10/03/2026
Researchers at the University of Milan have been studying the role of a protein called phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) and its potential effects on cholesterol movement within the body. Their findings suggest that this enzyme may help transport cholesterol away from arterial walls and back into circulation.
Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits made of cholesterol, immune cells, and other substances build up inside arteries. Over time these plaques can narrow blood vessels, restrict blood flow, and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Current treatments for heart disease often focus on preventing new plaque from forming using medications such as statins, lifestyle changes, or cholesterol-lowering therapies. In severe cases, doctors may perform procedures like angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary bypass surgery to restore blood flow.
Scientists are exploring whether enzymes like PLTP could help the body naturally move cholesterol away from plaque buildup. If future studies confirm this effect in humans, it could open the door to new therapeutic strategies targeting existing plaque rather than only preventing new deposits.
Researchers emphasize that this work is still part of ongoing scientific investigation and requires further clinical testing before becoming a medical treatment. However, the research highlights how molecular biology may contribute to new approaches for managing cardiovascular disease.