Researchers from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute found that rare mutations in a single gene called ABCA1 can contribute to low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called “good cholesterol”. This genetic influence was not apparent previously.
The study, conducted by Drs. Yves Marcel, Ruth McPherson, and Robert Kiss, along with Dr. Jonathan Cohen and his research team in Dallas, Texas, was featured in the August 6, 2004 issue of Science magazine.
Researchers looked at a large group of people with normal or very low levels of HDL. Individuals with low levels of HDL have a greater risk of heart disease.
The build-up of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – the “bad cholesterol” – against artery walls is a major cause of atherosclerosis and, ultimately, heart disease. HDL helps prevent this build-up by acting as a scavenger that carries LDL back to the liver for further metabolism.
Related Link:
Full article in Science magazine (for University of Ottawa users only)
