Colorectal Cancer :: Statin use not associated with colorectal cancer risk
Regular use of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins is not associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, according to a population-based case-control study.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol :: Sugars in liver found to clear fats from the bloodstream
In work with mice, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine discovered a factor that could be responsible for many unexplained cases of elevated triglyceride levels.
Cholesterol :: NHS could save millions through smarter prescribing of cholesterol-busting drugs
New figures published show that the NHS could save at least ?85m a year through more efficient prescribing of statins, the drugs that lower cholesterol. Second ‘Better Care, better value’ indicators show productivity gains across the NHS.
Pancreatitis :: Acute pancreatitis risk low with statins
New research reveals that while cholesterol-lowering drugs do increase the risk of painful inflammation of the pancreas, the side effect is relatively rare, according to Sonal Singh, M.D., from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and colleagues.
Liver :: Liver X Receptor’s role in glucose metabolism and fat synthesis
In a new study, scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have described for the first time a glucose-activated sensor that acts as a switch to decrease production of endogenous glucose in the liver, and increase conversion of glucose to fat for storage in adipose tissue. This dual action makes the sensor, Liver X Receptor, a potential target for new therapies aimed at obesity and diabetes. The research may also have implications for heart disease and stroke.
Gene :: Longevity gene also preserves ability to think clearly
A gene variant linked to living a very long life–to 90 and beyond–also serves to help very old people think clearly and retain their memories, according to new research by scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Their findings are published in the December 26, 2006 issue of Neurology.
Trans Fat :: Trans fat ban – Watch saturated fats and calories too
The New York City trans fat ban is a step in the right direction, but the regulation that requires some restaurants to display calories as prominently as price is just as important. Also missing in the discussion? Replacing trans fat will saturated fat would be problematic.
HIV :: HIV treatments improve health, but nutritional issues remain
New studies on nutrition and HIV from researchers at Tufts University in Boston find that a high percentage of people with HIV have the same two characteristics of metabolic syndrome, and that people with HIV on HAART may be at risk for zinc deficiency.
Prostate Cancer :: Statin use decreases prostate cancer risk
Use of cholesterol-lowering medications called statins is not associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer overall, but it is associated with a decreased risk of advanced disease, a large prospective study finds.
Kidney :: Best treatment approach for narrowed kidney arteries
Whether reopening narrowed kidney arteries benefits patients is a $1.7 billion question a North American study hopes to answer.