Reduce cholesterol without injections

The new drug lowered cholesterol levels by 70%

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

Treatment reduces the level of low-density lipoproteins, an excess of which leads to the appearance of plaques on the walls of blood vessels and the subsequent increase in the risks of many cardiovascular diseases. It is noteworthy that the new therapeutic strategy also promises to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment, since it affects an enzyme that is important both for combating "bad" cholesterol and for enhancing the activity of immunotherapy.

Currently, the main class of cholesterol-lowering drugs are statins, followed by PCSK9 enzyme inhibitors. Important advantages of statins are the availability of the oral form of the drug, and PCSK9 inhibitors must be administered by injection. In a new study, a team from the USA successfully tested PCSK9 inhibitors for the first time, which can be taken in tablet form. The results are reported on the website of the American Community of University Hospitals.

Article by Stomberski et al. A multienzyme S-nitrosylation cascade regulates cholesterol homeostasis is published in the journal Cell Reports – VM.

The central place in the regulation of cholesterol levels is occupied by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, which are located on the surface of liver cells and remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. The role of PCSK9 is to control the number of receptors and remove them, so PCSK9 inhibitors that increase the number of LDL receptors help to cope with excess cholesterol.

In experiments on mouse models, scientists tested a drug based on nitric oxide, which showed effectiveness in binding to PCSK9 and suppressing it. This treatment reduced the level of LDL in animals by 70%.

Currently, research is continuing in two directions. First of all, it is planned to evaluate the potential and safety of therapy for lowering cholesterol levels in humans. In addition, scientists intend to test the drug against cancer.

According to recent studies, targeting PCSK9 may increase the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. PCSK9 actively prevents immune cells from recognizing cancers, so blocking it can enhance the effectiveness of promising treatment.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru