Dr. Huff has been focusing his research on these very questions. Today, it is known that a metabolic basis exists for the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease. Focus Dr. Huff's research has focused on the mechanism of cholesterol and triglyceride assembly and secretion by the liver. The rationale for this particular focus is that the majority of patients who are at risk for premature atherosclerosis have an overproduction of these fats in the liver. If we can determine how the lipoproteins are assembled and secreted, we can define new therapeutic targets whereby production can be diminished, reducing the risk of premature cardiovascular disease.
Foam cells are one of the key cell types involved in the process of atherosclerosis.
They are derived from macrophages, which are cells that play a variety of roles in the body's self-defense or immune system. Dr. Huff is currently studying the mechanism of how cholesterol-rich remnants are taken up by macrophages in the artery cell wall, leading to foam cell formation. This research can have substantial impact by contributing to interventions to reduce the risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Lipoproteins transporting cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood plasma. In the body, cholesterol is esterified, which refers to its combining with fatty acid.