Finding the Root cause of High Cholesterol

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – It’s an epidemic sweeping the nation. About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year, but a new discovery could improve prevention and treatment of the disease.

Canadian scientists showed a protein called, resistin, secreted by fat tissue, causes high levels of bad cholesterol. The research showed resistin increases production of LDL in human liver cells and also degrades LDL receptors in the liver, accelerating the accumulation of LDL in arteries.

The research led by Doctor Shirya Rashid at McMaster University also showed that resistin adversely impacts the effects of statins used in the treatment and prevention of heart disease.

"The bigger implication of our results is that high blood resistin levels may be the cause of the inability of statins to lower patients' LDL cholesterol," Dr. Shirya Rashid, assistant professor in the department of medicine at McMaster University, was quoted saying.

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. About 40 percent of Canadians have high blood pressure and Dr. Beth Abramsom from the Heart and Stroke Foundation says is a big concern.

"The possibilities for improved therapy for the causes of cardiovascular disease are very important," Dr. Abramsom was quoted as saying.

Scientists believe the discovery could lead to revolutionary new therapeutic drugs that target and inhibit resistin. Meanwhile Doctors warn the best prevention is still maintaining a proper weight and a healthy diet.

"It's equally important to take your medications as directed by your physician to help further reduce risks," Dr. Abramsom was quoted as saying.

Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
 

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