New Drug Boosts 'Good' Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy steroid of fat that is produced in the liver or intestines. It is used to produce hormones and cell membranes and is transported in the blood plasma of all mammals.It is an essential structural component of mammalian cell membranes and is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. In addition, cholesterol is an important component for the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol is the principal sterol synthesized by animals; however, small quantities can be synthesized in other eukaryotes such as plants and fungi. It is almost completely absent among prokaryotes including bacteria.Although cholesterol is important and necessary for mammals, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can damage arteries and are potentially linked to diseases such as those associated with the cardiovascular system (heart disease). A treatment currently being studied may prevent progression of atherosclerosis, a condition caused by the build-up of plaque in artery walls that can lead to heart attack, according to new research. In conducting the study, published in the Sept. 12 issue of The Lancet, researchers followed 130 patients with atherosclerosis who were randomly assigned to be treated with either the experimental heart drug dalcetrapib, or an inactive placebo over the course of two years. In the double-blind study, neither the researchers nor the patients knew who was taking the heart drug and who was taking the placebo. While statin drugs are commonly used to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, dalcetrapib raises HDL or "good" cholesterol in order to reduce the risk, the researchers explained. To determine the efficacy of dalcetrapib, the researchers used non-invasive imaging technology. Through MRI, the researchers found the patients on dalcetrapib had a 31 percent increase in "good" HDL cholesterol levels. Additional PET/CT scans showed that inflammation levels in the carotid artery of patients were significantly reduced only among those taking dalcetrapib. The carotid arteries are responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the head and neck. "We are excited about the results obtained in this trial, which could have a great impact on the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease," said Fayad, who disclosed receiving financial compensation as a scientific advisory board member from the study's sponsor, Hoffmann-La Roche, whose holding company makes dalcetrapib. Fayad noted imaging technology could be a vital tool for evaluating other treatments for heart disease. SOURCE: Mount Sinai Hospital, news release, Sept. 12, 2011