Search results for "cholesterol"

A drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood and to prevent stroke and heart attack. It is also being studied in the treatment of cancer and other conditions. Pravachol blocks an enzyme that helps make cholesterol in the body. It may also make tumor cells more sensitive to anticancer drugs. It is a type of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, a type of statin, and a type of chemosensitizer. Also called pravastatin sodium.

In medicine, a small, abnormal patch of tissue on a body part or an organ. Plaques may also be a build-up of substances from a fluid, such as cholesterol in the blood vessels.

A plant-based compound that can compete with dietary cholesterol to be absorbed by the intestines, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels. Plant sterols may have some effect in cancer prevention. Also called phytosterol.

A plant-based compound that can compete with dietary cholesterol to be absorbed by the intestines, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels. Phytosterols may have some effect in cancer prevention. Also called plant sterol.

A type of liver disease in which fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. This causes inflammation of the liver and damage to the cells in the liver, which may lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure. People with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are at increased risk of developing liver cancer. It is more common in middle-aged adults, especially in those who are overweight or obese or who have diabetes or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood. Also called NASH.

A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Nicotinic acid helps some enzymes work properly and helps skin, nerves, and the digestive tract stay healthy. Nicotinic acid is found in many plant and animal products. It is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough nicotinic acid can cause a disease called pellagra (a condition marked by skin, nerve, and digestive disorders). A form of nicotinic acid is being studied in the prevention of skin and other types of cancer. Nicotinic acid may help to lower blood cholesterol. Also called niacin and vitamin B3.

A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Niacin helps some enzymes work properly and helps skin, nerves, and the digestive tract stay healthy. Niacin is found in many plant and animal products. It is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough niacin can cause a disease called pellagra (a condition marked by skin, nerve, and digestive disorders). A form of niacin is being studied in the prevention of skin and other types of cancer. Niacin may help to lower blood cholesterol. Also called nicotinic acid and vitamin B3.

A combination of symptoms caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the kidney that filter waste and extra fluid from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine. Signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include higher-than-normal amounts of protein in the urine and fat and cholesterol in the blood. Swelling, especially in the legs, feet, or ankles, may occur. Nephrotic syndrome may be caused by certain diseases that affect only the kidneys or by infection, immune system disorders (such as lupus), certain genetic disorders, and other diseases or conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and amyloidosis. It may also be caused by taking certain medicines. Nephrotic syndrome can occur in both children and adults.

A type of liver disease in which fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. This causes inflammation of the liver and damage to the cells in the liver, which may lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure. People with NASH are at increased risk of developing liver cancer. It is more common in middle-aged adults, especially in those who are overweight or obese or who have diabetes or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood. Also called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Describes a series of reactions in which proteins work together to make molecules. These molecules are part of many processes, including making cholesterol. Changes in this pathway may lead to cancer cell growth. Drugs or substances that affect this pathway are used to treat high cholesterol, and are being studied in the prevention and treatment of cancer and other diseases.