Too much cholesterol in the blood can hurt arteries and raise the chance of heart disease. Scientists from Barcelona and Oregon have found a new way to lower cholesterol without using regular statin drugs.
Targeting the PCSK9 Protein
The body uses a protein called PCSK9 to control “bad” LDL cholesterol. When PCSK9 levels are high, fewer LDL receptors work, so cholesterol stays in the bloodstream. The researchers made tiny DNA pieces called polypurine hairpins (PPRHs) that stick to the PCSK9 gene and stop it from being made.
How Polypurine Hairpins Work
PPRHs are short strands of DNA that match a specific part of the PCSK9 gene. By binding there, they block the gene’s instructions, letting more LDL receptors appear on liver cells. More receptors mean the body can pull more cholesterol out of the blood.
Lab and Mouse Results
In liver‑cell experiments, the PPRH named HpE12 cut PCSK9 messenger RNA by 74 % and protein by 87 %. In mice that carry the human PCSK9 gene, a single injection of HpE12 lowered blood PCSK9 by half and reduced cholesterol by almost 50 % within three days.
Could This Replace Statins?
Current cholesterol medicines include statins, siRNA drugs like Inclisiran, and antibody treatments such as Evolocumab. PPRHs may be cheaper to produce, stable, and unlikely to trigger immune reactions. They also avoid the muscle side effects that sometimes happen with statins.
What Comes Next?
If later studies confirm these early findings, this DNA‑based method could become a safer, more focused way to keep cholesterol low and protect the heart.