Private MD News

Researchers model good cholesterol molecules

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

A team of researchers from the University of Cincinnati has uncovered the structure of HDL, or good cholesterol, molecules. They believe that the findings could lead to the development of more effective medications that help individuals improve their cholesterol test scores.

It has long been known that higher levels of good cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. However, scientists have had difficulty working on medications that artificially raise it. The findings may aid in this quest.

The team reported in the journal Nature Structure and Molecular Biology that they observed HDL molecules forming a chain-like structure that encapsulates fat molecules. This is how the substance transports fat molecules to various parts of the body, including the liver where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body.

"This work presents the first detailed models of human plasma HDL and has important implications for understanding key interactions in plasma that modulate its protective functions in the context of cardiovascular disease," said Sean Davidson, who led the investigation.