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Scientists have developed a groundbreaking immunotherapy that can reverse the harmful effects of cholesterol accumulation in heart cells, marking a significant step forward in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
A team of researchers, including experts from the Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute (IR Sant Pau), and several international institutions, discovered that under conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol, cholesteryl esters transported by lipoproteins can penetrate heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) and accumulate within their mitochondria. This leads to structural and functional damage, impairing the heart’s ability to produce energy and ultimately worsening heart failure.
The study, published in the Journal of Lipid Research, identified the LRP1 receptor as the key protein responsible for transporting these cholesterol molecules into heart cells. The accumulation of cholesterol in mitochondria disrupts their architecture and respiratory function, significantly reducing the heart’s energy production capacity.
To address this, the researchers developed an experimental immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies that specifically target the P3 domain of the LRP1 receptor. In animal models with lipid profiles similar to humans, this treatment effectively blocked the transfer of cholesteryl esters into heart cells. As a result, mitochondrial lipid load was reduced, mitochondrial structure was restored, and cellular respiration and energy production returned to normal.
Dr. Vicenta Llorente-Cortés, lead author of the study, highlighted the clinical implications: “This discovery enables us to envision new therapies aimed at preserving mitochondrial function in patients with high cardiovascular risk, especially when lowering cholesterol externally is no longer enough—we need to protect the heart from within”.
The approach could offer hope for patients with persistent high cholesterol, obesity, or other conditions that promote intracellular cholesterol deposition, potentially preventing or reversing the bioenergetic dysfunction that precedes heart failure.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on recent scientific research and experimental findings. The described immunotherapy is still in the experimental stage and has not yet been approved for clinical use in humans. Readers should consult healthcare professionals for advice on heart health and treatment options. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
