Kanpur, March 13 (IANS) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in a new study detailed how cholesterol-lowering drugs like Niacin work at a molecular level.
Niacin is known for its ability to raise levels of “good” cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) in the body while flushing out the “bad” type or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). However, it also raises risks of some skin issues.
“Niacin is a commonly prescribed drug to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol. However, in many patients, the drug causes side effects such as skin redness and itching, referred to as a flushing response. This leads to patients stopping their treatment with adverse effects on their cholesterol levels,” said Prof. Arun K. Shukla of the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, IIT Kanpur, in a statement.
To understand the side effects of Niacin, the team deployed the cutting-edge cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) technology. Using the technology, they visualised the key receptor molecule — Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2) — which Niacin and other related drugs activate.
The HCA2, also known as the niacin receptor or GPR109A, regulates fat-related and artery-clogging processes in the human body.
When the receptor gets activated, it can make the blood vessels widen. This explains why Niacin leads to some patients experiencing a red, flushing skin reaction.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications will lead to the development of new drugs to lower cholesterol with fewer side effects.
“The visualisation of the receptor molecule GPR109A’s interaction with Niacin at the molecular level lays the groundwork for creating new drugs that maintain efficacy while minimising undesirable reactions. The study results will also help in developing related drugs for cholesterol and drugs for other conditions such as multiple sclerosis,” Prof. Shukla said.
–IANS
rvt/uk
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
