A molecular process in smoking-related heart disease has been linked to a chemical in cigarettes called benzo(a)pyrene, or BaP, and its effect on lowering “good” cholesterol.
BaP has been found to block production of the apo A-1 protein, which binds itself to cholesterol as it travels to the liver for disposal.
The finding provides a better understanding of the heart-toxic effects of smoking, and may provide a way to raise “good” cholesterol in combating heart disease.
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