Brain regulates blood cholesterol levels
Despite the general belief, a new study points out the critical role of brain in regulating the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
"We have long thought that cholesterol is exclusively regulated through dietary absorption or synthesis and secretion by the liver," said lead researcher Professor Matthias Tschoep.
According to the study published in Nature Neuroscience, a neurocircuitry hormone known as ghrelin acts as the "remote control" for determining the amount of cholesterol travelling round the body.
The hunger hormone ghrelin regulates food intake and energy expenditure through inhibiting the melanocortin four receptor (MC4R) in the hypothalamus.
Higher levels of ghrelin prompt the liver to store less cholesterol, increasing the levels of blood-circulating cholesterol, the study found.
Scientists are optimistic that their findings would pave the way for the development of new treatments effective in controlling cholesterol levels.
They, however, urged individuals, particularly heart patients, to adopt a healthy diet and benefit from the available strategies to protect themselves against the complications following dyslipidemia.
"In the meantime, people should reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet, take part in regular physical activity and, in some cases, take prescribed medicines such as statins, to keep their cholesterol levels under control."
Source: presstv.ir
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