes have a significant impact on mother's lipoprotein levels, which can increase risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that pregnancies may be less affected by maternal genetic defects if the fetus compensates for them.
The age-adjusted average total and LDL cholesterol levels among US adults decreased between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, with significant declines observed in older adults. Increased use of cholesterol-lowering medication is believed to be a contributing factor to this trend.
The study found that a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) limits the production of bile acid by the liver. FGF15 is produced in response to high levels of bile acid, triggering its secretion and regulating the body's digestive processes.
Researchers analyzed data from a large trial and found no safety concerns for patients with very low LDL levels. The study suggests that intensive statin therapy may be beneficial even when LDL levels drop below targeted levels.
A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that decreased function of the CREB gene transcription factor is involved in anxiety and excessive alcohol drinking behavior. Decreased CREB function was shown to be important for maintaining high anxiety and excessive alcohol drinking. This genetic determinant create...