Overview
The research group of Dr. Yoko Takahashi (Division of Food Function Research, NFRI) in collaboration with Dr. Tomokazu Konishi of Akita Prefectural University revealed the lipoproteins that could be the cause of atherosclerosis, a disease due to the accumulation of plaque and fibrous cap in the arteries. Atherosclerosis accounts for most of the human deaths next to cancer. A new class of previously unrecognized lipoprotein called "LAC" has been discovered and this lipoprotein forms complexes of specific classes of LDL and antiprotease that may lead to progression of atheroma. Analysis showed that this lipoprotein was detected as part of the so-called HDL good cholesterol.
Publication
Konishi T and Takahashi Y. 2018. Lipoproteins comprise at least 10 different classes in rats, each of which contains a unique set of proteins as the primary component. PLoS One.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192955
