Stockholm, Sweden – The liver appears to play a surprisingly important role in fighting heart disease. Scientists at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute have discovered that immune cells found in the liver, kupffer cellswhich is important for removing excess cholesterol from the blood and may avoid the development of atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol is essential for hormone production and the formation of cell membranes, but when levels are too high in the blood, it can pose a serious risk to cardiovascular health. Specifically, LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol,” can build up in your arteries and form plaques that restrict or block blood flow. This condition, known as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death worldwide.

To find out how the body responds to a sudden rise in cholesterol, researchers devised an experiment that effectively triggered a “cholesterol bomb” in mice, causing blood cholesterol levels to rise rapidly.

“We found that the liver responded almost immediately and removed some of the excess cholesterol,” study lead author Steven Marin, from the Karolinska Institutet Solna Faculty of Medicine, said in a media release.

Interestingly, the response arose not from the typical cells of the liver, but from Kupffer cells. These immune cells are responsible for identifying and eliminating harmful substances such as excess cholesterol. The findings in mice were further supported by observations in human tissue samples, highlighting a universal biological response.

“We were surprised to learn that the liver appears to be the first line of defense against excess cholesterol, and Kupffer cells play a role in this role,” Marin said. “This shows that the liver’s immune system is actively involved in regulating cholesterol levels and that atherosclerosis is a systemic disease that affects multiple organs, not just the arteries. It suggests.”

This study opens new avenues for understanding the complex interplay between liver, cholesterol, and cardiovascular health. By uncovering how different organs respond to and manage high cholesterol levels, a team at Karolinska Institutet aims to develop a more comprehensive approach to preventing or treating both cardiovascular and liver disease. We want to develop effective strategies.

“Our next step is to examine how other organs respond to excess cholesterol and how they interact with the liver and blood vessels in atherosclerosis.” ” explains Marin. “This could help us develop more comprehensive and effective strategies to combat this common and deadly disease.”

Research published in journals Nature cardiovascular researchFunding was received from the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, the Leducq Foundation Networks of Excellence B Cell Program in Cardiovascular Diseases, the EU Seventh Framework Program FP7, the Swedish Research Council, and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Award.

Understand the dangers of high cholesterol

High cholesterol is a silent threat that lurks in your bloodstream and often goes unnoticed until it causes serious health complications. This condition affects millions of people around the world and is a major risk factor for major causes of death such as heart disease and stroke. Understanding the dangers of high cholesterol is critical to taking steps to protect your heart health and overall health.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is present in every cell of your body. It is essential for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. Our bodies produce all the cholesterol we need, but we also get it from animal foods such as meat and dairy products.

There are two main types of cholesterol.

• LDL (low density lipoprotein): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol particles throughout the body. LDL cholesterol builds up in artery walls, making them hard and narrow.
• HDL (high density lipoprotein): Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL scavenges excess cholesterol and returns it to the liver for removal from the body. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the lower the risk of heart disease.

High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms. However, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease is significantly increased. Here’s how:

• atherosclerosis: This condition is characterized by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) on artery walls, which can restrict blood flow. These plaques can rupture and cause blood clots.
• heart attack: If the plaque ruptures and forms a blood clot, blocking the arteries that feed the heart, it can cause a heart attack.
• stroke: Similarly, if a blood clot blocks the blood vessels that feed the brain, it can cause a stroke.

Risk factors that cause high cholesterol

• unbalanced eating habits: Consuming large amounts of saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol.
• obesity: If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, you are at risk.
• Lack of exercise: Regular exercise helps boost your body’s HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
• smoking: Smoking cigarettes damages blood vessel walls, making it easier for fat deposits to accumulate.
• Year: As we age, the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol decreases.
• family history: If someone in your family has high cholesterol levels, you may be at increased risk.

The good news is that high cholesterol can often be prevented and managed with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Here are some tips to keep your cholesterol levels in check.

• eat heart-healthy food: Focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and “good” fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
• regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week.
• quit smoking: Quitting smoking improves HDL cholesterol levels.
• maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight lowers LDL and increases HDL cholesterol levels.
• Regular checkup: Regular screening of cholesterol levels helps detect high cholesterol early and allows timely intervention.