Researchers find gene that reduces bad cholesterol

Swedish scientists from the Karolinksa Institute have now identified a gene that reduces levels of bad cholesterol and combats atherosclerosis - a condition brought about by thickening of inner walls of arteries carrying blood to the heart.

Research conducted on mice has found that the build up of the plaque that causes myocardial infarction and stroke can be prevented if the levels of the "bad" LDL cholesterol are reduced before atherosclerotic plaque has progressed beyond a certain point.

Johan Bjorkegren, the leader of the study stated: "Previously, much atherosclerosis research was focussed on identifying ways to stabilise the most dangerous plaques in order to prevent them rupturing and causing myocardial infarction or stroke"

But now, they have also been able to identify a network of 37 genes that actually lowers levels of blood cholesterol and brings about beneficial effect.