Discover genetic relationships with cholesterol

Research can lead to inventions of atherosclerotic drugs and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered a link between a gene that is believed to promote longer lifespan & can scare away cholesterol from the body through the accumulation of particles. High-density lipoprotein (HDL: high density lipoprotein), ie " good " lipoprotein.

According to Vietnamese Wikipedia, 'High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles are synthesized and metabolized in the liver and intestines. Primary HDL takes cholesterol from peripheral tissues. The higher the number of HDL particles, the better the health consequences; and vice versa, the less this number, the greater the risk of atherosclerosis'.

This discovery will help researchers make drugs with low risk for treating high levels of cholesterol buildup in the body, including atherosclerosis (arterial obstruction). and Alzheimer's disease.

The study is directed to focus on the SIRT1 gene, which helps researchers prevent cholesterol buildup by building a cell duct to expel cholesterol from the body via HDL.

Biology professor Leonard Guarente, currently working at MIT, is the author of a work published on October 12 in the Molecular Cell publication, saying: 'SITR1 gene controls the flow of cholesterol & is It is predicted to play a role in preventing aging as well as diseases related to cholesterol '.

Drugs that enhance the effects of SIRT1 may help reduce the risk of cholesterol-related diseases, Guarente said. Potential drugs can be synthesized from polyphenols, which are found in red wine and enhance the activity of SIRT1. However, the natural content of this substance in red wine is not high enough to reduce significantly the level of cholesterol accumulation.

In previous studies, Guarente showed that high levels of SIRT1 can be achieved by minimizing calorie-rich foods, but this is an unattractive solution for most people.

Leonard Guarente, professor of biology at MIT & author of the paper published on October 12 in the Molecular Cell publication.

'If you have a drug that can increase the function of the SIRT1 gene, this could replicate the effects of restricting calorie-rich foods,' Guarente said. " This is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but it can be a real potential supplement to help you stay healthy."

The mammalian cousin of SIRT1 is the SIR2 gene, a gene that has been confirmed to slow down the aging process in brewer's yeast & roundworms. The researchers were surprised to find similar effects of the SIRT1 gene.

In a new research direction, the researchers discovered low levels of the SIRT1 gene that led to the overlaying of cholesterol on macrophages, a type of immune cells called LXR (liver). X receptors, thanks to them, protein activity is reduced.

LXR is responsible for transporting cholesterol out of macrophages. When cholesterol is too full, macrophages can be peeled into plaques that clog arteries. SIRT1 is full of LXR activity, so cholesterol will be expelled from macrophages and expelled from the body through HDL accumulation.

The study was funded by the US National Institutes of Health and directed by Xiaoling Li and Songwen Zhan colleagues, Gil Blander eanette Tse and Monty Krieger currently teaching at MIT's Department of Biology.

© Nam Hy Hoang Phong - Email: eduvietnam@yahoo.de. Translating from MIT links gene to cholesterol , MIT News.