Topic: Health

Scientists have developed a new way to reduce bad cholesterol levels by nearly 50% without using medication. This method uses special DNA-based molecules called polypurine hairpins (PPRHs). The study was published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology.

High levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream can cause heart disease and damage arteries. Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the University of Oregon have found a new way to control cholesterol levels. They focused on a protein called PCSK9, which plays a key role in regulating bad cholesterol levels. By blocking the production of this protein using PPRHs, the treatment helps cells absorb more cholesterol, reducing the amount circulating in the blood and limiting buildup in arteries.

The study was led by Carles J. Ciudad and Verònica Noé from the University of Barcelona's Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), working with Nathalie Pamir at the University of Oregon in Portland (United States). Funding came from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICINN) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States.

The findings were published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology. The study describes for the first time how two specific PPRHs, called HpE9 and HpE12, reduce both PCSK9 RNA and protein while boosting LDL receptor levels.

Why It Matters

This new approach could be a game-changer for people with high cholesterol levels who want to avoid medication side effects. It also highlights the importance of research in finding innovative solutions to complex health problems.

Key Facts

• The new treatment reduces bad cholesterol levels by nearly 50% without using medication.
• The method uses special DNA-based molecules called polypurine hairpins (PPRHs).
• The study was published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology.
• Funding came from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICINN) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States.
• The findings were led by Carles J. Ciudad and Verònica Noé from the University of Barcelona's Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), working with Nathalie Pamir at the University of Oregon in Portland (United States).

Key Terms

PCSK9

A protein that plays a central role in regulating bad cholesterol levels

Implications

This new approach could be a game-changer for people with high cholesterol levels who want to avoid medication side effects. It also highlights the importance of research in finding innovative solutions to complex health problems.