Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Link Between Cholesterol And Heart Disease Explained



Science Daily — Cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis - a condition that greatly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke - by suppressing the activity of a key protein that protects the heart and blood vessels, researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine have found


Until now, however, the process by which cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis has not been well understood.


Using an animal model, Chun-Lin Chen, a senior graduate student on Dr. Huang's research team, found that cholesterol limits the activity of a key protective protein called transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta serves many important functions in the body; in the heart, it protects the aorta and other vessels from damage caused by a variety of factors, including hypertension and high blood cholesterol levels.



Cholesterol, however, suppresses the responsiveness of cardiovascular cells to TGF-beta and its protective qualities - thus allowing atherosclerosis to develop. Similarly, the research found that statins, drugs that lower cholesterol levels, enhance the responsiveness of cardiovascular cells to the protective actions of TGF-beta, thus helping prevent the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease

Dr. Huang believes that this research could lead to the development of novel and effective therapies to treat or prevent atherosclerosis. For example, drugs that enhance or promote the protective activity of TGF-beta in cardiovascular cells should be effective in treating or preventing atherosclerosis, alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering agents.




Link


TGF-bata could be a key factor in the elimination  of heart disease.


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Biomedical researchers pinpoint gene that produces good cholesterol


A team of global scientists have identified the gene that regulates "good cholesterol," which may provide insight into a possible cure for heart disease.
San Antonio's Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and an international team of researchers unveiled a new discovery method for pinpointing genetic causes for diseases


Researchers used this very method for identifying the gene VNN1, which regulates the production of high density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as good cholesterol. In contrast, too much low density lipoproteins, or the bad cholesterol, has been linked to the build up of plaque in the circulatory system.




This study could indicate a way to proceed in the elimination of heart disease. Watch for more on the gene VNN1.


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