Cardiovascular
New DNA-based therapy reduces cholesterol by nearly 50 percent
Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the University of Oregon have developed a DNA-based treatment that targets the PCSK9 gene to lower cholesterol levels without the side effects of statins. Using polypurine hairpins, the therapy increases cholesterol uptake by cells and reduces artery-clogging lipids in animal models. The findings, published in Biochemical Pharmacology, suggest a safer alternative for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Two common drugs show promise against fatty liver disease
Reported by AI
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have discovered that combining two existing medications, pemafibrate and telmisartan, significantly reduces liver fat in animal models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This approach could offer a safer treatment option for the condition, which affects about one in three adults worldwide. The findings highlight the potential of drug repurposing to address a disease with limited current therapies.