Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Researchers highlight the importance of raising HDL cholesterol levels, citing a link between higher levels and lower risk of fatal heart attacks. They recommend lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, weight control, and dietary changes to boost HDL levels, and discuss the benefits and potential risks of drug therapy.
The European Society of Cardiology reports a growing problem of child obesity in Europe, with overweight and overt obesity affecting nearly all countries. Scientific evidence shows that this early onset is linked to increased risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
Researchers found that physical fitness reduces cardiovascular disease death risk by over 50% across all cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from 19,125 men aged 20-79 and confirmed the effectiveness of revised guidelines for lowering bad cholesterol.
Cholesterol crystals can expand and burst in arteries, triggering a natural clotting process that shuts down the artery. This discovery adds another dimension to the inflammation theory, suggesting that the crystallization of cholesterol is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have identified the Dido gene as a potential tumor suppressor in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases. Additionally, SOCS-7 has been found to regulate insulin signaling and enhance insulin action. Furthermore, aldose reductase expression has been linked to accelerated diabetic atherosclerosis in transgenic mice.
Researchers have solved a 72-year-old mystery surrounding cholesterol production, revealing that Insig proteins play a crucial role in regulating this process. The study found that mice lacking these proteins accumulate excessive cholesterol and fat in the liver, highlighting the importance of Insig in maintaining normal lipid metabolism.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the Shoenheimer effect, a 72-year-old cholesterol feedback mechanism. The study reveals that Insig proteins are essential components of this response and play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol synthesis.
Research reveals that aspirin resistance is a significant concern for certain patient groups, particularly those with coronary heart disease or high cholesterol levels. An alternative treatment option, Clopidogrel, has shown promise in reducing blood clotting and inflammation in these patients.
Researchers discover hemoglobin's novel function as a nitrite reductase, generating nitric oxide to regulate vasodilation. Separate studies reveal that M cells are not necessary for oral tolerance induction, while bacterial infections can break B cell tolerance by activating self-reactive B cells.
Researchers analyzed identical male twin pairs with differing lifestyles to study the impact of diet and exercise on LDL cholesterol. The study found a strong correlation between twins' responses to diet changes, highlighting the importance of genes in determining individual responses to dietary fat.
A new gene scanning technique called meltMADGE enables the discovery of rare genetic variations associated with various diseases. Researchers analyzed nearly 10,000 middle-aged individuals and found associations with high cholesterol levels and potential protective effects.
A new Penn State study found that a balanced diet with both polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) is essential for lowering cholesterol levels. The study compared two heart-healthy oils, sunflower oil and olive oil, in a diet designed to reduce blood cholesterol.
A study on smokers and non-smokers found that it takes several years for changes in the blood to return to normal after smoking. After quitting, the inflammatory response had returned to normal by five years, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking. This finding emphasizes the health benefits of smoking cessation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that individuals with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels cannot lower their LDL-cholesterol numbers with a Step 1 diet, even when soy protein is added. The study suggests that habitual consumption of a Step 1 diet may be beneficial for those with low CRP levels but delete...
A new study demonstrated add-on effects of ACTOS on diabetic dyslipidemia, reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol. Patients with type 2 diabetes who switched from Avandia to ACTOS showed significant improvements in lipid levels, regardless of age or gender.
Researchers found that soy-based meal replacements led to greater weight loss and improved cholesterol levels compared to milk-based alternatives. Additionally, soy intake was shown to reduce serum glucose values, suggesting a role in maintaining overall health and slowing diabetes development.
A new study by the NHLBI found that children in an intervention group consumed more than 67% of their calories from heart-healthy foods, compared to less than 57% for those in a usual care group. Children who consumed more dairy products had lower BMIs and lower LDL levels.
A study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in heart attack patients and found that 46% met the criteria. Patients with metabolic syndrome were older, more likely to be women, and had worse in-hospital outcomes, including increased risk of heart failure.
A concentrated form of Vitamin E called tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) from rice bran oil may effectively reduce total cholesterol levels by up to 42% and LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels by 62%. Researchers found that a minimum dose of TRF of 8 IU kg/day provided the maximum antioxidants and lowered cholesterol.
Researchers found that increased LXR expression in the liver improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels on high-fat diets, but loses effect with experimental drugs. The study suggests that targeting natural ligands may be more effective in treating metabolic diseases.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that normal metabolism requires so-called "new" fat to maintain glucose, lipid, and cholesterol homeostasis. The researchers discovered that old fat stores alone failed to set critical metabolic pathways in motion, leading to a marked decline in gene activity.
A new study reveals that mice with an excess of liver X receptor (LXRa) are protected from high-fat diet-induced cholesterol and blood vessel plaques. The findings suggest that natural variation in LXRa levels can influence susceptibility to heart disease, depending on diet.
A small-scale trial of atorvastatin calcium found significant reductions in circulating cholesterol levels and potential benefits on cognitive function and behavior in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The results hold promise for the treatment of AD, but further multicenter trials are needed to confirm these findings.
A Stanford study compared two low-fat diets: one focused on avoiding saturated fat and cholesterol, the other including plenty of plant-based foods. The plant-based diet resulted in a significant 9.4% decrease in LDL cholesterol, while the conventional diet lowered it by 4.6%.
The study finds that major cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure, are increasing in low-income and middle-income countries, particularly in cities. As a result, these countries will face high levels of cardiovascular disease alongside infectious diseases.
Exercise therapy has a small beneficial effect on chronic low back pain but no impact on shorter-term pain, according to two new studies. A plant-based low-fat diet is also better at lowering LDL cholesterol levels than a similar diet without veggies.
Researchers found that a fiber supplement significantly decreased LDL and increased HDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests an alternative treatment option for those unable or unwilling to take statins.
A new study suggests that eliminating the enzyme ACAT2 could dramatically reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Research in animals shows that cholesterol altered by ACAT2 is more likely to build up in blood vessel walls and cause atherosclerosis.
Researchers discovered that LXRs regulate SREBP-1c, a key protein in fat metabolism, allowing animals to store fat when fed high-fat diets with cholesterol. The study also found that LXR's role is crucial in the biochemical pathway that regulates fat storage, suggesting a new target for obesity and heart disease treatments.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have found that the liver is the main source of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or 'good' cholesterol. This discovery could lead to new treatments for raising HDL levels, particularly in individuals with less severe cholesterol disorders.
Researchers found that simvastatin prevents or reverses vascular injury by vasoprotective means, protecting against diabetes-induced endothelial cell dysfunction. The study suggests a potential role for statins in treating diabetic patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that deleting the Pcsk9 gene in mice increased LDL receptors and lowered LDL cholesterol levels. This discovery suggests new drugs targeting PCSK9 may be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, particularly for individuals unable to take statins.
Researchers found that a gene controlling cholesterol production also senses oxygen levels, similar to human cells. This discovery offers a new strategy for killing infectious yeast while exploring potential connections between cholesterol and oxygen sensing in humans.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that HDL (high-density lipoprotein) activates an enzyme called eNOS, leading to a cellular signal that depends on cholesterol efflux. The activation of eNOS is mediated by two intact domains of SR-BI, which act as 'cholesterol sensors' triggering cellular events.
A Boston University team found an association between naturally high levels of blood cholesterol and improved mental functioning, including visual organization, memory, attention, and concentration. However, the benefits were modest and did not outweigh the risks of heart disease and stroke associated with high cholesterol.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that high cholesterol levels accelerate prostate cancer growth by activating a cell-survival pathway. Cholesterol-lowering drugs like simvastatin may inhibit tumor growth by inhibiting this pathway.
Researchers developed a new mouse model that mimics the effects of low-dose aspirin therapy, exploring its impact on blood clotting and reproductive functions. The study suggests that low-dose aspirin treatment may prevent preeclampsia without compromising reproductive function.