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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
09:06
Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Gene-activators prevent and regress atherosclerosis and reduce mortality
1Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. eeva.harju@helsinki.fi
Summary
Gene-activating agents, including statins and niacin, combat atherosclerosis by managing cholesterol levels. These compounds reduce risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, offering beneficial effects against vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a significant global health burden.
- Gene induction and cytochrome P450 activity were early linked to beneficial lipid profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on gene-activating agents' effects on atherosclerosis.
- To assess their impact on cardiovascular events and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating gene-activators and their mechanisms.
- Analysis of compounds affecting cholesterol homeostasis and gene expression.
Main Results:
- Gene-activators, including statins, fibrates, niacin, and others, reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.
- These agents upregulate genes for apolipoprotein AI and cholesterol efflux transporters.
- Several compounds demonstrate regression of atherosclerosis and reduced cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusions:
- Gene-activating agents offer exploitable benefits against atherosclerosis.
- They positively impact lipid profiles, cholesterol transport, and vascular health.
- These agents reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
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