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.
TGF-bata could be a key factor in the elimination of heart disease.
Tags: Heart Disease, LDL, HDL
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