Lipoprotein alpha: thrombogenesis linked to atherogenesis at last?
Article Abstract:
Arterial thrombosis, the development of blood clots in arteries, usually occurs when a lesion in an artery that has become atherosclerotic, i.e. that has a build-up of plaque inside it, has ruptured. This often results in heart attack or stroke. Plaque consists of cholesterol, lipids and cellular debris. Recent research shows a link between thrombosis and plaque formation. A type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipoprotein(a), causes blood coagulation by preventing the production of plasmin, a molecule that dissolves fibrin blood clots. Lipoprotein(a) is present on atherosclerotic arteries of the heart but not on normal blood vessels. Therefore, clots are not readily dissolved in atherosclerotic arteries and plaque buildup occurs. Recent studies show that high levels of lipoprotein(a) are associated with increased risk of heart disease in inherited familial hypercholesterolemia, excessive blood levels of cholesterol. Studies are being carried out to learn about the synthesis of lipoprotein(a) and what factors determine the concentration of lipoprotein(a) in the blood. It is known that blood concentrations of lipoprotein(a) depend on metabolic factors. The understanding of the metabolism and function of lipoprotein(a) will enable further understanding of atherosclerosis and the possibility of preventing heart disease.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1989
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Familial combined hyperlipidaemia linked to the apolipoprotein AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster on chromosome 11q23-q24
Article Abstract:
Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is an inherited disorder of fat metabolism that causes as many as 10 percent of the cases of premature disease of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with blood. One fifth of the patients with FCHL develop premature coronary heart disease. FCHL sufferers have elevated blood cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels, as well as abnormal low-density lipoproteins (forms in which fats are carried in the blood). To better characterize the gene defect associated with FCHL, members of eight FCHL families were studied. Techniques of DNA analysis and linkage analysis were used to identify the gene cluster associated with FCHL in the families evaluated. It was found to be the AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster, which contained the X2 allele in half the affected families. This region appears to carry a genetic defect that causes a metabolic disorder that in turn predisposes the individual to develop premature coronary heart disease. Further research is needed to identify the mutation present in people at risk. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1991
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Message change for a fat controller
Article Abstract:
Scientist C.M. Burns conducted a study regarding RNA editing involving the insertion, deletion and modification of nucleotides. It was observed that in nuclear transcripts, RNA editing is more discrete compared with those in organelles. Double-stranded RNAs are used to identify editing sites in pre-mitochondrial RNAs. Moreover, cation-specific receptor channels are activated with the release of glutamate at the mammalian central nervous system.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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