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From:	samgap (94.99.0.172)
Subject:	Synthetic HDL could boost body's 'good cholesterol'
Date:	February 1, 2009 at 4:50 pm PST

Synthetic HDL could boost body's 'good cholesterol'

19 Jan. 2009

US scientists say gold nanoparticle based therapies could be used to help boost levels of good cholesterol in our bodies. Chad Mirkin and Shad Thaxton and their team at Northwestern University, Illinois, have created a synthetic mimic of HDL, the particle which carries cholesterol away from overloaded cells. They hope that their approach could eventually be developed into a therapeutic medicine.

HDL (high density lipoprotein) is a complex particle which transports excess cholesterol to the liver for disposal or reuse. High levels of HDL-bound cholesterol, the so-called 'good cholesterol', are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent the accumulation of deposits in arteries. But while therapies such as statins are available to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, LDL), those available to boost HDL, such as niacin supplements, are less effective, and carry unwanted side effects.

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/January/19010901.asp

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