Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Lipid Lab
Rockefeller University scientists have discovered a gene, Pcsk9 (again with no cool name), the overexpression of which leads to high blood LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. The gene blocks the liver's LDL receptors, which are needed to remove LDL from the blood.
This is cool research, and I'm glad we know more about this subject, as heart disease is a big problem in this country. However, I wonder if we aren't focusing too much on LDL, and ignoring triglyceride levels, which may be more crucial to heart problems?
This is cool research, and I'm glad we know more about this subject, as heart disease is a big problem in this country. However, I wonder if we aren't focusing too much on LDL, and ignoring triglyceride levels, which may be more crucial to heart problems?
