Researchers have found that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaques in the blood vessels. This can lead to cardiovascular disease, as the narrowing and blockage of blood vessels can occur. Studies have shown that early exposure to a high-fat Western-style diet, particularly intermittent exposure, is linked to greater development of plaques in mice when compared to later continuous exposure, despite overall exposure levels being similar. Additionally, childhood exposure to cholesterol can impact future risk of atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. An international team of researchers examined cholesterol levels in mice and people in Finland, finding that early exposure to LDL cholesterol accelerated the risk of atherosclerotic plaques in mid-life compared to later continuous exposure.
The study, published in Nature, highlights the importance of early testing for cholesterol levels to identify individuals at risk of heart disease in the future. Ziad Mallat, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the role of LDL cholesterol concentration and exposure duration in determining cardiovascular disease risk. The timing and duration of cholesterol exposure were the focus of the researchers’ investigation, as they explored the impact of early versus late exposure on the development of atherosclerosis. Mallat explained that while everyone is exposed to cholesterol throughout their lives, addressing cholesterol levels early on could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
In mouse models of familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by high LDL cholesterol levels due to genetic factors, researchers found that early intermittent exposure to a high-fat Western diet resulted in larger atherosclerotic plaques compared to late continuous exposure. This pattern persisted in both male and female mice, with alterations in the behavior of immune cells contributing to disease progression. Subsequent analysis of data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study revealed that higher LDL-cholesterol exposure across various life stages was associated with an increased risk of plaque presence in the carotid artery. Furthermore, elevated LDL-cholesterol levels before adulthood contributed to the development of atherosclerosis in mid-adulthood.
An expert in interventional cardiology, Cheng-Han Chen, noted that intermittent early exposure to high cholesterol may impact the function of macrophage cells within artery walls, leading to the accumulation of atherosclerosis and potential blockages in the future. However, long-term controlled studies are necessary to establish a definitive link between early intermittent cholesterol exposure and atherosclerosis development in adults. Cardiologist Jayne Morgan emphasized the heightened risk of cardiovascular issues in children with early exposure to high cholesterol, citing autopsy results that show signs of fatty deposits in the aortas of young individuals in Western countries. The type of fat consumed, whether saturated or unsaturated, and the processing of foods can influence LDL receptor function in the liver, impacting cholesterol levels and the formation of arterial fatty deposits.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels and considering early intervention to address risk factors for atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Understanding the impact of timing and duration of cholesterol exposure on the development of atherosclerosis sheds light on potential preventive measures and treatment strategies. By identifying individuals at increased risk based on early cholesterol exposure, healthcare providers can implement targeted interventions to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular complications in the future. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between cholesterol exposure and atherosclerosis, paving the way for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular health.
