Inflammation Linked to High Cholesterol
Chronic inflammation is an important factor in many conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), arthritis, digestive disorders, and more.
In a recent study published in the top journal Science, researchers at the University of Chicago identified what seems to be a key link between the immune system and high blood lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels.
Specifically, the scientists found that when tumor necrosis factor cytokines (immune system messengers) were over-expressed on T cells (white blood cells that regulate immune response and attack virus-infected, foreign, and cancer cells) in mice, that blood lipid levels rose.
Since the liver and intestines are believed to be primarily responsible for regulating blood lipid levels, the researchers also looked at the livers of the mice. The liver secretes an enzyme called hepatic lipase, which breaks down lipids (e.g., VLDL, triglycerides). The scientists observed that the livers of mice that had T cells expressing greater inflammatory cytokines produced less hepatic lipase, and thus had higher blood lipid levels.
As one of the study’s co-authors notes, the implications of this finding could be far-reaching:
“Those with inflammatory problems such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel syndrome have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, often associated with elevated lipid levels,” added co-author Godfrey Getz, MD, PhD, professor of pathology, biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Chicago. “This study may explain why.”
Causes of Increased Inflammation
There are many potential causes of elevated inflammation in the body, including:
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Obesity
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Nutritional deficiencies
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Toxins - heavy metals, pesticides
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Infections - bacterial, viral, fungal, parasites
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Sleep deprivation
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Stress - psychological and physical
As this study suggests, by controlling inflammation, you may be able to help manage elevated blood lipids levels, which may be associated with increased heart disease risk.
It may be the case, though, that the increased inflammation and related oxidative stress are actually more of a problem than the high blood lipids themselves. Even though reducing LDL cholesterol levels is an accepted primary target in heart disease prevention, there is some debate whether high cholesterol levels should be such a focus. Identifying and addressing root causes of inflammation, such as those listed above, may be equally, if not more, important steps in preventing disease.
Substances to Control Inflammation
Today, we know of several nutritional supplements that may help to reduce inflammatory cytokine levels, including:
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Essential fatty acids - fish oil, borage oil
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Vitamin D
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Vitamin E - natural, broad-based form
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Curcumin
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Boswellia
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Quercetin
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And others …
Of course, supplements are only part of the picture. Maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding and/or safely removing toxin exposure, controlling infections, getting adequate/restful sleep, and managing stress all also play important roles in reducing inflammation.
You can learn more about heart disease and putting together an organized plan to help prevent or treat it here.
Related Posts
Fish Oil Widely Used in Europe to Prevent & Treat Heart Disease - Why Not in the U.S.?
Which Type of Abdominal Fat Promotes Inflammation, Increases Disease Risk?
Curcumin’s Anti-arthritis Potential
(Image: Roche)
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