Cholesterol vaccine

Scientists have created a vaccination against atherosclerosisABC Journal based on the Journal of Experimental Medicine: Inhibition of T cell response to native low-density lipoprotein reduces atherosclerosis

Swedish scientists from the Karolinska Medical Institute (Sweden) have proved that T-lymphocytes can attack "bad" cholesterol (LDL), which eventually leads to inflammation and atherosclerosis. The development of a vaccine binding T-lymphocyte receptors made it possible to significantly slow down the development of atherosclerosis in animals.

Cholesterol is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, and its particles activate the body's immune defense, causing an inflammatory reaction. Atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots lead to the development of stroke or heart attack.

Previously, it was believed that the cause of inflammation is the reaction of T-lymphocytes to oxidized LDL fractions that are part of the atherosclerotic plaque. However, scientists have found that T-lymphocytes do not react to oxidized LDL, but to normal ones. Usually, the body itself regulates the behavior of T-lymphocytes as long as LDL is in the blood, liver and lymph nodes. But if "bad" cholesterol accumulates in the walls of the artery, T-lymphocytes are activated and inflammation develops. A drug that blocks T-lymphocyte receptors that recognize LDL slows down the development of atherosclerosis by 60-70%.

Interestingly, the data obtained allow us to explain the ineffectiveness of antioxidants in cardiovascular diseases. When using antioxidants, the researchers explain, LDL oxidation does not occur, which does not prevent T-lymphocytes from triggering an inflammatory reaction in blood vessels and even, possibly, leads to its intensification.

The vaccine has been successfully tested on animals and now scientists hope to get similar results for patients at high risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru11.05.2010