While we know that there is bad and good cholesterol, our knowledge of how the latter is formed is poor. Recent research from Kyoto University has shed light on how this kind of cholesterol (High-density lipoprotein or HDL) which plays a vital role in safeguarding heart health is produced.
Scientists used special fast cameras to watch how our cells make this good cholesterol particles. They saw ABCA1 (a kind of protein) assembling brand new HDL particles on the cell’s surface much like a factory worker would build something piece by piece. By actually watching this process happen, scientists can now see exactly how these protective cholesterol particles are put together.
For many years, scientists had thought HDL particles just formed on their own naturally without any help.
Better understanding was attained in 1999 when a major study found that ABCA1 actively builds HDL particles.
Now that it has been found how exactly the protein does it, it will lead to the creation of medicines for people whose bodies can’t make or move cholesterol properly. Using the factory analogy, now that they know how the assembly line works, they can fix it where and when it breaks down.
HDL picks up extra cholesterol from your body and carries it to the liver. The liver then gets rid of it safely. This cleanup process is important because it stops arteries from getting clogged with fatty buildup (called plaque), which can cause heart attacks and strokes.
When this system doesn’t work right, people can develop serious heart and blood vessel problems.
For populations in Asia, cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death, overtaking infectious disease as economies and lifestyles shift. South Asians often face unique cholesterol challenges as they have low HDL levels which put them at a greater risk for heart diseases. Even with low ‘bad cholesterol’ South Asians because of low HDL remain at higher health risks. Low HDL is three times more common than high LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) in South Asian patients with early heart disease. Moreover people from some countries, including India, have a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to the general American population.
The typical South Asian lipid profile has elevated triglycerides (a kind of fat that the body uses for energy) low HDL cholesterol levels, and elevated lipoprotein(a) levels. The last is a particle that carries fat and cholesterol through the blood. Since lipoprotein(a) levels are genetically determined, lifestyle modifications are necessary to influence HDL levels.
Experts suggest that South Asians need to pay special attention to raising their HDL levels through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and medical treatment when necessary. Moreover, regular cholesterol screening is important even at younger ages.