Bad Cholesterol

About Bad Cholesterol

• Cholesterol: It is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all body cells.
  • The body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food.
  • Sources: The liver makes cholesterol.
    • It is also found in animal-source foods such as meat, dairy products, and egg yolks.
• Types of Cholesterol: The main types are HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), and VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein).
  • They are lipoproteins, which are combinations of fat (lipid) and protein that carry substances through the blood.
    • HDL: It is called good cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver for removal.
    • LDL: It is called bad cholesterol because high levels can cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries.
    • VLDL: It mainly carries triglycerides and also contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Impacts of Bad Cholesterol:
  • Plaque formation: Excess LDL combines with other substances to form plaque in the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow.
  • Cardiovascular risk: Narrowed or blocked arteries can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Factors Influencing Accumulation of Bad Cholesterol:
  • Unhealthy diet: Eating too much saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol.
  • Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise can lower HDL cholesterol.
  • Smoking: Smoking lowers HDL and raises LDL cholesterol.
  • Excessive alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise total cholesterol levels.
• Existing Treatments:
  • Statins: These are medicines used to lower LDL cholesterol, but their effect needs to be maintained through continued treatment.
  • Ezetimibe: It is a medicine used to lower cholesterol.
  • PCSK9 inhibitors: These medicines block the PCSK9 protein, which helps reduce LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular events.
  • Inclisiran: It is an injectable prescription medicine used as an existing treatment for lowering cholesterol.

About VERVE-102

• VERVE-102 is an in vivo gene-editing therapy that permanently changes gene function in liver cells.
• Aim: It aims to permanently switch off the PCSK9 gene, reducing the liver’s ability to produce PCSK9.
  • PCSK9 is a protein involved in regulating LDL cholesterol in the blood
• Single infusion: It is designed as a one-time intravenous treatment, unlike medicines that require continued treatment.
• Limitation: Its ability to prevent heart attacks or strokes remains unproven, while its long-term effects require further research.