Private MD News

Cholesterol test may determine more than heart health

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

A greasy burger and fries may do more than just bring one's cholesterol level up – it may also be linked to osteoporosis.

A new study published in the August 20 issue of the journal Clinical Immunology has found that there could be a link between high cholesterol and the disease.

Past researchers have recognized such a relationship between the two seemingly unrelated conditions, though they were unable to uncover exactly how they were connected.

Rita Effros, a professor of pathology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said she suspected the connection existed with the cell and tissue damage that came from exposure to fatty acids in cholesterol.

The study targeted low-density lipoprotein, which has been dubbed the "bad" cholesterol, and examined how high levels of oxidized LDL affected the bone and whether a T cell played a role in the process.

"Lo and behold, both the resting and the activated T cells started churning out a chemical that stimulates cells whose sole purpose is to destroy bone," Effros said.

While the professor stressed more research was needed, this may an important reminder to people about the importance of getting a regular cholesterol test and how it can reveal insight into one's health.