People will try a vaccine that lowers cholesterol

2017/06/20 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

The European Cardiology Association has presented a vaccine that reduces blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In experiments with the mouse it has been shown that the vaccine is effective and safe and now the first phase tests with people are starting.

The vaccine is aimed at people with high LDL cholesterol. This is called "bad" cholesterol because it blocks blood vessels. Statins are currently used to control the level of LDL cholesterol, but to be effective they must be taken daily and in some people side effects occur.

To overcome these drawbacks they have developed a vaccine that affects a long period of time. It is called AT04A and produces antibodies against the enzyme PCSK9. This enzyme is produced in the liver and is associated with LDL cholesterol receptors. In this way, the enzyme prevents LDL cholesterol from being associated with the receptor and removed from blood circulation.

Vaccination of the most obese mice fed a lot of fat has shown that cholesterol levels decrease 53%, arterial damage decreases 64% and blood indicators related to inflammation decrease between 21 and 28% compared to mouse controls. The impact remains long-term.

Researchers have clarified that AT04 is not a conventional vaccine. In fact, vaccines act on the immune system to respond to a pathogen. In this case, the body responds to an enzyme it produces. However, the results are good and now they intend to start testing in humans. The goal is, with an annual injection, to control blood cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease.