Cholesterol crystals induce inflammation in artery walls

21 May 2010

Cholesterol crystals contribute to cardiovascular disease by inciting inflammation in the coronary arteries, a new study shows.

Scientists at Michigan State University (MSU) found that cholesterol crystals activate a biomarker called NLRP3, which in turn brings about inflammation in the artery walls of mice.

The researchers, whose findings are published in the journal Nature, believe that the discovery could pave the way for new treatments for heart disease.

George Abela, chief of the cardiology division in MSU's College of Human Medicine, commented: "What we have found now, at the cellular level, is that the crystals are an early cause rather than a late consequence of inflammation."

Dr Abela revealed that cholesterol crystals form "very early" in the process of heart disease, meaning that they could be treated at an early stage.

"We can target new therapies by reducing cholesterol crystal deposits early on or use an inhibitor to block the inflammatory biomarker," he explained.

The researchers believe that NLRP3, the biomarker that is activated by the crystals, could be a better indicator of a person's risk of cardiovascular disease than serum cholesterol.

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