New research shows that it may be possible to reverse atherosclerosis by targeting high density lipoprotein.

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation have just trialled a groundbreaking new therapy in a small group of patients who had had heart attacks. They infused a protein which is based upon a genetic variant of apolipoprotein found in some inhabitants living in northern Italy.

Apolipoprotein helps to carry cholesterol around the body. The variant, known as Apo1-1 Milano, seems to protect from heart disease. People with the variant have low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL or 'bad') cholesterol, yet they do not seem to have the expected build up of atherosclerosis in their coronary arteries.

In this study, imaging was used to show that atherosclerosis actually regressed in the patients given Apo-1 Milano, while it continued to build up in those on placebo. Further research into this radical treatment is needed, to see if it really is possible to reverse the fatty build up - atherosclerosis - in the arteries and so prevent heart attacks.

Source

Journal of the American Medical Association 4th November 2003