According to the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, rise of HDL cholesterol is a result of mutation in the gene LIPG. This gene regulates an enzyme called endothelial lipase and inhibition of this enzyme is found to cause high levels of this good cholesterol in the blood.
Genes are the chemical instructions in the body which guide the naturally found chemicals called enzymes. These enzymes are involved in carrying out various types of bodily processes. Uncontrollable factors in the environment cause changes in the structure of genes (technically called mutation), markedly changing their functional capabilities.
Knowledge Gained from the Research on HDL Cholesterol Genetic Link:
- 585 participants of European ancestry were part of the study involving analysis of their genes.
- It was found that 10 people had mutation in the gene LIPG previously unreported.
- This rare event was responsible for very high levels of HDL cholesterol in them.
- A closer look revealed that the mutation in the gene lead to no activity of the endothelial lipase enzyme which is believed to be the reason for the rise of this cholesterol level in the blood.
- The study is the first of its kind to provide genetic evidence in humans about raised HDL levels.
- Further study is focused on knowing whether inhibition of endothelial lipase enzyme can have impact on cardiovascular disease treatment.
Significance of the Research on HDL Cholesterol Genetic Link:
This form of cholesterol is considered as the good one. Presence of it in higher levels helps in removal of plaque. Plaque is cell debris which blocks the flow of oxygen rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Any such eventuality is the root cause for all heart ailments.
As of now, doctors advise patients to regularly exercise and have diet which increases the levels of this cholesterol in the blood to treat heart complications. But, knowledge of the gene and enzyme regulating the metabolism of this cholesterol can open the doors for novel treatment methods in future.
