Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
A diet rich in black soya beans could help control weight, lower fat and cholesterol levels, and aid in the prevention of diabetes. The soya protein may be having an effect on fat metabolism in the liver and adipose tissue, reducing synthesis of new fatty acids and cholesterol.
Scientists identified a variant of apolipoprotein C1 protein associated with higher body mass index, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes in American Indians and Mexicans. This discovery can help identify risk factors for diabetes and inform diet and lifestyle choices.
Researchers discovered Dap1, which controls the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and drug metabolism. The study found that genetic variations in Dap1 may influence how people react to certain drugs.
A large study of over 27,000 women found that those with high cholesterol were more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to healthy women with lower cholesterol levels. The research suggests that avoiding unfavorable cholesterol levels may help prevent stroke.
Clinical trials show statin therapy promotes regression of coronary atherosclerosis through significant reductions in LDL-C and increases in HDL-C. Patients experiencing substantial decreases in LDL-C (<87.5 mg/dL) and percentage increases in HDL-C (>7.5%) exhibit notable atheroma regression.
Researchers at Université Laval found that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements while on a low-calorie diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study, which lasted 15 weeks, showed significant drops in LDL cholesterol and increases in HDL cholesterol.
Researchers have created a virtual human metabolic network that allows them to quickly discover the effects of changing metabolic reactions on cell behavior. The tool can be used to study hundreds of human disorders and potentially tailor diets for weight control, as well as develop new cholesterol-lowering drugs.
A study found that switching patients to more affordable cholesterol and blood pressure medications saved the UK's National Health Service £26,000 annually. The switch was made without adverse events and was successful for the majority of patients.
A new study conducted at Brandeis University and Malaysia found that a modified fat replacing trans fat causes an increase in blood glucose levels and depresses insulin in humans. The researchers discovered that this interesterified fat had a similar impact on cholesterol levels as trans fat, but with weaker effects.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have shown a 51% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The new therapy, which targets the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, also decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
A gene variant linked to exceptional longevity also helps maintain clear thinking and memory in centenarians, according to a new study published in Neurology. Researchers found that individuals with the CETP VV gene were twice as likely to have good brain function compared to those without it.
The trans fat ban in New York City is a step in the right direction, but restaurateurs need to replace partially hydrogenated fat with unsaturated fat. The regulation also requires restaurants to provide calorie information prominently, which may be even more important for addressing obesity and promoting heart health.
A study by Dr. Xuemei Huang found that participants with lower LDL cholesterol had a 3.5-fold higher occurrence of Parkinson's disease compared to those with higher LDL levels. The results suggest a link between low LDL cholesterol and an increased risk of developing the neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a protein interaction that may explain how Huntington's disease affects the brain, leading to dramatic accumulation of cholesterol.
Studies found that eating fish regularly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 40%, while childhood soy intake is associated with a 58% decrease in breast cancer risk. Vitamin use and smoking also show protective effects, providing valuable insights into diet's role in cancer prevention.
A new study indicates that boosted Invirase results in comparable levels of viral suppression as lopinavir, while also reducing the risk of elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. The treatment also showed fewer gastrointestinal adverse events compared to lopinavir.
A recent study found that Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors who undergo lipid screening every five years live six months longer than those without screening. The study suggests that regular cholesterol screening is a cost-effective procedure to reduce the risk of heart disease in these patients.
Researchers found that universal-free school breakfast increases the likelihood of nutritionally sound breakfast consumption in children. Additionally, flavanol-enriched snack bars with plant sterols may help manage cholesterol levels.
A recent study from Brown Medical School and Harvard Medical School found significant racial disparities in Medicare managed care plans, even among high-performing plans. Blacks were more likely to have poor control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels compared to whites.
A reduced-calorie orange juice beverage fortified with plant sterols lowered 'bad' cholesterol and inflammation in healthy volunteers. The study found a significant decrease in C-reactive protein levels, suggesting a potential benefit for heart disease prevention.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that eating two Right Direction Cookies daily lowered LDL cholesterol by ten percent and improved lipid subfraction profile. The cookies' combination of psyllium and plant sterols helps shift LDL particles toward a less atherogenic pattern, reducing cardiovascular risk.
Scientists in India have developed a new process to extract large quantities of cholesterol-lowering compounds from sea buckthorn, retaining over 40% of polyphenols and 70% of vitamin C. This technology could provide a new weapon to fight cardiovascular disease.
A team of researchers reviews existing research on LDL cholesterol and heart health, concluding that there is no valid evidence to support ultra-low LDL targets. They suggest focusing on statin therapy for high-risk patients regardless of their cholesterol levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.