By Xinhua
London : British scientists have discovered genes linked with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, high levels of which could cause clogging of the arteries.
A team of researchers from Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry carried out a study of the entire human DNA sequence to pinpoint which genes might be involved, BBC reported Saturday.
The team found a new region on chromosome 1 that appeared to influence the LDL cholesterol.
This DNA was associated with a six percent increase in blood LDL levels, the researchers said.
“Our study found new genes for serum LDL, the cholesterol which furs arteries. We believe our findings are of significant clinical importance as they are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. They also represent excellent targets for new medicines,” Patricia Munroe said.
The finding has the potential to develop new drugs to help lower cholesterol levels, which in turn could help thousands of heart patients across Britain, where coronary heart disease is the biggest killer.
Cardiovascular disease kills 233,000 people in Britain every year and an estimated 16.7 million people die every year worldwide.