New research suggests that a little-studied enzyme ACAT2, may play a major role in cardiovascular disease because it alters the molecular structure of cholesterol. Artery-clogging plaque, which is produced from cholesterol in our diets can cause heart attacks and strokes and drugs which target that enzyme could dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease. Lawrence Rudel, Ph.D., professor of pathology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, says their research in animals shows that ACAT2, a cholesterol transforming enzyme, is a potential treatment target to protect people against heart disease. According to the American Heart Association cholesterol is made by the liver and is also found in foods such as meat, fish and dairy products and is needed to insulate nerves, make cell membranes and produce certain hormones. However, because the body makes enough cholesterol on its own, too much dietary cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
