NUCCA News - Enzyme Connected to Atherosclerosis

Reported January 23, 2003

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study shows an enzyme found in the liver and intestines may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to heart attacks and stroke.

The enzyme is called ACAT2. Researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco conducted a study in mice to see if ACAT2 is connected to the development of atherosclerosis. Researchers say mice are the only animals that can be genetically modified to test the disease process.

For the study, researchers used mice that were missing the gene that makes ACAT2, and, therefore, had almost none of the enzyme. These mice were compared to other mice that had normal levels of the enzyme.

Researchers say they found, "The absence of ACAT2 in the small intestine and liver almost completely prevented the development of atherosclerosis. These studies implicate ACAT2 activity as a major determinant of susceptibility to atherosclerosis." Specifically, researchers report the total cholesterol levels were 2.5-times lower in the mice without the enzyme.

The study results suggest that drugs that inhibit ACAT2 may be a key in the treatment of atherosclerosis in humans. Researchers say this has not been studied in humans yet, but should be considered in the future.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, published in January 21 online edition

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