Glucose derivative responsible for lowering good cholesterol
- By MedZine Redactie -
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The glucose derivative methylglyxal (MG) was found to destabilize HDL cholesterol which causes it to lose its positive characteristics. That was concluded by scientists of the University of Warwick in their recently published study in Nutrition and Diabetes.
MG is a reactive kind of glucose that can be formed in the body. Elderly and people with obesity, diabetes, or kidney failure often have increased levels of MG in the blood. Based on the findings an estimated ten percent of all heart failures is caused by MG.
The scientists think that the results can stimulate discussions about diet adjustments or supplements that lower MG-levels by administration of Glyocalase 1 (Glo1). This protein serves as an enzyme to convert MG to a harmless substance. In the healthy body Glo1 is continuously produced to keep MG levels low. However, in elders or people with certain diseases Glo1 is produced too slow or in a degree that is too low.
Low HDL cholesterol levels in the blood are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Normally, HDL cholesterol disarms LDL cholesterol. LDL is considered ‘bad’ because of its role in arteriosclerosis due to excessive food intake.
Source: Eurekalert.
