Cholesterol
UT Southwestern researchers identify HELZ2 protein that controls the liver’s release of cholesterol-carrying particles
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Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center report they have identified a protein, HELZ2, that acts as a key regulator of how many cholesterol-carrying particles the liver releases into the bloodstream by affecting the gene APOB. The study was published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation and could inform future research into heart disease and fatty liver disease.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the University of Oregon report that short DNA molecules known as polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins (PPRHs) suppressed the PCSK9 gene and reduced blood cholesterol in a mouse model. In transgenic mice carrying the human PCSK9 gene, a single injection of one candidate (HpE12) cut plasma PCSK9 by 50% and total cholesterol by 47% three days later, according to findings published in Biochemical Pharmacology.
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Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that the cholesterol drug evolocumab cuts the risk of first-time major cardiovascular events by 31% in high-risk patients with diabetes who lack diagnosed atherosclerosis. The results, from a subgroup analysis of the VESALIUS-CV trial, were presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session and published in JAMA. Patients on the drug saw LDL cholesterol levels drop significantly alongside standard treatments.