Cholesterol-lowering drugs taken by millions of people may sometimes not work effectively because of a protein secreted by fat tissue, say scientists.
Statins reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" form of cholesterol linked to heart disease. But up to 40% of those taking them are resistant to their effects, according to the new research.
The reason may be a fat-generated protein called resistin, which not only causes high levels of LDL, but also counteracts the beneficial effects of statins.
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