Lowering cholesterol, possible in the near future with the help of a simple vaccine
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of illness and death worldwide, and cholesterol is a major risk factor. Scientists have made a vaccine with the purpose of ”immunizing” the body against increased LDL cholesterol level and thus reducing the risk of narrowing arteries, a condition known as arteriosclerosis. The results obtained on lab mice are promising, and the treatment is to be tested on humans in the near future, according to The Guardian.
The AT04A vaccine, produced by AFFiRis, contains a molecule that determines the production of genetically modified antibodies against an enzyme called PCSK9, which prevents the elimination of the “bad” cholesterol in the blood.
Within the research, published in European Heart Journal, mice were initially fed with foods that were rich in fats, in order to increase the LDL cholesterol level and the apparition arteriosclerosis. The scientists then vaccinated lab animals and monitored their reactions through specific tests.
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They noticed that the vaccine reduced by more than a half the level of cholesterol in the blood. Moreover, the inflammation in blood vessels was reduced by 21-28% by comparison to unvaccinated mice, and the results were constant on the long run.
“AT04A was able to induce antibodies that specifically targeted the enzyme PCSK9 throughout the study period in the circulation of the treated mice. If these findings translate successfully into humans, this could mean that, as the induced antibodies persist for months after a vaccination, we could develop a long-lasting therapy that, after the first vaccination, just needs an annual booster. This would result in an effective and more convenient treatment for patients, as well as higher patient compliance,” according to Dr. Günther Staffler, leader of the technology service at the company that developed the vaccine.
At the moment, the main treatment for reducing the cholesterol is administrating statins, which although they are efficient, have various side effects, such as muscle cramps, stomach aches, flatulence, constipation and liver problems.
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