Study finds new gene-silencing therapy cuts cholesterol by 50 per cent
In Kenya, about 21 per cent of adults have elevated cholesterol, compared to roughly 24 per cent globally.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking therapy that can lower blood cholesterol levels by up to 50 per cent, offering hope for preventing atherosclerosis, a condition caused by fatty buildup in the arteries.
High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance needed for building cells and hormones, but excess amounts can clog arteries and lead to heart problems.
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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), elevated cholesterol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes by contributing to the narrowing and hardening of arteries.
Risk factors include an unhealthy diet high in saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a family history of high cholesterol.
In Kenya, about 21 per cent of adults have elevated cholesterol, compared to roughly 24 per cent globally.
This innovative treatment works by silencing the PCSK9 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels. By doing so, the liver becomes more efficient at removing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or "bad" cholesterol, from the bloodstream. This leads to a significant reduction in LDL-C without the side effects often seen with statin medications.
The therapy is administered through a monthly injection under the skin, offering convenience over daily medications. Clinical trials showed patients receiving this therapy experienced dramatic LDL-C decreases, with some achieving reductions of up to 50 per cent.
For Kenya, this therapy could offer an important alternative for patients who cannot tolerate statins. By reducing LDL-C, it may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve heart health.
This therapy represents a major advance in treating and preventing hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. By targeting the PCSK9 gene, it offers a new approach to managing cholesterol and could improve cardiovascular health globally.
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, among the leading causes of death in Kenya. It contributes to fatty deposits in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis.
This condition increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to the 2024 Kenya Vital Statistics Report, cardiovascular diseases caused 7,478 deaths in health facilities, representing 6.6 per cent of all facility deaths. These include ischemic heart disease and stroke.
Hypertension, also linked to high cholesterol, caused 5,035 deaths in the same year. The rise of non-communicable diseases reflects a shift in Kenya's health landscape.
In 2024, non-communicable diseases accounted for 61.7 per cent of all deaths, up from 52.4 per cent the previous year. This trend highlights the growing public health challenge posed by high cholesterol.
Addressing it through lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco is crucial to reducing cardiovascular disease in Kenya.
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