New Weapon Against Cholesterol

New Weapon Against Cholesterol

Excess cholesterol can cause buildup of fat that can clog blood vessels that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Particles that carrying cholesterol throughout the blood vessels, popularly known as "good particles" (HDL) or "bad particles" (LDL).

Called bad cholesterol when excess is dragged causing fat accumulation or blockage in the artery walls (atherosclerosis), whereas both the name given when they are able to bring cholesterol back to the liver for disposal.

Now, scientists have created the small particles in laboratory-like particle carriers (carrier) is good, so that cholesterol can be transported before they could settle and cause plaques. Particle surface is coated in fat and protein so they could tie themselves with cholesterol for subsequent transport to the blood vessels.

"These particles in the future will be important in the treatment of cardiovascular disease management," said Dr.Andre Nel, head of division of nanomedicine and the director of the Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA.

Nel explains, these particles have the same shape as the natural HDL particles circulating in the blood. This artificial substance carrier capable of cleaning the blood vessels and there are plaques can rupture and cause a stroke or heart attack.

HDL particles are made later is not only useful for cardiovascular therapy but also diagnosis. To facilitate monitoring, the experts also put metal objects and gold in the center of the particle. "So these particles will be visible through imaging technology," said Nel.

Studies in the field of nanotechnology, nanoparticles that produce good cholesterol (HDL) was also done by scientists from universities Northwestern University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Manhattan.

Scientists now also has completed research on animal testing and will soon conduct further studies in larger animal models. "If there are no proven side effects, we can make it as a drug to prevent the plaque in arteries. This will be a revolution in cardiology," he said.