Free Republic

Researchers have uncovered a novel link between gut microbiota-derived palmitic acid (PA) and increased thrombosis risk in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Their findings reveal how a high-fat diet elevates circulating PA via gut bacteria and induces hypercoagulation. Studies link gut microbiota to CVD. Host diet and macronutrients are key mediators that link the interactions between host and gut microbiota. Circulating palmitic acid (PA) primarily originates from diet and endogenous synthesis, and an elevated level is typically correlated with an increased risk of CVD. In this study, the researchers found significantly higher levels of circulating PA and hypercoagulable states in patients with...

In patients with serious and long-term COVID-19, disturbed blood coagulation has often been observed. Now, researchers have discovered that the body's immune system can affect the spike protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to the production of a misfolded spike protein called amyloid. The research team studies illnesses which are caused by misfolded proteins, of which Alzheimer's disease in the brain is the most well-known example. The researchers noted that there are many similarities between COVID-19-related symptoms and those which are observed in illnesses caused by misfolded proteins. Using computer simulation, the researchers discovered that the coronavirus'...