Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
A new study reveals that torcetrapib significantly increases levels of HDL cholesterol in patients with low levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The drug works by inhibiting the transfer of cholesterol from HDL to LDL, and its effectiveness is maintained when given in combination with a statin.
A USC study found that human ancestors developed meat-tolerant genes to resist diseases associated with a meat-rich diet, leading to slower aging and longer lifespan. However, the researchers argue that modern-day humans' sedentary lifestyle and lack of moderation may be contributing factors to high cholesterol and vascular disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have made significant progress in understanding lipodystrophies, rare disorders characterized by partial or total loss of fat tissues. Recent studies have identified gene mutations and novel therapeutic approaches for these patients, which may also be applicable to obese individuals with abnormal fat dist...
According to Dr. McDougall, high-fat low-carbohydrate diets can increase the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, colon cancer, and more. In contrast, populations that consume high-carbohydrate foods tend to have a lower risk of these conditions.
A new study found that only 4% of women with coronary heart disease met all four lifestyle goals, including non-smoking status and exercise. Researchers say the findings underscore the need for more effective interventions to improve compliance among high-risk women.
A recent five-year study found that simvastatin therapy significantly reduces the incidence of ischemic strokes by 30%, while having no adverse effect on hemorrhagic strokes. The study also shows a substantial reduction in combined major vascular events among patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a complex of two proteins in the intestine that plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport. Treating mice with ezetimibe disrupts this complex, leading to impaired cholesterol absorption, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities.
A 10-week study found that consuming plant sterol-fortified orange juice lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels by 7.2% and 12.4%, respectively. The researchers suggest this could be a healthy and appealing option for individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol.
Schering-Plough scientists identified NPC1L1 as a critical protein in the intestinal cholesterol absorption pathway. The discovery provides new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol levels and suggests that Zetia, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, works by interacting with NPC1L1.
A new study found that people with short variants of the APOB gene region have significantly lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in their blood. This association may contribute to a protective role of these variants in younger adults, while being detrimental to longevity in older individuals.
Scientists propose that alterations in cholesterol and ceramide contribute to neurodegenerative cascade destroying neurons in Alzheimer's disease. Oxidative stress triggered by beta amyloid peptide leads to ceramide accumulation, causing nerve cell death.
A new study suggests that treating metabolic syndrome's risk-factor components might reduce stroke risk before Type 2 diabetes develops. Men with metabolic syndrome have a 78% greater stroke risk, while women have more than double the risk compared to those without the condition.
Researchers present findings on various stroke treatments, including the effectiveness of IV magnesium in reducing death and improving functional outcome. Additionally, studies show promise for statins, oxygen therapy, and clot-busting therapies in improving neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke.
Patients with a history of high cholesterol had a lower risk of cognitive impairment three to six months after stroke. The study found that statin treatment, rather than the cholesterol itself, may be responsible for this effect.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a moderate-fat diet may be more beneficial for heart health than a low-fat diet. After six weeks, participants on the moderate-fat diet had a healthier heart profile, with reduced cardiovascular risk and improved lipid profiles.
Dialysis patients with inflammation or malnutrition have lower cholesterol levels than those without. Higher cholesterol is associated with lower mortality among patients without these conditions, but not among those with them.
A recent study found that only 37% of adults with diagnosed diabetes are achieving the American Diabetes Association's goal for blood glucose control, while nearly half have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The lack of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, is a major contributor to this issue.
A study examining trends in adults with diagnosed diabetes found that only a small percentage met recommended targets for HbA1c, blood pressure, and total cholesterol. The authors highlight the need for ongoing monitoring, empowering clinicians and patients to improve care quality and reduce vascular disease risk.
A cholesterol-free mouse model was generated, supporting the 'sterol synergism' theory and highlighting the importance of cholesterol in developmental stages. The knock-out pups showed poorer growth characteristics than normal animals.
A new UCLA test measures HDL cholesterol's ability to reduce inflammation, potentially better predicting heart disease risk. The study found that patients with pro-inflammatory HDL had a higher risk of heart disease despite normal or high cholesterol levels.
Dr. Mangelsdorf's work on lipid-sensing proteins and cholesterol metabolism has contributed to the understanding of how the body restores balance following an increase in cholesterol levels. He joins a legacy of renowned UT Southwestern scientists who have also received the Wieland Prize for their groundbreaking research.
A large study of nearly 44,000 healthy men found no association between dietary fat intake and stroke risk. The research suggests that saturated fat intake may actually be beneficial in reducing atherosclerosis, contrary to previous findings.
A new study examined lipid data from the DASH-Sodium Trial and found no notable increases in blood lipid levels among participants on low, intermediate, or high sodium intake levels. The findings are significant for public health recommendations to reduce sodium intake and lower high blood pressure.
Eight IU Chemistry faculty members, including Andrew Leavitt and Lisa Lewis, have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate research. They will deliver 25-minute talks at the symposium, which also features a keynote address by Pfizer GRD Vice President Bruce Roth.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis have identified saponins in red wine as a potential cholesterol fighter. Saponins are found to contain higher levels in red wine than white wine and may work by binding to and preventing the absorption of cholesterol.
A study published in JAMA found that children on the ketogenic diet for six months had significantly elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but these levels often normalized after treatment cessation. The researchers suggest that the diet should remain a treatment option despite short-term lipids elevation.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School found that guggulipid, a traditional herbal remedy, has no impact on lowering cholesterol levels. The research suggests that dietary supplements need rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, with further studies planned to investigate its effects on triglycerides and inflammation.
A recent study found that providing Medicare coverage to previously uninsured adults increases access to life-saving preventive tests like cancer and cholesterol screenings. The gap in testing rates narrows significantly after eligibility.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a vegetarian diet high in fibre, nuts, and plant sterols can lower LDL cholesterol levels by nearly 29%, comparable to the effects of a standard cholesterol-reducing drug. The findings suggest an evolutionary adaptation to a
A large-scale study will test three weight-maintenance strategies: self-directed/usual care, personal contact, and interactive technology. Participants who lose 9 or more pounds in the initial phase will be eligible to enroll in phase II.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled study involving 240 participants with high cholesterol. The study showed a 16% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after taking green and black tea extracts enriched with the antioxidant theaflavin for 12 weeks.
A study led by Rory Collins found that statin therapy reduces the risk of primary outcomes for people with diabetes, including cardiac death, non-fatal heart attack, and stroke. The reduction in risk appeared to be greater among diabetic patients who did not have occlusive arterial disease.
A UK multi-centre randomised trial found that statins reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes or revascularisation operations by about a third in diabetic patients, irrespective of their cholesterol levels. This could prevent at least 10,000 heart attacks, strokes and revascularisation operations each year worldwide.
Researchers analyzed lipid levels of HIV patients before and during HAART and found that average total and LDL cholesterol levels remained stable over three years. After initiation, cholesterol levels rose but returned to pre-infection levels after a year. However, triglyceride and HDL levels were higher than in similar-aged men.
A study of 448 children in New York Head Start preschool programs found that those with high cholesterol at ages 3 and 4 were more likely to have high cholesterol five years later. The study suggests that early intervention and primary prevention can be effective in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
Researchers at CDC found a rise in cholesterol levels among Japanese children, mirroring trends seen in Western countries. The study highlights the importance of early intervention measures to prevent heart disease and obesity.
A new blend of cooking oil made from medium chain triglycerides (MCT) has been shown to heighten metabolism, lower cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. In two clinical trials, participants who consumed the oil for 27 days experienced significant reductions in body fat and upper body fat, as well as improved blood lipid profiles.
The XENDOS study shows that Xenical significantly improves weight loss, waist measurement, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, fasting plasma glucose, and HDL cholesterol in patients with Metabolic Syndrome. The treatment also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 36%.
Duke University researchers found that exercise reduces potentially harmful cholesterol levels in the blood. The extent of this benefit depends on exercise amount and intensity, as well as gender. After a five-year trial, they discovered that high-intensity exercise led to sustained benefits in HDL cholesterol for both men and women.
Greek Orthodox Christians who followed a fasting regimen experienced lower cholesterol and LDL levels in their blood. Regular fasting may provide long-term protection against heart disease by increasing the HDL/LDL ratio.
Researchers found that participants on the Atkins diet lost an average of 14.7 pounds compared to 5.8 pounds in the conventional diet group after one year. Additionally, Atkins participants had greater increases in HDL cholesterol and reductions in triglycerides.
Researchers found that individuals with at least one copy of the klotho gene variant KL-VS are almost twice as likely to have undetected atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes can modify this risk, suggesting genetic testing may be considered.
Drs. Brown and Goldstein's research on low-density lipoprotein receptors and Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs) led to effective new drugs for high cholesterol treatment and discovery of a potential insulin-sensitive regulator for diabetes therapy.
Researchers found that participants taking statins lowered their brain cholesterol levels by 21.4 percent, potentially reducing amyloid plaque formation and severity of Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Dr. Gloria Vega, showed no adverse side effects in patients with normal cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that workplace-based physical activity counseling programs significantly improved employees' physical activity levels and fitness. The program, called PACE, was tailored to individual readiness for change and showed greatest benefits for those with less-favorable health profiles.
Researchers developed a low-dose statin and fenofibrate combination, which significantly reduced triglycerides, increased HDL, and lowered LDL in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. This treatment addresses multiple lipid abnormalities and may be key to preventing cardiovascular heart disease.
A UT Southwestern research team found that inactivating LRP1 in vascular smooth muscle cells causes abnormal PDGF receptor signaling, leading to vessel wall susceptibility to cholesterol buildup. The researchers discovered that Gleevec significantly reduces atherosclerosis development by 50% in mouse models.
The study, published online in the Lancet, found that atorvastatin significantly reduces the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes in people with high blood pressure. The results are great news for those suffering from high blood pressure, as the drug also lowers cholesterol levels.
The STELLAR study found CRESTOR 10-40mg reduced LDL-C by 46 to 55 percent, while raising HDL-C by 7.6 to 9.6 percent compared to other statins. The study was part of AstraZeneca's GALAXY Program and included over 19,000 patients from 23 countries.
A recent study found that high levels of Lp-PLA2 and CRP are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, even in patients with 'normal' LDL cholesterol levels. The study used the PLAC test to measure Lp-PLA2 levels in participants and found significant associations between Lp-PLA2, hs-CRP, and CHD incidence.
A study published in MERCURY I showed that CRESTOR 10mg effectively lowered LDL-C levels and enabled over eight out of ten patients to achieve their LDL-C goals. The medication demonstrated superior efficacy compared to atorvastatin, making it a valuable treatment option for managing high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.
A new study found that consuming cranberry juice daily can significantly increase levels of good cholesterol by an average of 10% and boost plasma antioxidant capacity by up to 121%. The effects are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that obese baboons had normal leptin levels, indicating that high cholesterol and obesity are triggered by different mechanisms. The study's findings suggest that humans can get away with indulging in unhealthy habits without suffering severe health consequences.
A study by the American Heart Association suggests that women approaching menopause should take steps to lower their heart disease risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 perimenopausal women and found that many would become eligible for cholesterol-lowering therapy after age 55 if current risk factors are not modified.
Roth's discovery led to the development of Lipitor, which has logged more than 36-million patient years of experience and involved over 400 clinical trials. His innovative approach to statin structure resulted in a simpler molecule with equal efficacy.
A global study identifies cost-effective strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, prioritizing non-personal interventions such as salt reduction and health education. Combination treatments with blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering agents are also shown to be effective in reducing disease impact worldwide.
ApoB is a more robust indicator of cardiac events than cholesterol levels, according to MUHC cardiologists. Measuring apoB can help identify patients at risk of heart attacks even if their cholesterol levels are well-controlled.
A new study highlights the cost-effectiveness of reducing sodium in processed foods to limit cardiovascular disease, while also recommending a combination of treatments for high-risk individuals. The research found that targeting blood pressure and cholesterol levels could prevent over 21 million DALYs per year worldwide.
Recent studies suggest apolipoprotein B is a superior marker for predicting cardiovascular disease risk compared to total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. The ratio of apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-1 is also more effective in assessing cardiovascular risk than the traditional LDL/HDL ratio.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a specific enzyme is associated with high levels of HDL, which may have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that the enzyme's impact on cholesterol transport to the liver could be beneficial or detrimental.