Study Expands Genes Linked to Cholesterol

Researchers have found 95 sites in the human genetic makeup that appear to affect cholesterol levels. The study was based on information about genes and blood fats for 100,000 people from around the world. About one-third of the gene sites were near areas already linked to cholesterol. But the other two-thirds were not known before. Most of the sites appeared to be valid for people from European, African and Asian origins. The next step, researchers said, is to find out what role these parts of the genome play in regulating blood fats. The journal Nature published the study. HealthDay News wrote about it August 4.