Research on cholesterol and heart health. Covers post-heart-attack LDL lowering, cardiovascular event reduction, gene-editing therapy, and cancer links.
The ACCORD clinical trial enrolls 10,000 adults with type 2 diabetes to test the effects of intensively controlling blood sugar along with aggressive control of blood pressure and lipids. The study aims to address the significant public health challenge of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
A new study aims to investigate the effects of intensively controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid levels on cardiovascular disease risk in adults with type 2 diabetes. The ACCORD study will test three medical treatment strategies to determine their impact on CVD risk.
Researchers have identified a new gene, endothelial lipase (LIPG), that regulates HDL cholesterol levels and impacts the risk of developing heart disease. By altering LIPG expression in genetic models, scientists found an inverse relationship between HDL cholesterol and EL expression.
ACAT2 is crucial for atherosclerosis development in mice, with nearly twice the cholesterol levels found in control mice. The study suggests that inhibiting ACAT2 may be a potential therapy for treating hardening of the arteries.
A new UC Davis study reveals that C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a key role in the formation of blood clots and plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High CRP levels can be reduced by losing weight, exercising regularly, or taking statin drugs.
A study found that statin use doesn't reduce reproductive hormone levels in premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal women with coronary risk factors. The results provide reassurance on the safety of statins for women in child-bearing age.
A large population-based study of over 5,000 subjects found no association between dietary fat and increased dementia risk. Researchers did not find a link between cholesterol lowering medications and reduced dementia risk.
A recent NHLBI study found that traditional diuretics are more effective than newer antihypertensive medications in treating high blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events. The study, which involved over 42,000 participants, showed that diuretics reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 34% compared to the other groups.
A new study finds that nutrition counseling for high cholesterol patients significantly improves their ability to manage their condition while maintaining or improving their overall health. Patients who received personalized feedback and educational materials reported increased satisfaction with their care and healthier eating habits.
Researchers have solved the three-dimensional structure of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor's extracellular domain, which may help develop treatments for familial hypercholesterolemia. The LDL receptor plays a crucial role in clearing LDL from the blood and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Scientists use lab mice to identify genetic basis of cholesterol absorption, aiming to develop new treatments for heart disease. They pinpoint two chromosome regions as potential sites for genes regulating plant sterol levels, which reflect dietary cholesterol absorption.
A study published in Metabolism found that a vegetarian diet combining soy proteins, nuts, viscous fibers, and plant sterols reduces LDL cholesterol levels by 29%. The combination diet was as effective as the first generation of statin drugs in lowering blood cholesterol.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking Concord grape juice for two weeks increases the resistance of LDL cholesterol to oxidation. This reduction in oxidative stress may contribute to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Two new genes, Abcg5 and Abcg8, play a critical role in cholesterol secretion into the bile, essential for maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. Disrupting these genes can lead to increased plasma levels of cholesterol and plant sterols, associated with premature heart disease.
A study of 774 older men found that high hostility was associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, independent of other risk factors like high cholesterol. The study suggests that mental health interventions may be effective in reducing the risk of CHD for individuals with high hostility levels.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that exercise, regardless of intensity or fitness level, can improve cholesterol levels by increasing the size of particles carrying good and bad cholesterol. The study also showed that standard lipid panels may not accurately measure risk of heart disease.
The World Health Report 2002 reveals that childhood and maternal underweight, unsafe sex, high blood pressure, and tobacco consumption are the leading causes of global burden of disease. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption can be a simple step towards reducing certain risk factors.
The ASCOT trial found that atorvastatin significantly reduced heart attacks and strokes among patients with hypertension and low cholesterol. Patients given atorvastatin suffered less heart attacks and strokes compared to those receiving a placebo treatment.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nurse case management significantly improves risk factor management in patients with coronary heart disease. The program led to healthier diet and exercise patterns, as well as higher achievement of recommended cholesterol levels, compared to minimal intervention.
A randomized trial of simvastatin in 173 children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia found significant reductions in all cholesterol measures. The drug was well-tolerated and did not affect growth or pubertal development, making it a safe option for treating inherited high cholesterol in children.
A population-based study of 2,786 diabetic and non-diabetic postmenopausal women found that HRT had a positive effect on blood levels of fats and glucose. Diabetic women on HRT had significantly lower fasting levels of total cholesterol and higher levels of beneficial high-density lipoprotein.
A study of 58 children with high cholesterol found that girls with hypercholesterolemia were more likely to become overweight or obese by age 11-12 compared to their peers. The researchers propose that abnormally high cholesterol may be a marker of an altered metabolism leading to excess adiposity.
A clinical trial found that consuming almonds daily significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. The study also showed that eating more almonds increased the reduction of 'bad' cholesterol even further, without resulting in weight gain.
A new study found that moderate alcohol consumption increases levels of good cholesterol, reduces inflammation, and protects against heart disease in post-menopausal women. The research suggests that drinking in moderation may be beneficial for women's heart health after menopause, similar to men.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered that C-reactive protein (CRP) binds to oxidized LDL, suggesting a potential trigger for the development of atherosclerosis. The study highlights CRP's role in recognizing phosphocholine on oxidized LDL and apoptotic cells.
A recent study found that simvastatin significantly reduced hsCRP levels in patients with high LDL cholesterol after just two weeks of treatment. The results suggest that statins may work through multiple mechanisms to reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease events.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that c-reactive protein inhibits protective enzyme eNOS, leading to increased plaque formation and heart disease risk. This finding supports the need for new screening guidelines and highlights the importance of measuring c-reactive protein levels in high-risk groups.
Researchers found elevated levels of ceramides and cholesterol esters in spinal cords of people with ALS, leading to motor neuron degeneration. Treating these lipids with a drug called ISP-1 may prevent this process.
A new study found that moderate red wine consumption is associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol in regular drinkers. The researchers discovered that the fatty acid composition of these HDL particles may play a beneficial role in reducing cardiovascular risk.
A study found that consuming soy protein-rich diets can lower total cholesterol and LDL levels, improving cardiovascular health. The effect was seen in both men and women, with no significant difference between high- and low-isoflavone diets.
Researchers found that low-dose extended-release niacin improves lipid levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes. The therapy also raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, a healthier type of cholesterol.
A new study confirms high cholesterol as a significant risk factor for stroke death in women, particularly those under 55. Cholesterol levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke death across all age groups.
Researchers found atazanavir significantly lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (
Researchers identified a new cholesterol disorder caused by mutations in the CYP7A1 gene, leading to elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease. The study found that carriers of the mutation had significantly higher cholesterol levels and were more likely to develop gallstones.
Researchers found less racial variation in female preventive services than expected, with some disparities closing and disappearing. Having a usual source of care significantly boosted the chances of receiving screening for conditions like breast cancer and cervical cancer.
A randomized trial found that lean ground beef fortified with soybean phytosterols lowered plasma total cholesterol by 9.3%, LDL cholesterol by 14.6%, and the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 9.1% in 4 weeks. This study suggests a lower-fat alternative for lowering CVD risk.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a key link between high cholesterol and the development of Alzheimer's disease. Elevated cholesterol levels increase the production of beta amyloid protein, leading to brain cell death and characteristic plaques found in Alzheimer's brains.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified a potential detour for stalled intracellular lipid traffic. This novel approach could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases, including those related to lipid metabolism.
Harden McConnell, a renowned Stanford University chemist, has been awarded the 2002 Welch Award for his pioneering discoveries about cell membranes. His work has provided new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol and activates its immune system.
Dr. McConnell's groundbreaking work on cellular behavior at the molecular level has shed light on interactions between cholesterol and phospholipids, as well as protein-peptide reactions. His research aims to improve understanding of immune surveillance and cholesterol function in cells.
A mobile screening program at 39 Winston Cup race weekends screened 24,000 people, revealing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels as risk factors for heart disease. The screenings also assessed erectile dysfunction and provided health information and advice to participants.
Research found that consuming at least 300mcg of folate per day reduces stroke and cardiovascular disease risk. Folate, a B-vitamin, is found in citrus fruits, leafy greens, beans, and grain products.
Researchers discovered that guggulsterone blocks the FXR receptor, regulating cholesterol metabolism. The study suggests that guggulsterone could lead to new drugs to control cholesterol levels and potentially treat hyperlipidemia.
A study published in Science identifies guggulipid as a target for developing drugs to lower cholesterol. The extract, combined with a cholesterol-lowering diet, reduced cholesterol levels by up to 20%. Researchers are now studying the biochemical reasons behind this effect and its potential impact on other medications.
Men and women who smoked cigarettes had a significantly increased risk of heart attack, with female smokers facing an 80% greater risk than their peers. This contradicts the initial assumption that leanness is cardio-protective, highlighting the need for further research.
A recent study found significant dietary deficiencies in African American females with low incomes, particularly in folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. The study also highlighted excessive energy intake and high levels of saturated fats. To address these concerns, nutrition education is essential to promote healthier eating habits.
Six studies presented at the 2002 Experimental Biology conference support almonds' role in lowering 'bad' cholesterol and protecting against cell damage. Eating a handful of almonds daily may significantly reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, and even lower risk of heart disease by up to 10%.
A new peptide-based vaccine has been shown to reduce arterial plaque formation by 60-70% in mice with high cholesterol levels, according to a study led by Cedars-Sinai's P.K. Shah and the Swedish team of Gunilla Nordick-Fredricksson. The vaccine targets the major protein component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
A UCSF study found that high cholesterol levels are associated with poorer cognitive performance in elderly women. Using statins to lower cholesterol levels was linked to improved cognitive skills, suggesting a potential benefit for preventing Alzheimer's disease.
The study examined PON1 activity in children and adolescents with high lipid levels, finding associations between certain genotypes and HDL cholesterol levels. The researchers also found that dietary fat intake increased over time, contradicting expected trends in the nutritional intervention population.
A recent study published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that wild game meat and grass-fed beef contain a balance of essential fats, including healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of unhealthy omega-6 fat. This ratio is associated with reduced cholesterol levels and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that apolipoprotein B and A-I were strongly linked to increased risk of fatal heart attack in both men and women. Higher concentrations of ApoA-I had a protective effect, suggesting apolipoproteins may be valuable for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that two statins, atorvastatin and simvastatin, significantly reduced remnant lipoprotein (RLP) cholesterol levels, while pravastatin had no effect. This suggests that these drugs may have additional mechanisms for reducing cardiovascular risk beyond just lowering LDL cholesterol.
A combination treatment of statin and niacin reduced cardiovascular events by 60-90%, reversing plaque buildup in the arteries. Antioxidant vitamins had no significant benefit on cardiovascular outcomes, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers have discovered that statins can help alleviate symptoms of cardiac hypertrophy without affecting cholesterol levels. The findings suggest that statins may modulate signaling pathways involved in hypertrophic growth, leading to improved cardiovascular outcomes.
The LIFE-SAVER trial found significant reductions in heart attacks and strokes among high-risk patients, including those with diabetes and low cholesterol levels. Statin treatment can prevent major vascular events in over 70% of patients.
Individuals with normal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may still be at increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly if they carry additional risk factors like central obesity and insulin resistance. Targeting atherogenic dyslipidemia, including abdominal obesity, is recommended to prevent CAD risk.
Brain researchers find that glial cells produce surplus cholesterol to support nerve cell growth and synapse formation. The discovery sheds new light on an often-disdained molecule and offers perspectives for neurobiological research and potential strategies to cure brain lesions.
Researchers found that an egg phospholipid interferes with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, lowering its uptake by the intestine. This may explain why some studies have found no association between egg intake and blood cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that consuming flavonoid-rich chocolate can increase HDL cholesterol and slow down LDL oxidation. This effect may contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.