Although diabetics have a greater risk of developing atherosclerosis, a new study indicates that “good” cholesterol may help fight it.
Studying diabetes and atherosclerosis
Scientists from New York University School of Medicine wanted to know if increasing HDL levels (also known as “good” cholesterol) could help fight atherosclerosis in diabetics. They decided to focus on “functional HDL,” that is, the kind that promotes the extraction of cholesterol from cells.
For the study, which used mice with diabetes and atherosclerosis, the researchers raised functional HDL levels by increasing the amounts of apoA-1 either through an injection into their bloodstream or by using mice that were genetically engineered to boost the production of apoA-1.
Both groups of mice with increased functional HDL levels saw a boost in the reversal of atherosclerosis. In fact, it reduced inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques by half and blocked certain white blood cells called neutrophils from contributing to reduced blood flow in atherosclerosis. Mice who also received a treatment to lower “bad” cholesterol had an additional 30% boost in the reversal of atherosclerosis.
“For the study, we built our own version of the HDL particle, called reconstituted HDL,” says first author Tessa Barrett, Ph.D., “which promises to become the basis for new kinds of functional HDL treatments that finally reduce the residual risk for cardiovascular disease not addressed currently.”
The research was published in the journal Circulation.
Why it matters to diabetics
For many people with diabetes, health issues are already a major concern. But with an increased risk of developing hardened arteries, this new research could be a major breakthrough. The plaque buildup from atherosclerosis can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Although this was only a preclinical study, the investigative team hopes that the results may lead to more effective treatments for atherosclerosis down the road.
