Western diet depletes artery-protecting immune cells

(La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology) New research from scientists at the La Jolla Institute shows how a diet high in fat and cholesterol depletes the ranks of artery-protecting immune cells, turning them into promoters of inflammation, which exacerbate atherosclerotic plaque buildup that occurs in cardiovascular disease. The team has also found that high density lipoproteins (HDL)--more commonly known as " good cholesterol " --counteract this process, helping the protective immune cells maintain their identity and keep arteries clear.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news