A vaccine that will lower cholesterol levels
Although vaccinations are mostly used to fight pathogens, scientists have developed ways to b, how to get the body’s immune system to fight bad LDL cholesterol – (low-density lipoprotein). In a paper published on „European Heart Journal”, Researchers have shown how b vaccine stimulates the immune system to fight the PCSK9 enzyme, which ry stops the natural clearing of LDL from the blood.
The therapy had previously been successfully tested in mice. The good results have allowed research to begin on the effectiveness of AT04A, as the vaccine is called, in humans. During the experiment, genetically modified mice were fed food „Western-style”, to induce high levels of bad cholesterol. After taking AT04A, cholesterol levels dropped by 53 percent., and atherosclerotic blood vessel lesions were reduced by 64 percent. To this, biological markers of process In inflammatory blood vessels were reduced by 21-28 percent in por n comparison with mice, which rym not given a vaccine.
High LDL levels in humans are caused by genetic factors and poor lifestyle. People who eat a poor diet, kt re to do so have low physical activity are at risk of developing j disease b of the cardiovascular system. Currently used drugs – Statins – serve their purpose, but require daily intake. They also cause some side effects in some patients.
– Cholesterol lowering was significantly correlated with antibody levels proving that the antibodies were the ones that lowered cholesterol levels and were ultimately responsible for reducing the development of arteriosclerosis – said Dr. Günther staffler from the company AFFiRis, who ry was wsp author of the study. – Since the concentration of antibodies remained high at the end of the study, it can be assumed that they continue to lower cholesterol levels after a certain period of time, which has a long-lasting effect – added.
If the vaccine is able to repeat repeat the same beneficial effects in humans, it could lead to effective therapies that re would only require an annual visit to the doctor, increasing patient comfort. Human tests are currently being conducted on 72 os b. This process is expected to end by the end of the year.
